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Exhibit B Metro Plan Chapter III-C. Environmental Resources Element Note: This document shows proposed changes to Chapter III-C of the Metro P/an. It is a draft in legislative format. It is a product of the metropolitan-wide policy component of the Eugene- Springfie/d Metropo//tan Natura/ Resources Study (NR Study) and the Lane County component of the study, for the area outside the urban growth boundary. Additions are shown in double underline. Deletions are shown in strlkcout. The draft includes proposed changes to the element resulting from the NR Study, which include new and amended findings to comply with Statewide Planning Goal 5 as implemented in Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 660 Division 23. This draft also includes amendments to the policies for Goal 3: Agricultural Lands, and Goal 4: Forest Lands, which are products of a separate Periodic Review study. C. Environmental Resources Element The Environmental Resources Element addresses the natural assets and hazards in the metropolitan area. The assets include agricultural land, clean air and water, forest land, sand and gravel deposits, scenic areas, vegetation, wildlife, and wildlife habitat. The hazards include problems associated with floods, soils, and geology. The policies of this element emphasize reducing urban impacts on wetlands throughout the metropolitan area and planning for the natural assets and constraints on undeveloped lands on the urban fringe. Numerous local efforts reflect a positive attitude by the community toward the natural environment. For example, the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area has a long history of commitment to local programs directed toward problems of air and water quality. Examples of regional parks that provide significant public open space areas for metropolitan residents include Eugene's Skinner Butte, Spencer Butte, Alton Baker, and Hendrick's Parks and Whilamut Nat'ural Area; ~'s ^ n,,, r~.~.,~, c,~ ......... ~ .... andLane Countv's-Howard Buford Recreation Area (Mt. Pisgah),kand Willamalane Park and Recreation District's Ea~tgatc:...}¥opd!an_d_s~ and Dorris Ranch. Eugene has focused special planning efforts toward controlling development and maintaining the scenic and environmental assets in the South Hills of the city. A tax levy passed by Eugene voters is resulting in additions to the park and open space system in the metropolitan area. Lane County, Springfield, and Eugene all contribute to I the local success of the Willamette River Greenway...(Greenway) program. The natural environment adds to the livability of the metropolitan area. Local awareness and appreciation for nature and the need to provide a physically and psychologically healthy urban environment are reasons for promoting a compatible mix of nature and city. Urban areas provide a diversity of economic, social, and cultural opportunities. It is equally important to provide diversity in the natural environment of the city. With proper planning, it is possible to allow intense urban development on suitable land and still retain valuable islands and corridors of open space. Open space may reflect a sensitive natural area, such as the floodway fringe, that is protected from development. Open space can also be a park, a golf course, a cemetery, a body of water, or an area left undeveloped within a private commercial or residential development. Exhibit B: Proposed amendments to Chapter III-C, Environmental Resources Element, Page 1 of 25 of the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Plan (Metro Plan).