Item 3: PH on Ordinance Prescribed Wetland Management Burning

Home Browse Search

ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Public Hearing: A Special Ordinance Granting an Exemption to the Application of Eugene Code, 1971, Section 6.200 (Ordinance to Renew Five-Year Exception to Application of Eugene Code 6.000 (Open Burning) for Prescribed Wetland Management Burning) Meeting Date: June 12, 2006 Agenda Item Number: 3 Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Sarah Medary www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-4842 ISSUE STATEMENT The purpose of this public hearing is to provide an opportunity for public input regarding a proposed ordinance that would provide an exception to the application of Eugene Code 6.200 (open burning) for prescribed burning by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and City of Eugene for wetland vegetation protection, management, and restoration for a period of five years. The council is scheduled to take action on the proposed ordinance on June 26, 2006. BACKGROUND In 1986 and 1987, the City Council approved exceptions to the application of Eugene Code 6.200 to permit The Nature Conservancy to conduct prescribed burns in the Willow Creek Natural Area. Due to the recurring nature of these requests, in September 1990, the City Council approved a five-year exception for the Willow Creek Natural Area by Ordinance No. 19715. In May 1995, the council approved a second five-year exception for several sites within the West Eugene Wetlands Plan area by Ordinance No. 20014. In June 2001, the council approved a third five-year exception for several sites within the West Eugene Wetlands Plan area by Ordinance No. 20231. The purpose of these prescribed burns is to maintain native prairie vegetation and to control invasive vegetation in the native prairie sites. To date, The Nature Conservancy has conducted burns in 1986, 1987, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2005 within the area covered by the exceptions. In addition, prescribed burns were conducted on BLM lands in 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2005 and on City of Eugene land in 2002 within the area covered by the exceptions. Additional background information is provided in Attachment D. The appropriate season for conducting prescribed burns for wetland vegetation management is late summer and early fall. Since the previously approved exception to the open burning ordinance expired on December 31, 2005, no wetland management burning can be conducted within City limits until this exception is approved. Therefore, staff recommends immediate action on the ordinance, so that it will become effective prior to the upcoming burning season. L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060612\S0606123.doc