City Council Newsletter - 10/04/07

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Laurelwood Golf Course Under New Management Market Properties, LLC, is the new operator of Laurelwood Golf Course, a contractor with the City of Eugene Recreation Services. The new managers, Todd Matthews and Will Benson, share the City’s desire to obtain certification of the course as an Audubon Cooperative sanctuary and are committed to providing diverse recreational experiences at the city facility, including the future introduction of disc golf, something the growing disc golf community strongly supports. The new operators have provided all new electric rental carts and new course maintenance equipment, ensuring the finest maintenance practices. Following a short closure while the operators transition into their new role, the course will reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, October 5, with tee times available by calling 687-5321. On behalf of the City, Recreation Services Division Manager Sarah Medary extends appreciation to Irv Carlisle, who operated and cared for the course and was a part of the Laurelwood neighborhood for more than 18 years. For information, contact Dave Battaglia, Athletics Manager, 682-5212. Prescribed Burns Successfully Completed in West Eugene Wetlands The West Eugene Wetlands Partnership (WEW Partnership) implemented a very successful prescribed burn program this fall. During a small window of suitable weather conditions from September 20-25, the WEW Partnership accomplished eight separate burns totaling 98 acres. One of these burns was completed on 20 acres of the City’s Meadowlark Prairie on September 21. Other burns were conducted on lands owned the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This year, the Eugene Fire & EMS Department (EFD) partnered with the Parks and Open Space Division to plan and implement the prescribed burns. This collaboration resulted in a training Fire staff manages prescribed burn at Meadowlark Prairie opportunity for EFD crews while also accomplishing management goals for the natural areas. EFD participated in burn planning, supported a BLM burn with staff and engines, and played a key role leading and supporting the City’s Meadowlark Prairie burn. Participation by WEW partner crews, nearby rural fire districts, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Oregon Department of Forestry, also enabled EFD to engage in interagency communication around a burn at the wildland-urban interface, providing valuable experience in training for fighting unplanned wildfires. The prescribed burns also provided community education and outreach. A fire ecology class from the University of Oregon observed a burn, learning implementation of land management techniques. Members of the public recreating at the Meadowlark Prairie outlook were treated to a front-row seat along the prairie edge, and could interact with POS and EFD staff during and after the burn, posing questions and observing the process. For more information, please contact Trevor Taylor, natural area restoration supervisor, at 682-4888, or Lance Lighty, EFD training chief, at 682-7131. Planning Division Work Program Survey Is Launched Online The Planning Commission is developing the Planning Division’s Work Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 and is soliciting public input. A survey was posted on the City’s website on September 19 and as of October 1 there were over 100 responses. The survey – found at www.eugene-or.gov/planningsurvey - asks citizens which projects or programs should receive high-priority status, and provides an opportunity for more broad-based feedback on the draft work program. The survey webpage provides a link to the EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 October 4, 2007