Item A: Envision Eugene Update - Environmental Stewardship

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Home energy use: In addition to influencing transportation and land use, Envision Eugene can influence the size and configurations of dwellings. Research indicates that, in addition to typically being more affordable, small homesmultifamily homes and have smaller greenhouse gas footprints and fewer environmental impacts overall. According to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, “Reducing home size is a significant leverage point for environmental impact reduction and may be a more effective measure than achieving minimum levels of ‘green’ certification.” Critical Habitats, including Farm and Forest Lands: As the city considers future growth strategies for undeveloped and underdeveloped lands (both inside and outside Eugene’s UGB), there are a variety of environmental factors which need to be considered, including:  Potential loss of productive farm and forest land, particularly for any areas considered for expansion of Eugene’s UGB  Impacts to sensitive habitats such as wetlands, riparian areas, oak savannahs and other areas supporting rare and sensitive plant and animal species  Potential impacts associated with development in flood plains  Accommodating additional stormwater runoff as a result of increased impervious surfaces and soil compaction  Increased spread of invasive species  Increased noise and light pollution While state law provides a certain level of guidance on many of these factors, Eugene maintains a substantial amount of discretion to establish local strategies that balance these environmental factors with other important community values. Public Parks, Open Space and Natural Areas: Eugene’s Parks and Open Spaces are central to the livability of the community. They provide recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, space for public gatherings, and open space. An increasing population will put more pressure on these resources, creating a need to increase the current system’s carrying capacity. This capacity can be increased through improvements to existing parks and by designating new parks and natural areas, especially in locations of higher population density. Water Quality: Increased density and expansion into currently undeveloped land will impact the quantity and quality of stormwater flowing into Amazon Creek, Spring Creek, and the Willamette River. Without mitigation, impacts can affect aquatic habitats, including federally endangered species such as Chinook salmon, as well as the quality of drinking water and recreational opportunities these waterways afford. Envision Eugene represents a unique opportunity to make decisions that will have a number of long lasting environmental impacts and can help the community avoid potentially serious impacts to public health, livability and the environment. \\Cesrv500\cc support\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110126\S110126A.doc