Dear Council and Mayor,
Several of the highest-value natural resource
sites in Eugene will soon be paved with housing developments
if the city doesn't act now to protect them. The Natural
Resources Plan is the ultimate mechanism for protecting
high value natural resources in the city. However, as you
know, the plan has not yet been finalized. We could lose
the very resources this planning process is designed to
protect within the next two weeks to two months, as PUD
applications are anticipated on two of the very finest
areas.
In order to make the Natural Resources
Plan a meaningful process, we need a temporary emergency
suspension of land use applications on the highest value
sites that have already been identified in the NR Inventory.
We are suggesting that you include all
areas with Wildlife Habitat Assessment ratings greater
than 66 in these temporary protections. This will allow
time for adoption of the NR Plan to protect stream corridors.
It will also allow for consideration of other resources
values on these sites which are currently being inventoried
(ie, for Pileated Woodpecker habitat, rare plants, wetlands,
etc.).
A legal review of the applicable moratorium
statute (ORS 197.520) by attorney Michael O. Whitty is
attached for your reference and supports this emergency
action based on "compelling need."
To help document the natural resource
value of two of the Amazon Headwaters sites, we have commissioned
a survey of rare plants that has verified that these sites
contain populations of Cimicifuga Elata (Federal Species
of Concern) and Aster Vialis (state listed as threatened).
A copy of this report is also attached.
Previously we have shared with you photos
of a Pileated Woodpecker (recovering vulnerable species)
and a Red-Legged Frog (listed Sensitive/Vulnerable species)
found on these properties. These are forested sites and
one of the sites contains a highly-unique and significant,
low elevation stand of mature Grand Firs.
We have also shared with you the value
of several of these sites in terms of water quality, stormwater
control, and recreational opportunities to connect with
the Ridgeline Park trail system.
Your action now will help prevent the
permanent loss of some of Eugene's best natural heritage
for the enjoyment and benefit of all future residents of
this city. This is a great opportunity to make a commitment
to the city for the "arts and outdoors."
Yours sincerely,
Eben Fodor
Representing Vision for Intact Ecosystems & Watersheds •
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