Ordinance No. 20201 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Though small in numbers and extent, the existing Erigeron decumbens var. decumbens plants would be protected and given an opportunity to expand within the Restoration area. With proper management, it is reasonable to assume that the population could expand given the presence of suitable soils and hydrology. A Restoration designation for the southeast field is consistent with this goal. Goal 3.6 "Achieve state and federal requirement of 'no net loss' of wetlands in both quantity (area) and quality (functions and values)." "No net loss" can be pursued through a combination of avoiding wetland impacts where possible, and replacing those low quality wetlands where development values outweigh the environmental and social values of the wetlands. The West Eugene Wetlands Plan acknowledges that higher quality wetlands and more rare habitat types are more difficult to replace through mitigation. This acknowledgment is shown in the mitigation replacement ratios, in which wet prairie has the highest replacement ratio. The West Eugene Wetlands Plan has also placed a priority on protecting wet prairie habitat, under the premise that protection is the most effective way to prevent loss of the values associated with this rare habitat type. The recommendation to protect and restore most of the wetlands on the Hyundai site, with the requirement to replace through compensatory mitigation those lower quality wetlands designated for development, is consistent with this goal. Goal 3.7 "Protect an interconnected system of wetlands within a sustainable, ecologically sound system, with a high likelihood of long-term survival." In the West Eugene Wetlands Plan, wetlands are not evaluated as isolated elements, but in the context of how they fit into the larger system. The proposed designations for the Hyundai site, including wetlands designated for Development, Protection and Restoration, adequately addresses conservation of the contribution of this site to the overall wetland system. These designations preserve the prairie corridor that connects the oak savannah to the west with the Willow Creek Natural Area to the east, as well as the hydrologic connection with Willow Creek. Therefore, the current recommendation is consistent with Goal 3.7. Goal 4.3 "Achieve compliance with federal and state wetland law, policies and guidelines." The WEWP amendment process is consistent with state and federal wetland law, policies and guidelines. The West Eugene Wetlands Technical Advisory Committee has reviewed the proposed amendments on several occasions and provided comments. The T AC is comprised of staff representatives from DSL, DEQ, the Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife, and EP A. T AC member agencies have also submitted written testimony into the record. We find nothing 'in the proposed designations for the Hyundai site that is inconsistent with state or federal laws, policies or guidelines. Therefore, the current recommendation is consistent with Goal 4.3. Goal 4.4 "Increase certainty in the development process." Hyundai Site Ordinance, Exhibit C (Refinement Plan Amendment Findings) Page 24