Ordinance No. 20201 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Hyundai site as a whole has seasonal wetlands, seasonal drainage channels and a permanent pond. All these water features are valuable to wildlife using the area. The permanent pond in the area proposed for Protection is important to a wide range of mammal species because it provides a source of drinking water during the dry season. The seasonal wetlands provide critical habitat for amphibious species and species adapted to seasonally wet areas. For wildlife habitat, the most important edge areas are probably those where the oak savanna and ash forest habitat borders the more open prairie habitat. These "edges" (or eco-tones) are west of the southeast field. The overall wildlife habitat value of the area would be significantly diminished by significantly narrowing the width of the corridor and. displacing a large area of prairie habitat. Before construction of phase 1, the corridor on the Hyundai property was approximately 1,900 feet wide according to maps submitted by Hyundai as part of its mitigation project. After completion of phase 1, the corridor was approximately 1,600 feet wide. After development allowed by these amendments, the corridor could be as narrow as 900 feet wide. We conclude, based upon the contribution to scenic value, water quality, vegetation and wildlife habitat of the wetlands within the southeast field, that the proposed designations for the site, including the Restoration designation for the southeast field, is consistent with the above policy. Policy 19, page III-C-9: "Local governments shall develop policies and local controls for protection and management of wetland areas by completion of the next' Metro Plan Update." This policy applies generally to the West Eugene Wetlands Plan, but not specifically to application of the Plan to any single property. Since the amendments, including the proposed designations for the Hyundai site, further the implementation of the West Eugene Wetlands Plan, which provides local controls and protection and management of wetlands areas, the proposed designations for the Hyundai site are consistent with this policy. Policy 27, page III-C-I0: "Local governments shall encourage further study by specialists of endangered and threatened plant and wildlife species in the metropolitan area." Every existing rare plant site provides an opportunity for study of rare plants on a unique site. The wetland designations on the Hyundai site leave significant populations elsewhere for possible study and would preserve all known rare plants on the site. We thus conclude that the proposed designation would be consistent with this policy. Policy 28, page III-C-I0: "Local governments shall protect endangered and threatened plant and wildlife species, as recognized on a legally adopted statewide list, after notice and opportunity for public input." The above Metro Plan policy does not make a distinction regarding the number of rare plant Hyundai Site Ordinance, Exhibit C (Refinement Plan Amendment Findings) Page 20