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open savanna-prairie of this size provides habitat opportunities proximate to the urban area that <br />is exceeded only by Alton Baker Park. <br />Because of the overwhelming dominance of ground layer vegetation (grasses and forbs) by <br />Eurasian species, and the paucity of local native species, opportunities for wildlife use are lower <br />than if native species dominated. Native wildlife species co-evolved with native vegetation, and <br />some native insect species (for example Monarch butterflies) need exclusively one or more <br />certain native species to complete their life cycles. Non-native species can substitute in many <br />cases for general food and cover, but cannot replace native species in instances where they are <br />relied upon exclusively, particularly by insects. Plants and insects are low on the food chain, and <br />if they are present in diverse types and large numbers, more diversity can be expected higher up <br />the food chain. For example, if insects prosper, several species of bats and birds, which forage <br />over the grassland would benefit. <br />The location of Rasor Park on a corridor of riparian habitat adds greatly to its habitat value. <br />Many birds, herptiles, mammals, and insects (such as migrating butterflies) utilize riparian <br />corridors for not only feeding, watering and cover, but also migration and dispersal to new . <br />habitats. Thin corridors of riparian vegetation have less value than wider corridors because they <br />provide less food and cover, and Rasor Park provides a very wide natural habitat adjacent to the <br />corridor. Park use is relatively low density compared to other adjacent uses, such as commercial <br />and residential. Many animal species moving along the corridor cannot utilize adjacent <br />developed areas, but they can utilize adjacent open spaces temporarily during their movement <br />periods. Rasor Park habitat, especially managed using techniques that will improve habitat <br />values, also can be a destination for some species. For example, if the milkweed populations <br />recently planted in the park can thrive, adult monarchs may arrive in the park, lay eggs on the <br />millcweeds, and produce a new generation. (That generation may then continue on a northward <br />migration.) <br />Rasor Park is part of the greenway system included in the draft Eugene-Springfield Goa15 <br />inventory of natural resource areas. For additional discussion of the values of the connectivity of <br />the greenway park system, see Lev, 1988. This report was prepared as part of the area's Goa15 <br />efforts. <br />Conclusions <br />Rasor Park presents as excellent opportunity to restore native vegetation communities that <br />existed prior to the time of EuroAmerican settlement. Ten acres in size, it is large enough to <br />comprise a significant and manageable patch of valuable habitat for native plants, animals, fungi, <br />and other species. Likewise, the riparian forest provides opportunities for controlling exotic <br />species and replanting with native tree, shrub, and herbaceous species to increase the health, <br />structure, and viability of the river zone. The existing Oregon white oak woodland and other <br />native trees are also valuable resource assets of the park. Finally, outstanding potential exists for <br />public education and interpretation. <br />Rasor Park Master Plan 10 City of Eugene, Parks Planning <br />