Item 6: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Grant Application

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Eugene was successful in its 2002 Forest Legacy Application and was awarded funding for the ? acquisition of two parcels on the Ridgeline Trail corridor. Unfortunately, the Oregon State Legislature refused to allow the Oregon Department of Forestry to participate in the Forest Legacy Program and the funds were lost. One of the parcels that was included in that successful 2002 application is included in this current application. The criteria for funding through the Forest Legacy Program require that property owners are willing sellers, and the parcel is acquired at the appraised value of the property. The criteria does not allow the rd possibility to bridge the gap between appraised value and a higher asking price through a 3 party. Pending ongoing negotiations with property owners, the following parcels are proposed for acquisition through the Forest Legacy Program at this time: (see attached map): Reynolds Property,80 acres, outside UGB, approximately $1,025,000 ? Gaudia Property, 40 acres, outside UGB, approximately $500,000 ? Meisen Property, 193 acres, outside UGB, approximately $3,150,000, formerly awarded funding in ? 2002 Forest Legacy application. Time Period: If awarded, funding would become available in federal FY 2009. Continuation Plan: The acquisition of these three properties is part of a larger, ongoing acquisition program to expand the Ridgeline Trail system. Operational expenses are anticipated to be minimal until the trail system is developed. Relation to City Priorities: The expansion of the Ridgeline Trail system and acquisition of these properties are supported by the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2006, and the 2006 Parks and Open Space Bond Measure. Relation to Other Jurisdictions: Expansion of the Ridgeline Trail system is supported in the regional planning document Rivers to Ridges which was endorsed by the City of Eugene, City of Springfield, Willamalane Parks and Recreation District, and Lane County. All three potential property acquisitions are under Lane County jurisdiction.