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Findings, and .Policies <br /> <br />A_xricultural Lands (GLga1 3) <br /> <br />Finding~ <br /> <br />-1-5!. The statewide goal definition for agriculture is based upon: (a) U.S. Department of <br /> Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) agricultural soil <br /> capability classification system for Class I through IV soils, (b) other agricultural uses on <br /> Class V through VIII soils, and (c) proximity of other lands to (a) and (b). The majority <br /> of land in the metropolitan area is located on agricultural soils rated Classes I through IV, <br /> and much of this area is developed with urban uses. The hillside soils are generally <br /> Classes VI through VIII soils, and some are suited for grazing and other agricultural uses. <br /> <br />465. The most productive agricultural lands in the metropolitan area are located on Class I <br /> through IV soils on bottomlands along the McKenzie River and the Middle Fork of the <br /> Willamette River. <br /> <br />g83. Where urban and agricultural lands abut, farm use management problems are frequently <br /> created. <br /> <br />Policies <br /> <br />$C...!.. Where agricultural land is being considered for inclusion in future amendments to the <br /> UGB, least productive agricultural land shall be considered first. Factors other than <br /> agricultural soil ratings shall be considered when determining the productivity of <br /> agricultural land. Relevant factors include suitability for grazing, climatic conditions, <br /> existing and future availability of water for farm irrigation, ownership patterns, land use <br /> patterns, proximity to agricultural soils or current farm uses, other adjacent land uses, <br /> agricultural history, technological and energy inputs required, accepted farming practices, <br /> and farm market conditions. <br /> <br />8C.2. Designated agricultural lands shall be protected for agricultural uses through zoning for <br /> exclusive farm use or equivalent acceptable zoning and through application of other <br /> protective measures. <br /> <br />9C.3 During the next Metro Plan update, a study should be initiated to examine ways of <br /> buffering and protecting agricultural lands on the urban fringe from the effects of urban <br /> <br />Exhibit B: Proposed amendments to Chapter III-C, Environmental Resources Element, Page 4 of 25 <br />of the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Plan (Metro Plan). <br /> <br /> <br />