Item C: Willamette River Open Space Vision and Action Plan

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unanimously endorsed the vision and made a recommendation that the City Council also consider endorsement. Endorsements to-Date As a demonstration of broad community support, the following groups have provided an endorsement of the Willamette River Open Space Vision and Action Plan:  Eugene Planning Commission  League of Women Voters of Lane County  Lane County Audubon Society  Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARs)  Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club  Friends of Buford Park & Mount Pisgah  Eugene Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)  Native Plant Society of Oregon, Emerald Chapter In the coming months, additional groups and local elected officials will be reviewing the vision and will also consider endorsement. Because the Willamette River Open Space Vision and Action Plan is neither legally adopted as a land use plan nor regulatory in nature, the endorsement process is very important for demonstrating broad support. This demonstration of support contributes to the effectiveness of the plan as a supporting framework for obtaining state, federal, and foundation funding for open space acquisition. RELATED CITY POLICIES While not an adopted policy, the City Council endorsed the Rivers to Ridges Metropolitan Regional Parks and Open Space Study, Vision and Strategies document in March 2003. This document provides a broad framework vision for parks and open space in the Eugene-Springfield area, and the Willamette River Open Space Vision and Action Plan is a refinement of that vision providing greater detail for the primary river corridor. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Project and Priority Plan is the adopted policy document that guides future park development for the City of Eugene. Projects in the Project and Priority Plan are listed for each of six park planning subareas. Of the six subareas, two are adjacent to the Willamette and McKenzie rivers: River Road/Santa Clara, and Willakenzie. For the River Road/Santa Clara subarea, the plan includes:  “Acquire additional river frontage, including property to the north.” (Priority 1--highest priority)  “Develop a second Willamette River Boat launch.” (Priority 5--lowest priority) For the Willakenzie subarea, the plan includes:  “Acquire land for natural areas along the McKenzie River.” (Priority 3)  “Acquire land for natural areas within Willamette McKenzie River confluence.” (Priority 4)  “Develop and implement restoration plan for Green Island with partner agencies.” (Priority 5) Z:\CMO\2010 Council Agendas\M100712\S100712C.doc