Item B: Ordinance Concerning Goal 5 Natural Resources Study

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WHA source: Esther Lev, 2000 Area Mapes): 3 Description: This site is a City of Eugene historic landmark and it is on the Federal Register of Historic Places. The site is characterized by large canopy trees, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana). Some of the Douglas-fir trees are 80-110 years old. Other canopy species include big-leaf maple, western redcedar, and Ponderosa pine. The shrub understory consists of dogwood, Indian plum, hazel, and snowberry. The site would score much higher on the WHA if it had a source of water and a more substantial native understory (much of the understory is mowed lawn). Nevertheless, bird use of the site is very high, and there is an active native plant restoration program at the site. WILD A~CH veeQi .,. .~ rr~ Site: ES1 (Lorane Highway Riparian) Type: Riparian Acres: 6.0 WHA score: 37 WHA source: Esther Lev, 2000 Area Mapes): 3 Description: This site contains a seasonal, narrow straightened drainage channel. A narrow band of big leaf maple, black cottonwood and Oregon ash with an understory of ivy, sword fern, snowberry and Himalayan blackberry separate the narrow channel from the adjacent streets and houses. The site received a score of 37 reflecting its limited size, species diversity and seasonal water. However, small seasonal drainageways surrounded by dense urban development provide important habitat for some reptiles and amphibians that require seasonal water and cover and many of the regions resident bird species. Removal of the exotic plants and enlarging the narrow strip of vegetation on both sides of the water with native tree and shrub species will improve the habitat quality of the site. Site: E82 (Westmoreland Park Prairie) Type: Upland Acres: 5.9 WHAscore: 19 WHA source: Esther Lev, 2000 Area Mapes): 3 Description: This site within Westmoreland Park is a remnant of once common and now rare Willamette Valley Prairie habitat. Forty-five percent of the species found on the site are native. The WHA score of 19 reflects the lack of water and structural diversity, but understat~s the importance of this habitat and site. Many butterfly, amphibian, bird, and plant species of the Willamette Valley are dependent on this habitat which is rapidly disappearing. Continued phased mowing to match plants flowering and seeding cycles and replacement of non-native species with native species should be encouraged. Site: Type: E83 (Elliot HiII- Tugman Park Oak Woodland) Upland Draft Inventory for Eugene Goal 5 Riparian & Upland Habitat Sites 25