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Sub-basin/Drainage Area: Amazon Creek/Ridgeline <br />Major Open waterways: Amazon Cr. (17.9 miles), Amazon Diversion Channel (2.3 miles), Dead Cow Cr., Tugman Cr. <br />Land use: primarily low -medium density residential land. Several large tracts of agricultural and parks/open space land on the downstream end of this <br />sub-basin. Commercial land is concentrated along Amazon Creek: <br />Riparian conditions have changed significantly from pre-settlement conditions. Historic riparian vegetation was primarily native prairie species and shrubs <br />(i.e. willow, alder, dogwood, spiraea) except in the headwater portion of Amazon Creek where conifer and hardwoods grew. Current vegetation includes <br />grasses (mostly non-native) and shrubs. Changes to the riparian areas in this sub-basin include loss of native vegetation, especially wet prairie species, <br />extensive channelization, rip-rap, several miles of concrete channels, and development immediately adjacent to the channel. Many small streams have <br />been subverted into underground storm drains. The best riparian conditions can be found in the headwaters of Amazon Creek and in the lower segments <br />of Amazon Creek where recent restoration has occurred. <br />Wetland Conditions <br />West Eugene Wetlands area contains over 1400 acres of delineated wetlands. Most of the acreage is slated for protection. Some of the most extensive <br />and highest quality remnants of Willamette Valley wet prairie exist in this sub-basin. There are several listed plant species that rely on this habitat type. <br />Instream habitat <br />Instream habitat conditions have been altered in most stream segments due to channelization, conversion to underground storm drains, dredging, <br />vegetation removal to prevent flooding, bank stabilization with rip-rap and accentuated high flows. <br />