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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Georgia Pacific Master PlanAGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL Meeting Date: Meeting Type: Staff Contact/Dept.: Staff Phone No: Estimated Time: Council Goals: 6/28/2021 Work Session Monica Sather/DPW 541.736.1038 30 Minutes Promote and Enhance our Hometown Feel while Focusing on Livability and Environmental Quality ITEM TITLE: GEORGIA PACIFIC NATURAL AREA 2021 MASTER PLAN ACTION Review and discuss the draft Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 Master Plan REQUESTED: ("Master Plan") to determine whether Council can approve the Master Plan as presented in Fall 2021, or whether Council recommends revisions prior to approval. ISSUE The Willamalane Park and Recreation District ("Willamalane") created the draft STATEMENT: Master Plan while involving community members and government agency partners to identify opportunities, constraints, goals, and implementation actions for the Natural Area property. The City is a key stakeholder in the Master Plan due to the City's joint ownership of the property. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Council Briefing Memorandum (Discussion Questions Included) Attachment 2: Draft Concept Diagram (Master Plan Excerpt) Attachment 3: Draft Master Plan (Full Document) DISCUSSION/ Willamalane prepared the draft Master Plan as the lead agency for providing park FINANCIAL and recreation facilities in Springfield. The purpose of this Work Session is to: (1) IMPACT: discuss the draft in the context of the City as a co-owner of the property (not as part of a land use decision); and, (2) seek Council feedback on the draft to inform possible revisions prior to Council approval. The draft currently reflects feedback from the City's Operations, Environmental Services, and Community Development Divisions (and other stakeholders). Council feedback on the latest draft will ensure the Master Plan represents the City's desires for the property and values. City and Willamalane staff will share a short slideshow during the Work Session to give an overview of the draft Master Plan and to describe its relationship to the City's work. The focus of the Work Session will be a generally open-ended discussion about Council's feedback on the draft. Attachment 1 identifies topics of potential interest to Council, which are unchanged from those listed in a June 2021 Communication Packet Memo. Attachment 1 also provides questions to guide Council's discussion, intended to inform next steps for the Master Plan. If needed, Willamalane will further revise the Master Plan following this Work Session to reflect Council input as feasible. The Council, as a joint owner of the property, will approve the final Master Plan by Resolution. This action is anticipated for Fall 2021. Adoption of the Master Plan by the Willamalane Board of Directors will follow. Once complete, the Master Plan will be a tool to help Willamalane prioritize funds, programmatic efforts, and partnerships. Willamalane will determine how it will fund the direct costs of future design changes to the property given its role as Springfield's Park and Recreation District. The property is also on Willamalane's list of capital improvement sites. City resources to implement the Master Plan will primarily involve staff time and equipment for operations. Decisions about access to the property based on the results of future feasibility studies may involve increased use of City streets. MEMORANDUM City of Springfield Date: 6/21/2021 To: Nancy Newton COUNCIL From: Monica Sather, Senior Planner BRIEFING Tom Boyatt, Community Development Director MEMORANDUM Subject: Georgia Pacific Natural Area — Draft 2021 Master Plan ISSUE: The Willamalane Park and Recreation District ("Willamalane") created the draft Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 Master Plan while involving community members and government agency partners to identify opportunities, constraints, goals, and implementation actions for the Natural Area property. The City is a key stakeholder in the Master Plan due to the City's joint ownership of the property. COUNCIL GOALS/ MANDATE: Promote and Enhance our Hometown Feel While Focusing on Livability and Environmental Quality BACKGROUND: The Georgia Pacific Natural Area property is located between Jasper Road and Clearwater Park, south of S 32' Street as shown in Attachment 2. A June 7, 2021 Communication Packet Memo provides background about the Master Plan boundary and about the property itself regarding its current uses/activities, ownership history, and owner agreements between the City, Willamalane, and the Springfield Utility Board. The Draft Master Plan (Attachment 3 and available here) contains a narrative about the property and process of developing the Master Plan; contains goals, objectives, and actions; and contains a diagram with a concept of possible future conditions for the property based on the Master Plan's goals and objectives. The Master Plan prioritizes its actions into short-term, medium- term, and long-term categories, and it identifies potential partners involved in carrying out each action. Relationship to State -Directed Land Use Planning This Master Plan is distinct from plans related to formal land use actions, such as comprehensive plans and development -related plans (e.g., a Site Plan Review plan set). The 2012 Willamalane Park & Recreation Comprehensive Plan, adopted by Council in 2013 to satisfy Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 8 is a refinement of the Eugene -Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan and is thus part of Springfield's comprehensive planning framework. Willamalane's Comprehensive Plan identifies a Master Plan for the Georgia Pacific Natural Area as a capital project. Having the Master Plan in place after Council approval and final adoption by the Willamalane Board of Directors will allow Willamalane to move forward with detailed design plans. Following this Master Plan step, Willamalane will seek City approval of any land use applications and other permits required prior to site development. The Master Plan may also enable Willamalane to secure grant funding and maximize other types of partnerships to make the overall vision a reality. Attachment 1, Page 1 of 3 Page 2 Relationship to City Interests The June 7, 2021 Communication Packet Memo identified City interests in the Master Plan for consideration by Council as determined by the City's Operations, Environmental Services, and Community Development Divisions. The lens used to identify such interests focused on the City as a co-owner of the property and as an agency partner who serves to make Springfield a great place to live and visit, whether for business or fun. Summarizing further, these interests are: • Equestrian use: Elements of the Master Plan related to equestrian use are on pagesl 8, 9, 15, 16, 27-29, 31, 32, 39-41, 43, 44, 46, and 52-54. • Water quality: Pages 5, 7, 8, 14-16, 25, 31, 37, 40, 44, 52, and 54 reflect the City's desire to monitor, offset, prevent, and reduce pollution in the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers and its tributaries. • Water quantity (levels and volume): The City remains responsible for ensuring flow to and from the Mill Race remain at adequate levels. Pages 3, 5, 8, and 32 speak to this and related obligations. • Vegetation: The need for active maintenance is greater than current levels of service. These themes appear on pages 19-22, 25, and 31, with operational implications on pages 33-36, 40, 45, 46, and 49-51. • Wetlands: Pages 18, 19, 25, 33, 34, 38, 49, 50, and 54 of the Master Plan set the stage to explore possibilities for special protections for wetlands, using wetland sites as mitigation sites for offsite capital projects, and for wetland enhancement. • Public education: Pages 25 and 32, 39, 42-44, and 54 speak to educational opportunities for signage, tours, and more. • Public access: Access options from existing connections and other connections under consideration are on pages 27-29 and 40. • Naming: Page 45 identifies parties who could be involved in creating a new name for the property, including the City. Willamalane and City staff will seek Council input on the discussion question(s) below to determine whether the Master Plan can be approved as presented with the City's interests in mind. The discussion portion of the Work Session is intended to be generally open-ended. Staff will also ask about whether Council would like to be involved in renaming the property. Discussion Questions: • Key Question #1: Is the version of the Master Plan presented in Attachment 3 ready for approval by Council in Fall 2021, or are revisions needed prior to approval? Questions to consider when answering this first question could include: o Is the list of City -identified interests in the property complete, or is the list missing something? If the list of interests generated by City staff are missing a relevant City interest, does the Master Plan content address that missing interest? o Are any opportunities and constraints for the Natural Resource and/or Recreation elements of the Master Plan missing? o Do the goals and objectives for the Natural Resource and Recreation elements of the Master Plan adequately address the Master Plan's identified opportunities and constraints? Do the goals adequately address City interests? o Does Council recommend additions or changes to any of the action items under each 1 Pages referenced are the page numbers shown on the document as opposed to PDF page numbers. Attachment 1, Page 2 of 3 Page 3 of the objectives within the Natural Resource and Recreation elements? o Does the phasing of action items make sense? More specifically, are the priority rankings of "short-range" (high priority), "medium -range" (6-10 years), and "long- range" (11-20 years) for the action items logical? o What are the strengths of the Master Plan, and what does Council like about it? Based on this question, is there anything Council would like to see more of? Key Question #2: Does Council have an interest in participating in future efforts to create a new name for the property? Participation could mean contributing name ideas, ranking ideas generated by others during Willamalane's outreach process, or other guidance. Willamalane welcomes any level of involvement Council suggests. The Master Plan proposes this action partly due to the current name (Georgia Pacific Natural Area) as a cause for confusion about ownership once the property becomes more well- known and used. An important next step will be for Willamalane to collaborate with local Tribal Nations to understand what their interests are in the naming of the property (and more). This knowledge could influence the future approach to creating a new name. Additional details about if, how, and when renaming activities would occur are not yet determined. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Review and discuss the draft Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 Master Plan to determine whether Council can approve the Master Plan in Fall 2021 as presented, or whether Council recommends revisions prior to approval. Attachment 1, Page 3 of 3 DESIRED FUTURE CONDITIONS GEORGIA PACIFIC NATURAL AREA 2021 MASTER PLAN 1 Jas er Rd. 2 L 3 i _ � r r I *1 N 1 7 LEGEND O ® Key Actions* Multi -use Path �.. "" Accessible Nature Trail �= O Running/ Equestrian Trails Master Plan Boundary Sensitive Areas** O 0 Waterways r, 0 Parkland O *The numbered improvements are further explained 4 in the plan document and in the referenced actions within the plan document. **Sensitive Areas in the context of this plan is defined on page 24. O 00�_ .♦ I 0 0.05 0.1 N ■ Miles 0.2 V, JASPER ROAD TRAILHEAD © SENSITIVE AREAS Primary access to natural area for bikers, Trail through sensitive areas to receive careful pedestrians, maintenance, and safety design and consideration to minimize impact. vehicles. (R2.A.5.) Regulations may also influence trail design. (pg. 30) PICNIC AREA A picnic area to serve neighbors, students, and events. M.A.) JASPER SLOUGH OVERLOOK For viewing of western pond turtle basking sites and waterfowl in Jasper Slough. (R2.B.6.) RUNNING AND EQUESTRIAN TRAILS A double loop, soft surface trail system for running, hiking, and equestrian use. (R1.C.) ACCESSIBLE NATURE TRAIL Accessible trail constructed of compacted gravel and boardwalks. Trail will provide views of the pond and wetland areas and will include seating, wildlife screens, and educational opportunities through interpretive signage and art. (R1.B.) 2 �►.'law Attachment 2, Page 1 of 1 OPOND OVERLOOK The overlook will be elevated from the banks of the pond and accessed from a boardwalk system for pedestrian use. It will include interpretative signage, seating, art, and wildlife screening. Fishing will be discouraged. An equestrian route will bypass the boardwalk, to the south and set back further from pond's edge. (R2.B.7.) ®REST AREA Area will provide portable restrooms, garbage cans, seating, hitching post, and mounting block in close proximity to existing kiosk and proposed river access. (R3.F.1., R3.F.2., R3.G.1.) ORIVER ACCESS 1 A clear, accessible route down to the river's edge that improves access for fishing, water play, and wildlife viewing. (R2.B.5.) OACCESS FROM SOUTH 39TH STREET Explore feasibility of this potential new access point. (R2.A.2.) 11 VIEWS OF MILL RACE CHANNEL Benches at a couple of locations along the Mill Race Channel enhance wildlife viewing and scenic 13 opportunities for trail users. (R2.B.4.) © RIVER ACCESS 2 ' CLEARWATER 1 Pending successful experiences at River Access ' PARK 1, a second access point will be developed near ' I ' this location that provides runners, walkers, and ' equestrians an additional opportunity to view, _♦ fish, and play in the water. (R2.B.5.) 13 ACCESS FROM CLEARWATER PARK Depending upon the demand for additional vehicular parking for access, assess the feasibility of this location as a new trailhead access point. (R2.A.3.) I 7i I A C I F1' RAL AREA lkA,& iSTER PL4.'� 411amalane k and Recreation District 0-".x 4. AW4 M 1 i . . . . . . . . . . Eli This page is left intentionally blank. Attachment 3, Page 2 of 104 CONTENTS GOALS OF THE PLAN................................................................................................... 1 MASTER PLAN GOALS 1 PLAN OVERVIEW PROPERTY BACKGROUND.......................................................................................... LOCATION EXISTING CONDITIONS PLANNING CONTEXT HISTORIC USE AND CHANGE RELEVANT PLANS AND AGREEMENTS PLAN METHODS NATURAL RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS .......................................... EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCE OVERVIEW HISTORIC VEGETATION AND HABITATS SITE IMPACTS EXISTING HYDROLOGY CHANGES IN HYDROLOGY HABITAT TYPES EXISTING VEGETATION CONDITIONS SENSITIVE SPECIES SENSITIVE AREAS NATURAL RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS....................................................... EXISTING RECREATION OVERVIEW 1 2 2 2 3 4 6 8 11 11 13 13 14 16 17 19 23 24 25 27 27 FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES 27 RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS 32 NATURAL RESOURCE GOALS & ACTIONS.................................................................... 33 RECREATION GOALS & ACTIONS................................................................................. 39 DESIRED FUTURE CONDITIONS................................................................................... 47 IMPLEMENTATION....................................................................................................... 49 NATURAL RESOURCES RECREATION FUNDING 49 52 54 APPENDICES (1) Parcel Ownership and Land Use Data (2) Public Outreach Summary (3) Trail Cross Sections & Overlook Concepts (4) Natural Resource Data and Background Attachment 3, Page 3 of 104 This page is left intentionally blank. Attachment 3, Page 4 of 104 Georgia Pacific Natural Area is a 120 acre park with wetlands, floodplains, and riparian forest that provide a unique complex of habitat types and recreational opportunities. The property, previously inaccessible, has experienced a substantial increase in use over the past 10 years with the development of the Middle Fork and Mill Race paths. With this rise in traffic comes the increased impact and potential use conflicts that could degrade habitat quality and recreational experience if left unmanaged. The mission of this master plan is to: (1) develop a long term vision (20 years) that identifies and defines the intended uses and improvements to occur at the Georgia Pacific Natural Area, and (2) develop shorter term strategies for habitat restoration and management of the property. MASTER PLAN GOALS: • Honor the natural area designation of this park by prioritizing goals and strategies that aim to restore and enhance habitat, minimize impact, protect sensitive habitat, work to protect water quality, and preserve unique natural features so they may continue to exist and thrive for years to come. • Plan for expanded recreational uses on the property to allow public access and use in a way that has minimal impact to natural resource objectives. • Minimize conflict between recreation and natural resource objectives, as well as conflict between proposed recreational user groups. • Provide a plan that is attainable by the Willamalane within the 20 year time frame. Goals and objectives should be visionary, yet attainable by Willamalane given existing staffing and financial constraints. PLAN OVERVIEW: 1. Property Background 2. Natural Resources Opportunities & Constraints 3. Recreation Opportunities & Constraints 4. Proposed Goals & Actions 5. Implementation Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 Ma'Attachment 3, Page 5 of 104 PROPERTY BACKGROUND ,,, �I �I dl DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD a Main St — BOOTH �AD TRAILHEAD M��Ra ur `a eth Willamalane Property _Willamalane, SUB & City Property Multi -Use Path -------- City Limits Figure 1. Location Map LOCATION 0%:; r I66.4. Georgia Pacific Natural Area is located along the southern border of the City of Springfield (City) between South 32nd Street and South 42nd Street, along the Middle Fork Willamette River. It is a part of the Middle Fork Path (connecting to Dorris Ranch or Clearwater Park) and the Mill Race Path (connecting to the Booth Kelly and Jasper Road Trailheads) trail system. EXISTING CONDITIONS There are no developed roads to the property and it is currently accessed via the Mill Race and Middle Fork Path systems. These 10 -foot wide paved paths are the only formally created recreational improvements existing onsite. The paths also serve as corridors for daily vehicle access for maintenance and safety purposes for Willamalane and other co-owners. Other supporting amenities for trail use on the property include an information kiosk at the junction of the two paths and various benches alongside them. The Jasper Road Trailhead has an additional kiosk, flush restrooms, picnic ,,kOCATION IN SPRINGFIELD ........=�'R11 KKEEFER CENTER - 4 JASPER ROAD Jasper Rtl. h TRAILEEAD ,. GEORGIA PACIFIC NATURALAREA CLEARWATER M'yd/ PARK *TRAILHEAD o� ath V uv HO WARD BUFORD RECREATION AREA /1\V tables, bike parking, and vehicle parking. Several waterbodies of interest exist within the master plan boundary. The Middle Fork Willamette River flows westward along the southern border of the property (approximately 1.3 linear miles); the Mill Race Channel flows westward along the northern boundaries of the property (approximately 1.3 linear miles); a small portion (approximately 0.15 linear miles) of Jasper Slough, which is a tributary to the Mill Race Channel; a large pond (approximately 3 acres) exists at the center of the property; and various floodplains and remnant channels exist as well. No formal access is provided to these features at this time, aside from occasional viewpoints visible from the paths. Each of these waterbodies will be discussed in more detail in later sections of this document. Informal, native surface trails also exist throughout the natural area. These are primarily user -created trails or wildlife trails that were not intentionally developed and are only very minimally maintained. 2 Attachment 3, Page 6 of 104 Figure 2. Shows the relation of the Georgia Pacific Natural Area to local planning boundaries and adjacent landownership. A table of parcels included within the planning boundary along with their associated ownership and zoning is provided in Appendix 1. PLANNING CONTEXT For the sake of this project, the master plan boundary incorporates more than the parcels directly associated with the natural area. The natural area itself, shown in bright green in Figure 2, consists of six parcels totaling 120 acres in size. These parcels are jointly owned by Willamalane, the City, and Springfield Utility Board (SUB). A management agreement put in place at the time of purchase (1994) indicates each party's interest as follows: • Willamalane: to provide/maintain park and recreation improvements to the property. • City: to protect operational access to and maintain flow quantity and characteristics of the City owned Mill Race Channel. • SUB: to protect access to and integrity of adjacent well fields and to protect drinking water quality. The planning boundary also includes several City parcels and one parcel owned by The Nature Conservancy (see Figure 2). These parcels were included because they have critical connections to or carry significant opportunities for use and management of the Georgia Pacific Natural Area. Property typically associated with Jasper Road Trailhead to the north is also included because it LEGEND Master Plan Boundary -- -- Urban Growth Boundary Springfield City Limits Multi -Use Path Georgia Pacific Natural Area . Willamalane Property Springfield Utility Board (SUB) City of Springfield (City) . The Nature Conservancy . Lane County . Springfield School District serves as a primary access point to the property. Aside from the parcel associated with the Jasper Road Trailhead, the entire property is located outside of Springfield's city limits, but within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The jointly owned Georgia Pacific Natural Area parcels are not subject to Springfield's Urbanizable Fringe Overlay District. They are currently zoned for Public Land and Open Space in Springfield's development code and designated as Public/ SemiPublic in the Metro Plan. Most of these parcels fall within the Greenway setback for the Willamette River, which limits the type and extent of development that can occur on this property and may require proposed improvements to go through Discretionary Review with the City in addition to other required land use reviews. The property is also within the 1-5 year Time of Travel Zones, which automatically includes them within the City's Drinking Water Protection Overlay District. Additionally, project permitting will likely be required for development within floodplain and wetland areas identified on the site. Some of these requirements are noted in the Natural Resource section. Lastly, the Mill Race Channel and Jasper Slough are listed as a Water Quality Limited Watercourse by the City, and therefore, may be subject to 4.3-115 of the City's development code. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaSMAAkht 3, Page 7 of 104 3 HISTORIC AERIALS The following historic aerial photos provide context for how conditions of the natural area gradually changed between 1936 and 2017. 1936 i "'r'ir ' . `tip � �, ;,� r. , f - ' �+ . 71 1968 1979 HISTORIC USE AND CHANGE Georgia Pacific Natural Area is traditional land of the Kalapuya. Little is known about pre - colonization conditions and uses of the property Pre -colonization vegetation data was compiled by The Nature Conservancy in concert with Oregon Division of State Lands as part of the Oregon Natural Heritage Program. This data is based on General Land Office (GLO) maps created in approximately 1851. The historic vegetation type classified for the Georgia Pacific Natural Area is riparian hardwood, which is described further in the Natural Resources section. The dynamic nature of this property was significantly reduced in the 1950-1960's with the construction of the upstream dams by the Army Corps of Engineers. The earliest existing aerial photograph of the property (1936) reflects the shifting nature of this property prior to construction of the dams. Aerial photographs from 1960 onward reflect a much more static landscape. Willamalane became a joint owner of the Georgia Pacific property in 1994. Prior to this, the majority of the property was owned by timber companies (Booth Kelly Company and Georgia Pacific) for nearly 90 years (1903 until 1994). During these 90 years, the land was used primarily as an access route to the input of the Mill Race Channel (dug in 1852) where Georgia Pacific Inc. actively removed gravel and other barriers in order to maintain water flow for the downstream mills that depended on it. The most significant disturbances within the Georgia Pacific Natural Area occurred in the 60's and 70's when Georgia Pacific Inc. actively conducted gravel extraction operations and dumped waste mulch prior to the mill (closer to downtown Springfield) installing a hog fuel burner. It was during this time (1974 to be exact) that the large pond central to the natural area was dug to provide gravel for a log yard at a downstream mill. When Willamalane jointly purchased the property in 1994 with SUB and the City, the primary goals for the property were identified as follows: 1. Ensure access to the Mill Race Channel and the channel's inlet so the City can conduct operational maintenance for the purpose of retaining adequate levels of flow in the Mill Race and Gorrie Creek 2. Protect access to wellhead sites for SUB 3. Improve access to and use of the site for park and recreation purposes A phase one environmental assessment conducted prior to acquisition indicated the above noted uses and disturbances on the land. It also noted a natural gas line that was dug running north -south through the property, and that there was evidence (i.e., trails, jumps, obstacles) of equestrian riders regularly accessing the property. Since acquisition of the property, the City installed a passive control structure at the inlet of the Mill Race Channel (in Clearwater Park) that involves much less active maintenance than previously utilized methods of managing flows. They have also conducted studies and constructed stormwater basins downstream of the Georgia Pacific Natural Area that have shifted their goals for the Mill Race Channel from recreation/preservation to habitat restoration/ preservation. The City's goals now aim towards limiting public impacts to the channel in order to protect habitat value, water quality, and stream flow dynamics. Willamalane completed construction of the Middle Fork Path along the southern boundary of the site in 2014. The Mill Race Path was constructed in 2016 and enters at the northwest corner of the property from downtown Springfield. These two paths intersect on the Georgia Pacific Property. As mentioned previously, these paths are the only means of Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MasAft,' �irrie"nt 3, Page 9 of 104 5 RELEVANT PLANS AND AGREEMENTS Below is a summary of relevant plans and documents that were considered during the Georgia Pacific Natural Area master planning effort. WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2012) The Willamalane Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan is a 20 year, district -wide plan for park improvements, acquisitions, and amenities. The plan designates this property as a natural area park. By definition, natural area parks provide opportunities for experiencing nature closer to home and protecting valuable natural resources and wildlife. They also contribute to the environmental health of the community. Improvements considered appropriate to include within natural areas include multi-purpose paved trails, multiple access points, benches, children's play areas, soft -surface trails, water access, and picnic facilities. Pacific property. The plan calls for completion of final phases of the Middle Fork Path to Dorris Ranch and for development of all segments of the Mill Race Path. Action items from the Comprehensive Plan relevant to the Georgia Pacific Natural Area are shown in Table 1. The appendix and the facility assessment compiled as part of the comprehensive planning effort include suggestions of improvements to consider for the property. These include: • Work with the City and SUB to complete a management plan and master plan as required per our management agreements with partners. • As opportunities arise, acquire adjacent property with street access for a future park entrance. At the time the 2012 Comprehensive Plan was a Assess natural resources and utilize OWEB created, the initial phases of the Middle Fork grants for helping fund efforts to control Path (from Clearwater Park to Quarry Creek) invasive, non-native species. were fully constructed and complete, including the portion that passed through the Georgia Look into accessible fishing opportunities at the pond and/or along the river. 6 Attachment 3, Page 10 of 104 WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT NATURAL RESOURCE AREAS MANAGEMENT PLAN (2012) This plan looks at all natural areas in the district (at the time of this planning effort), assesses their quality, and provides management approaches for these properties. Of the twenty properties that were assessed, Georgia Pacific property was ranked second in regards to holding value to Willamalane as a natural area (this was prior to acquisition of the Thurston Hills Natural Area). While the plan does not include specific recommendations for natural resource actions on each property, it does provide categories of consideration that should be included when prioritizing action items within management plans for these properties. These were considered in development of the priorities identified within this master plan. RIVERS TO RIDGES AND THE WILLAMETTE RIVER OPEN SPACE VISION AND ACTION PLAN, AN OPEN SPACE VISION FOR THE WILLAMETTE RIVER IN AND AROUND EUGENE -SPRINGFIELD, OREGON (2010) The Rivers to Ridges Partnership combines efforts and visions of regional groups and agencies in order to protect and enhance the region's land and water resources and their ecosystem functions and values as well as to provide environmental education and compatible outdoor recreation opportunities as outlined in the Rivers to Ridges Metropolitan Regional Parks and Open Space Study (2003). Willamalane has been supportive of the Rivers to Ridges effort and became an official member of the group in 2011. The Willamette River Vision and Action Plan (2010) further refines the partnership's vision, by visioning for the future of properties along the Willamette River. Many of the recommendations from this plan are relevant to the Georgia Pacific Natural Area and were considered during the creation of this master plan. CITY OF SPRINGFIELD WATER QUALITY MONITORING & LAND USE ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES FOR THE MILL RACE (2014 -PRESENT) The City is responsible for the management of the Mill Race Channel and has conducted assessments along the channel to look at water quality, habitat quality, and to note any negative impacts from adjacent properties. These assessments include recommendations for addressing issues noted throughout the review process. Recommendations relating to portions Table 1. Action Items from Comprehensive Plan Relating to Georgia Pacific Natural Area IBJ Action 3.3 of the plan calls for Willamalane to work with the City and SUB to develop and implement a management plan and master plan for a natural area park at the jointly owned Georgia Pacific Natural Area. This was identified as a high priority action, prioritized for phase 1 of implementation of the plan. ..................................................................................................................... Y Action 4.17 calls for Willamalane to work with partners to develop the Jasper Road Trailhead. ..................................................................................................................... Y Action 4.18 calls for construction of the Mill Race Path into the Georgia Pacific Natural Area, connecting to the Middle Fork Path. ..................................................................................................................... IBJ Action 4.20 calls for exploring opportunities for additional on- and off-street connections from the Middle Fork Path to neighborhoods to the north. ..................................................................................................................... IBJ Action 4.23 calls for working with partners to explore the feasibility of developing a bike and pedestrian bridge across the Middle Fork Willamette River, connecting the Middle Fork Path and Mount Pisgah. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 Mc1MfrcPr%t 3, Page 11 of 104 7 of the Mill Race Channel that pass through Georgia Pacific Natural Area focus on: • Concerns of horse feces having negative impact to the water quality of the Mill Race Channel and other connected waterways; • Dumping of debris, tree cutting, herbicide use by adjacent neighbors, and use that changes the flow dynamics of the channel; • User -created trails along the waterway that damage vegetation and erode banks of the Channel; and • Presence of invasive species. INTERGOVERNMENTAL (1995) AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN OWNERS (1995, UPDATED 2009) The intergovenmental agreement (1995) addresses the joint purchase and management of the property. The management agreement (1995, 2009) notes the desire to maintain the property in its natural state and minimize access or use that will "interfere with or degrade the Mill Race or threaten the viability of the underlying aquifer as a source of potable water." Any changes or modifications to the property require mutual agreement between all owners. Willamalane is responsible for all recreation improvements that are approved by partners on the property. PLAN METHODS This plan was developed by Willamalane's Planning & Development staff. A team of internal landscape architects, natural resource planners, a GIS analyst and the Planning, Parks and Facilities Director worked collaboratively to inform the process, creation, and recommendations of this plan. External partners consulted throughout this planning process include: the City, SUB, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy and The McKenzie River Trust. Planning efforts started in spring of 2020. An initial public survey that focused on equestrian use received 32 responses from the general public and immediate neighbors of the property. Content for the survey was partly determined through engagement with an advisory committee of local equestrians. In summer of 2020, a meeting with ownership and agency partners was also held onsite to tour the property and discuss opportunities and constraints. Staff used information from this initial round of outreach, along with additional research included in this plan, to inform an initial concept and set of goals and actions for the natural area. A second round of public outreach occurred in the fall of 2020 and early 2021. The objective of this round of outreach was to review and provide feedback on the team's initial concept and goals for the site. An online ESRI Story Map was built for the project and was the primary tool used to relay information to partners, neighbors, and the general public. The tool was made available on Willamalane's website, promoted via virtual and physical mailings, promoted onsite via posters and on social media. A virtual public meeting was also held February 8, 2021, which was attended by approximately 95 people (including staff and ownership partners). Additionally, a virtual presentation was provided to middle school students at Agnes Stewart Middle School. Feedback from all of these efforts was collected through surveys. A total of 287 surveys were collected from the general public and 102 surveys collected from students at Agnes Stewart Middle School. A detailed summary of results from all public outreach efforts is included in Appendix 2. In addition to standard processes for public outreach, Willamalane engaged in an Equestrian Use Trial Period during the planning phase of this process (Figure 3). Equestrian use has historically been prohibited on all Willamalane properties pursuant with its park rules codified in Ordinance 100. However, there is historic precedent for equestrian use within the Georgia Pacific Natural Area prior to Willamalane's 8 Attachment 3, Page 12 of 104 ownership of the land. A group of local equestrian advocates and users of a nearby boarding facility requested that Willamalane consider modifying this requirement for the Georgia Pacific Natural Area and adjacent Clearwater Park properties. To realistically understand the potential impacts and conflicts that Willamalane may encounter by formally accommodating this use, its Board of Directors approved an initial three-month trial period for equestrian use along designated routes throughout these properties. Public parking for equestrian trucks and trailers was provided at Clearwater Park. The trial period began in May of 2020 and ended in September of 2020. At the end of September, once the trial period was found to be a relative success, the Board approved an extension of the trial period through the end of the fiscal year (June 2021). Figure 3. Equestrian Trial Period Map. Equestrian routes approved for the trial period are shown in yellow. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 M- Attachment 3, Page 13 of 104 9 This page is left intentionally blank. 10 Attachment 3, Page 14 of 104 NATURAL RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS Given Georgia Pacific Natural Area's designation as a natural area park, Willamalane intends to prioritize the protection and enhancement of natural resources. The first step in achieving this is to understand what currently exists at the site so it can be protected. Factoring in shared ownership interests of the property, the presence of preexisting human infrastructure, and the desire to connect and provide education to the public about nature, there are some limitations to the extent of restoration that can occur on the property. This section briefly assesses the current understanding of natural resources on the property and identifies where opportunities and constraints for improvements exist. EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCE OVERVIEW The character and ecological processes of the Willamette River have changed significantly since colonization of the Willamette Valley. The principal change affecting the Georgia Pacific Natural Area is an attenuation or reduction in high water (i.e., flooding events along the river). Dam projects upstream on the tributaries of the Willamette (e.g., Middle Fork Willamette, McKenzie River, North and South Santiam Rivers and the Long Tom River) are responsible for the reduction in flooding downstream, enabling development and infrastructure within the floodplain. Prior to these changes, the river had a very different character than it does today. Historically, the Willamette River was a braided (multi -channel) river with a complex floodplain of former channels and interlaced wetlands. It flowed underneath a wide umbrella of hardwood riparian forest. Dams have limited the recruitment of large wood and sediment substrate to rivers as well as the dynamic process that occurs during flooding events. During high-water events prior to dam construction, the Willamette River would have flooded into the floodplain, activating old channels and scouring and depositing sediment substrate in different locations. The sediment deposits would have created new areas, ripe for cottonwood regeneration. Eventually, it would create new riparian forest habitat, where ample sunlight, substrate, and nutrients would be available to support tree establishment and growth. Cottonwoods are struggling to regenerate naturally without high-water disturbance events that would create large open areas within which they are able to establish themselves. This is true for much of the riparian forest at the Georgia Pacific Natural Area. The altered hydrology of the Willamette River along the Georgia Pacific Natural Area is the most significant ecological process missing from this property. These changes have reduced the complexity of the river channel and floodplain. High water events would have been captured by old channels and wetlands across the floodplain, storing the water on site. The stored floodwater would slowly be released back to the river from the floodplain as hyporheic flow, or subsurface flow, as the level of water in the river declined below the floodplain on a seasonal basis. This process results in colder water being added below the river's surface in the warmer months of the year when the surface water is at a higher temperature and lower than the floodplain. This Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMfdcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 15 of 104 11 FLOOD ZONES Areas within the 100 year flood zone are considered high risk for flooding. As shown on Figure 4, the majority of the site is either within the 100 or 500 year flood zone. Improvements within these zones will likely be subject to requirements of Springfield's Floodplain Overlay District. Floodway 100 year flood zone 500 year flood zone SOILS According to the US Soil Survey, soils found within the Georgia Pacific Natural Area are comprised of: 71 Riverwash F7Fluvents (nearly level, hydric soil) F7Newberg fine sandy loam Pits (hydric soil) Bodies of water SLOPE CLASSIFICATIONS & TOPOGRAPHY Property is at an elevation of approximately 470 ft above mean sea level. The site is relatively flat, with minimal fluctuation in topography. SLOPE CLASS - < 1.72 - < 3.43 - < 5.71 - < 8.53 < 11.3 < 14.04 < 16.7 < 21.8 < 30.96 M<45 < 90 Attachment 3, Page 16 of 104 process is essential for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed salmonid species that are dependent on cold water for their survival. The complex character of the historic Willamette River is very important for these species, as the network of side channels and wetlands provides areas for these species to utilize during high water events and during the winter months when the river is flowing most swiftly. Willamalane does not propose to address the absence of these larger processes from the Georgia Pacific Natural Area as part of this plan. The river is significantly armored along the north bank of the Middle Fork Willamette to protect public infrastructure to the north including SUB's drinking water wellfield and the Middle Fork Path. Changing hydrology on the property could lead to significant infrastructural impacts, and further study and coordination would be required before investigating restoration of the historical hydrologic process on the site. Regardless, there are numerous other opportunities to address important aspects of the natural resources on the property. HISTORIC VEGETATION AND HABITATS Historically, Georgia Pacific Natural Area would have been covered by riparian forest vegetation, consisting of hardwoods forming the canopy, a mix of younger aged trees and shrubs in the understory, and native riparian understory plants. The site has old river channels and wetlands that would have been activated during flood events, as explained above. Riparian forest canopy is typically dominated by large mature cottonwoods, with a mix of other hardwoods such as red alder, big -leaf maple, and Oregon ash in the understory and midstory. The understory of this site would lie within a mix of areas that were seasonally wet and others that were more upland. In lower lying areas, a mix of slough sedge and other species that are tolerant to seasonal flooding would be widely established. In upland areas, the understory would be dominated by dense snowberry thickets, sword ferns, Oregon grape, and other native riparian species. SITE IMPACTS A large portion of the Georgia Pacific Natural Area was highly impacted by the removal of gravel and aggregate by previous land managers. It is hypothesized that the site was scraped of topsoil to enable gravel extraction, likely removing much of the native seed bank that was present on the site. Based on review of historic permit records, it appears that the removal of gravel is the mechanism by which the current pond was created. In addition to the removal of gravel and aggregate from the site, large quantities of biomass (i.e., hog fuel or wood chips) were dumped on the property. Significant portions of the property lack the type of riparian vegetation that would have historically been present and would have likely returned if conditions allowed. It is suspected that this ecological process was limited due to the large quantities of biomass dumped on the property, thereby limiting natural succession. The presence and distribution of invasive species across the site are a further indication of the impact of previous gravel extraction practices, and an overall lack of management since those initial activities has only exacerbated the problem. It is also suspected that the widespread distribution of invasive species, especially in disturbed areas, is a direct result of the removal of topsoil and the native seed bank that would have been present in that topsoil. The lack of topsoil and the native seedbank removal combined with adding biomass to the site in the form of woodchips would have dramatically altered the site's ability to support native plants and could be one of the main reasons why parts of the property are now so highly susceptible to the encroachment of invasive species. The area along Jasper Slough near Agnes Stewart Middle School has been restored in part by the middle school students. Prior to the installation of the Mill Race Path, this area served as an outdoor classroom for students to learn about native plants, practice restoration techniques, and to observe the wildlife that utilized the slough. Students were excited about the path's construction because their valuable Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMfdcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 17 of 104 13 work has become more visible to the public using the path system. Students have invested their time in creating a very well restored section of riparian habitat along Jasper Slough. They grew native plants in greenhouses at the school to plant along the slough, as well as removed invasive species. EXISTING HYDROLOGY There are several distinct water bodies within the planning boundary delineated for this master plan. The below sections provide some background on their existing and historic conditions. It is important to note that Willamalane does not currently have extensive expertise in managing aquatic habitats and lacks some integral tools such as boats, waders and other equipment necessary for managing these resources appropriately. It will, therefore, be essential that Willamalane engages with partners when moving forward with aquatic habitat improvements in the water bodies described below. Middle Fork Willamette River The Middle Fork Willamette River runs along the southern boundary of the Georgia Pacific Natural Area for 1.3 miles. The Middle Fork is an important aquatic resource from both a habitat standpoint and a water quality standpoint, as it provides drinking water downstream of the site. The north bank of the Middle Fork has been highly armored along the natural area boundary to protect existing infrastructure like the Middle Fork Path and the SUB wellfield. The southern bank of the Middle Fork has recently been restored at the Willamette Confluence Site. Several projects were implemented by the Nature Conservancy between 2010 and 2020 to create off -channel habitat and increase floodplain and habitat complexity. Additional restoration work has occurred downstream of the Willamette Confluence site at the Turtle Flats Site, which is owned and managed by the Friends of Buford Park and Mt. Pisgah. The Middle Fork Willamette River provides habitat and migration corridors for the sensitive species identified in this plan, particularly salmonids and Western pond turtles. Both of these species use the Middle Fork for their life cycles. For Western pond turtles, the river provides an important connection from the Georgia Pacific Natural Area to turtle populations at different sites, which is necessary for maintaining genetic diversity dispersal. Due to the modifications to the river's hydrology from upstream dams and armoring along the southern boundary of the site, maintenance and restoration of the riparian corridor along the Middle Fork Willamette will be necessary. These efforts will sustain and enhance the existing riparian forest habitat, protect aquatic habitat, and improve water quality. Jasper Slough Jasper Slough is a perennial waterbody that is a tributary to the Mill Race Channel, a Water Quality Limited Watercourse. It parallels the Mill Race Channel along the northeastern portion of the Georgia Pacific Natural Area. It is hydrologically connected via surface water to the Mill Race Channel and provides off -channel habitat to that aquatic resource. Jasper Slough also receives surface and groundwater from Jasper Pond, a stormwater treatment pond to the east of Jasper Slough and to the west of the Jasper Trailhead. Jasper Pond captures stormwater from the neighborhoods to the north of the site and pre -filters water before it enters the slough. Jasper Slough provides habitat for a variety of species including migrating waterfowl, native reptiles, amphibians, mammals, as well as other bird species. Of particular interest is a very visible population of Western pond turtles that are commonly seen using basking structures in the slough. Riparian frontage across from Agnes Stewart Middle School has been replanted by students as part of broader efforts to restore the Mill Race Channel and its tributaries. There is still room for additional riparian habitat improvement projects that could benefit Jasper Slough. The Mill Race Channel The Mill Race Channel was hand -dug using an 14 Attachment 3, Page 18 of 104 Figure 7. Locations of waterbodies within and adjacent to the planning boundary. ox plow and shovels in 1852 by Elias Briggs, the founder of Springfield, in support of the mills and lumber industry that were located closer to downtown Springfield. The Mill Race Channel and its associated water rights were donated to the City in 1985. The City has worked ever since to enhance and restore the Mill Race Channel. In the spring of 2013, the City completed the Mill Race Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project with support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This included a new, passively controlled inlet at Clearwater Park from the Middle Fork Willamette River. Following the completion of this work, the City completed a major stormwater project downstream of the Georgia Pacific Natural Area on the Mill Race Channel at the former Booth Kelly site, just south of downtown Springfield. In 2016, Willamalane completed construction of the Mill Race Path system in conjunction with the City's restoration project, which now provides the public with an opportunity to see and experience the Mill Race Channel as it flows through Springfield. The construction of this path also opened up the Georgia Pacific Natural Area to broader public access, including views of the pond, Jasper Slough, and the Middle Fork Willamette River. As part of construction of the project, numerous habitat improvement projects were implemented adjacent to and in -stream of the Mill Race Channel. These included several planting projects downstream of the natural area and projects that included placement of large wood in the Mill Race Channel per recommendations from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). ODFW continued to work on in -stream habitat projects through 2018, adding sediment substrate and wood to the channel to increase aquatic habitat complexity. The City monitors water quality of the channel on a periodic basis and performed water quality assessments for the Mill Race Channel before and during the equestrian use trial period. The City did another round of E. coli sampling bracketing the Georgia Pacific Natural Area. The E. coli results were below the state water quality standard of 406 colony forming units (CFU)/ Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 M8MfWcPr%t 3, Page 19 of 104 15 100 mis for all samples, including those samples collected downstream of the equestrian trails. Despite E. coli levels not exceeding state water quality standards, it is a pollutant of concern for the Channel. Strategies for managing sources are picking up animal waste (horse/dog) and providing restrooms for humans. Pond As noted above, the pond at Georgia Pacific Natural Area was created through the extraction of gravel and aggregate at the site by the former owner. The approximately 3 -acre perennial pond provides habitat for a variety of species at the site including migrating waterfowl, Western pond turtles, and likely other native reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and bird species. The pond also provides habitat for invasive or introduced species such as bullfrogs, which may prey upon Western pond turtles. Warm water fish species, including largemouth bass and bluegill, which are also known to prey upon native species, are also present. Results from a fish sample performed by ODFW are located in Appendix 4. While the pond currently has a warm water fish population that could support limited recreational fishing, consultation with ODFW determined that it would require stocking to be sustained long-term and that opening the pond to fishing activities would likely have negative impacts to Western pond turtles currently using the pond. ODFW also conducted a bathymetry study of the pond and determined the deepest point in the pond to be 13 feet below the water's surface. The banks on the pond are relatively steep, likely from the gravel extraction process that formed the pond. It has a hydrologic connection to the Mill Race Channel, as evidenced by its varying extent at certain times of the year. CHANGES IN HYDROLOGY Riparian forest habitat along the entire Willamette River has been highly impacted by changes to the river's hydrology resulting from the construction of dams intended to reduce flooding downstream. High water events and flooding are key missing processes that were responsible for the establishment and maintenance of riparian forest habitat along the Willamette River. High water events created new gravel bars and early successional habitats where riparian forest vegetation would have established. Without these high water events creating early successional habitat or new riparian forest, much of the remaining riparian forest along the river has transitioned to late successional or climax vegetation. This is true for much of the riparian forest habitat at Georgia Pacific Natural Area, where much of the riparian forest is in a late successional stage and no new riparian forest is being created through hydrological processes. 16 Attachment 3, Page 20 of 104 HABITAT TYPES Habitats at Georgia Pacific Natural Area were broken down into three different habitat types for purposes of this plan. The three identified habitats on the site include riparian forest habitat, wetland habitat and aquatic habitat. See Figure 8 for their location. Figure 8. Overview of habitat classifications within the planning boundary. RIPARIAN FOREST (APPROXIMATELY 119 ACRES) Riparian forest is defined as a forest or wooded area of land adjacent to a body of water such as the Middle Fork Willamette River, the Mill Race Channel, Jasper Slough, and the pond. Prior to hydrologic changes, this habitat would have extended a considerable distance out from these water bodies and encompassed the broader floodplain that would have existed historically. With changes to hydrology and a reduction in flooding events, human development has significantly reduced the extent of this habitat and the main processes that would have created and sustained new riparian forest. This plan seeks to address actions that can be taken to help sustain and restore this habitat into the future. Habitats within the umbrella of the overarching riparian forest are further broken down and discussed. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 M- Attachment s, Page 21 of 104 17 v Md. Figure 9. Wetlands within the planning boundary AQUATIC (APPROXIMATELY 11 ACRES) Several unique and distinct water bodies provide aquatic habitat on the property, including the Middle Fork Willamette River, Jasper Slough, the Mill Race Channel, and the pond. These resources provide critical habitat for a variety of species, including sensitive species, and are important assets to protect within the natural area. However, Willamalane is not well equipped to independently manage aquatic habitats due to the logistics and specialized expertise and equipment necessary for their management. For the purposes of this plan, Willamalane will help guide and implement restoration activities up to the high water line or seasonally to the water's edge. Willamalane will consult and partner with the City for habitat issues identified in the Mill Race Channel and Jasper Slough, with ODFW for habitat projects within the pond, and with the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council for any habitat issues identified in the Middle Fork Willamette River. WETLANDS (APPROXIMATELY 7 ACRES) Wetlands were identified and recently mapped in greater detail by environmental consultants and wetland scientists hired by the City. The wetlands on the site are important natural features that will be protected and enhanced through actions specified in this plan. They provide a suite of services such as water storage, water filtration, and biological productivity. Wetlands act like large sponges or natural tubs that store water and then slowly release it. This reduces the erosion potential of floodwaters while reducing flooding levels, and allows for ground water recharge, which contributes base flow to surface water systems during dry periods. Wetlands at the Georgia Pacific Natural Area recharge groundwater aquifers, such as SUB's shallow aquifers located at the wellfields located directly west of the property, which provide drinking water for the community. Water entering wetlands slows as the water moves around vegetation, allowing suspended sediment to drop out and settle to the wetland floor. Nutrients like fertilizers and manure that 18 Attachment 3, Page 22 of 104 are dissolved in the water can be absorbed by plants and microorganisms in the soil. Artificial or constructed wetlands, like the one adjacent to Jasper Road Trailhead, perform the same functions as natural wetlands to improve water quality and treat pollutants before discharging water to natural water bodies. Wetlands provide important habitat for amphibians, turtles, and fish, as well as refuge areas for migratory birds. Local and national wetland inventories have been conducted for the property. Wetland classifications identified within the property boundary at the time of this planning effort are shown in Figure 9. EXISTING VEGETATION CONDITIONS Current vegetation conditions at Georgia Pacific Natural Area were assessed by breaking down the vegetation into three categories for analysis: canopy cover, understory, and tree recruitment. Each of these three categories was assigned a value (i.e. high, medium, or low), as shown in Table 2, and then field analysis was performed to accurately capture these existing conditions at the site. The three categories are intended to provide a high level of detail of current habitat conditions and guide the maintenance of the various habitats at the site. Table 2. Definitions used to determine high, medium, and low quality conditions. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaAttachment 3, Page 23 of 104 19 HIGH MEDIUM • CANOPY Intact closed canopy Partially intact closed Minimally intact canopy forest (80-90% canopy canopy forest (50-80% cover, not fully closed cover) canopy cover) canopy (less than 50% canopy cover) UNDERSTORY Intact shrub and Partially intact shrub Minimally intact shrub understory, overall and understory, overall layer and understory, vegetation greater than vegetation is greater overall vegetation is less 80% native species and than 50% native species than 20% native species less than 20% invasive and less than 50% and 80% invasive species invasive species species TREE Multiple native tree Some native tree species No native tree species RECRUITMENT species present of present of a single age present in any age class different age classes class or species Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaAttachment 3, Page 23 of 104 19 LLJ 0 z Q Q LEGEND Paved Paths Q Georgia Pacific Boundary - Bodies of Water w High Quality Canopy NMedium Quality Canopy w Q Low Quality Canopy Z �w CANOPY QUALITY Canopy conditions were analyzed across the site to determine where there is existing high quality canopy and to identify areas where it is lacking. A large mature tree canopy is essential for riparian forest habitat and in areas adjacent to aquatic habitats. Tree canopy regulates thermal inputs like sunlight by providing shade and cooling for aquatic environments. Mature trees that form the canopy are essential for the healthy function of aquatic environments and provide inputs of large woody debris (e.g., fallen trees, logs and branches) to aquatic habitats. Large woody debris also helps create more diverse aquatic habitat in the Mill Race Channel and the Middle Fork Willamette River. The input of large wood provides basking and perching sites for reptiles and birds. As water flows over and around large wood, it results in localized scouring of the bed and banks of waterways that creates pools and undercut banks, which provide shelter to salmonids and other fish during high water events. These trees in different stages of their life cycle and decomposition also provide food and nesting habitat for a variety of species that are present in Georgia Pacific Natural Area. The maps presented in Figure 10 show the existing distribution of canopy conditions across the site in relation to riparian forest and wetlands. N 0 0.1 0.2 n A v Miles Figure 10. Canopy quality within the Georgia Pacific Natural Area 20 Attachment 3, Page 24 of 104 UNDERSTORY Understory conditions at Georgia Pacific Natural Area were analyzed to better understand the distribution of invasive species and native understory plants in the natural area. The composition of the understory is essential to riparian forest habitat health; plants found in the understory minimize erosion and stabilize soils, which reduces sediment entering aquatic habitats that may otherwise result in negative impacts on aquatic species. Understory shrubs and herb layer plants are also critical for a variety of species to provide cover and nesting habitat, as well as food for many of the species that are present at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. The maps presented in Figure 11 show the existing distribution of understory conditions across the site in relation to riparian forest and wetlands. - Bodies of Water - High Quality Understory Q Medium Quality Understory QLow Quality Understory nN �.1 0.2 A\ 0 Miles Figure 11. Understory quality within the Georgia Pacific Natural Area Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 M- Attachment s, Page 25 of 104 21 i w 0 z Q Q J 0 TREE RECRUITMENT Tree recruitment conditions at Georgia Pacific Natural Area were analyzed to determine locations in which younger trees are established that will be able to replace mature trees over time as they reach late succession and are at risk of dying. This assessment will inform and facilitate the development of planting plans for areas within riparian forest habitat and adjacent to aquatic environments where tree recruitment was limited or not observed. An important component of the assessment looked at whether all of the tree recruitment was within a single age class or if the new trees represent a diversity of ages. The more diversity reflected in the trees' ages, the more complex the habitat, which increases its value to wildlife using the site. The maps presented in Figure 12 show the existing distribution of tree recruitment conditions across the site in relation to riparian forest and wetlands. Figure 12. Tree recruitment assessment within the Georgia Pacific Natural Area 22 Attachment 3, Page 26 of 104 SENSITIVE SPECIES Georgia Pacific Natural Area is home to sensitive species such as Western pond turtles and the spring Chinook salmonid, identified as endangered in the Environmental Species Act, that may seasonally use the Mill Race Channel and the Middle Fork Willamette River. Additional sensitive species such as the white - breasted nuthatch, Western grey squirrel, willow flycatcher and northern red -legged frog will benefit from habitat restoration improvements on the site, but the primary species upon which Willamalane's preservation efforts are focused are listed below. WESTERN POND TURTLES Western pond turtles are found in marshes, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. They use sparsely vegetated ground nearby for digging nests and moist, shrubby or forested areas for over -wintering and aestivation (dormancy of an animal during a hot or dry period). Western pond turtles are found in the Middle Fork Willamette River, Jasper Slough, and the pond. It is presumed that they are also using the Mill Race Channel. Life history traits such as habitat needs for breeding make this species vulnerable to habitat loss and alteration of potential nesting sites (e.g., conversion, invasive plant encroachment). Road mortality, predation by raccoons, fish, and bullfrogs and competition with invasive turtle species are additional risk factors faced by Western pond turtles. Conservation actions that can protect turtle habitat include providing basking structures, and enhancing nesting habitat through controlling invasive plants and animals. Minimizing disturbance in nesting areas and protecting adjacent upland habitat are other important steps that will be taken to ensure this sensitive species continues to find high quality habitat at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. SALMONIDS Salmon are anadromous fish, moving from habitats in the Middle Fork Willamette River to the Willamette and Columbia rivers, the ocean, and then back. Chinook salmon remain vulnerable to a variety of threats, from those in headwater streams to the open ocean. Upper Willamette Chinook salmon developed a unique run time and other attributes compared to the relatives in the lower Willamette and Columbia rivers. They have genetic characteristics that set them apart from other species of salmon and are listed as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Willamette Falls historically restricted upstream migration during part of the year and adult Chinook could only ascend the falls in the spring when stream flows were high. Before construction of dams, the lower Middle Fork Willamette River would swell with flows of up to 40,000 cubic feet per second (significantly higher flows than we see today following dam construction) from snowmelt and rainwater. Flow would spread across its healthy, connected floodplain through a system of shifting and braided channels. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 M- Attachment 3, Page 27 of 104 23 Mature forests buffered the river system and covered much of the upper watershed. The trees contributed large quantities of wood to stream channels, forming pools and creating hiding and feeding cover for adult and juvenile fish. Riparian vegetation shared the stream channels and kept the water cold for fish. Changes to the Middle Fork Willamette River are currently significantly affecting the Chinook salmon population. Several large dams restrict access and influence downstream flows and temperature patterns. They also limit large wood delivery to lower reaches. Many valuable floodplain features such as islands, sloughs, and braided channels still exist below the dams including at Georgia Pacific Natural Area; however, the timing and magnitude of flooding events has affected the establishment of cottonwood and other plant species. As a result, fewer mature riparian forests and wetlands now exist. SENSITIVE AREAS Wetland and aquatic habitat health are important factors for maintaining these prioritized sensitive species at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. To be conservative, a buffer of 50 to 75 ft. was applied to all wetland and aquatic habitats to produce an expanded zone that, for the purposes of this plan, is identified as "Sensitive Areas". This zone is used as a tool to assess where vulnerable species have potential to be most negatively impacted from recreational improvements if not designed carefully. This high level assessment tool should be further ground-truthed and refined onsite during the design phase of proposed improvements in sensitive areas. Figure 13. Sensitive Areas identified within the Georgia Pacific Natural Area. When implementing recreational improvements within these areas low impact design strategies and careful alignment of trails should be considered. 24 Attachment 3, Page 28 of 104 NATURAL RESOURCE THREATS AND CONSTRAINTS • Invasive plant species such as slender false brome, Scotch broom, English ivy, and Himalayan blackberry are rapidly dominating many of the different habitats at Georgia Pacific Natural Area and limiting the growth of native forbs, grasses, trees, and shrubs that are essential components of the riparian habitat. • Aquatic invasive plant species pose a threat to the Mill Race Channel, pond, and Jasper Slough if they become established. The threats are threefold: (1) from submersed species such as ludwigia, Eurasian watermilfoil, Brazilian elodea, curly leaf pondweed; (2) floating leaf species, such as yellow floating heart, fragrant water lily, feathered water fern; and (3) emergent species, such as yellow flag iris, purple loosestrife, and reed canary grass, which are the most concerning as they can completely alter aquatic environments. • Western pond turtle habitat currently exists at the site, but is substantially impacted by encroaching infrastructure and nearby human use. If not actively managed, pressure from these external factors will only continue to intensify as development increases and more people visit the area. Invasive species such as bullfrogs also pose a real threat to young turtles on the site. • Natural tree regeneration is severely constrained in many locations and needs to be addressed. • The tree canopy is rapidly aging out and the mature trees forming the majority of the canopy are at risk of dying. Large trees dying on the site pose a public safety risk when they fall. Large trees are ecologically important; however, when they are on the ground, they pose a challenge to natural area management and maintenance access. • Water quality threats to the Mill Race Channel, Jasper Slough, and the Middle Fork Willamette River from bank erosion, horse manure, other pollutants caused by increases in use, or loss of canopy that could increase temperatures within the respective aquatic habitats. • Balancing public access to the river while protecting the vegetation and flow characteristics along the riparian frontage on the Middle Fork Willamette River. NATURAL RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES • To restore riparian forest where it is missing and to enhance it where mature trees are aging out and at risk of not being replaced naturally. • To improve habitat on the site by addressing invasive species and through low impact approaches to management of the natural area. • To connect people to nature and provide educational opportunities to better appreciate and understand threats to the natural environment at the park. Some educational opportunities include: river processes and restoration efforts across the Middle Fork Willamette River at the Willamette Confluence Preserve and Turtle Flats at the Howard Buford Recreation Area; behaviors that protect water quality such as picking up animal waste, staying on trail to protect vegetation; common invasive species, how they spread, and management efforts to control them. • To improve access to get people closer to views and experiences in the habitats. • To protect water quality by planting native vegetation species adjacent to waterways to provide shade and to prevent erosion. • To educate the public about drinking water protection zones and the SUB wellfields. • To create volunteer groups for recurring work, such as trash pick-up groups, invasive plant removal groups, and citizen science species recording hotspots. • To engage students from Agnes Stewart Middle School to continue to utilize the site as an outdoor classroom for learning. • To explore opportunities for wetland mitigation banking as a tool to enhance identified wetland areas. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 20 . n M fit 3, Page 29 of 104 This page is left intentionally blank. 26 Attachment 3, Page 30 of 104 RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS Though natural resource protection is the district's primary priority due to Georgia Pacific Natural Area's designation as a natural area, recreational use is still an integral part of Willamalane's mission and vision for the site. Recreational improvements will take into account the sensitive areas and species present on the property and will be developed and implemented to align with uses identified as appropriate within natural area parks. Improvements also need to align with the City's and SUB's needs and vision for the site. This section will briefly assess current recreational uses on the property and identify where opportunities and constraints for improvements exist. EXISTING RECREATION OVERVIEW Current recreation in the Georgia Pacific Natural Area is fairly limited and primarily trail based. Infrastructure within the Georgia Pacific Natural Area that supports recreation is limited to the Mill Race and Middle Fork Path system and some trail -based amenities as discussed in the introduction. During the public outreach efforts, it was no surprise to find that the most common current uses onsite are primarily related to trails (walking, running, biking). A number of less common trail uses were identified as well, including equestrian use, skating, rollerblading, wheelchair use, hand cycling, and riding scooters. Non -trail related uses primarily involved watching nature, wildlife, and the river or user created recreation opportunities such as geocaching, art, meditation, fishing, and socializing. FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES The proposed recreational opportunities Willamalane presented to the public during outreach were identified from desires of the improvements included: • A picnic area • A Western pond turtle and wildlife viewing platform along Jasper Slough • An accessible nature trail around the pond, including boardwalks and wildlife viewing screens • A viewing platform at the pond • An expanded natural surface trail system to accommodate walkers, runners, and equestrians • Increased access to the Middle Fork of the Willamette River • Potential new trailheads providing access to the property (one from South 39th Street, another from the westernmost edge of Clearwater Park via South 42nd Street or Clearwater Lane) • Some additional trail amenities such as more benches, wayfinding, and interpretive signs • Habitat restoration and protection of sensitive habitats park users during preliminary discussions The large majority of the proposed uses and and outreach efforts. These opportunities improvements received broad support and little also align with the values and requirements to no opposition from the public. A complete of natural area parks, opportunities identified summary of findings from public outreach are during site analysis, and the needs and desires included in Appendix 2. Several of the proposed of ownership partners. These proposed improvements received either some level of Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 Mc1MfdcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 31 of 104 27 opposition or require additional consideration and research. Further discussion of each of these is included below to provide a balanced view of concerns and considerations that may factor into these specific improvements. ADDITIONAL ACCESS: As mentioned above, additional access was proposed in the concept shared with the public during the second round of outreach from South 39th Street and from Clearwater Park via either Clearwater Lane or an extension from South 42nd Street (See Master Plan diagram). This proposal aligns with recommendations from the Willamalane Comprehensive Plan (2012) and Rivers to Ridges' Willamette River Vision and Action Plan (2010), and is supported by co- owners of the property. Public outreach revealed that the public also broadly supported this proposal with 72% in favor of a new access point and 28% opposed to it. This was the highest level of support of all proposed improvements presented to the public. Between the two proposed options, there was slightly greater support for additional access from 39th Street (42%) over access from 42nd or Clearwater Lane (30%). Several comments noted that a 39th Street access would provide walkable direct access to the natural area and trails for many adjacent neighbors whose closest access is currently further away via the busy Jasper Road and the Jasper Road Trailhead. Additional access was also strongly supported by students and equestrian riders who want to maximize access and length of trails. It is important to note that there was some opposition to each of these points of entry by neighbors living adjacent to them. Several neighbors along Clearwater Lane expressed concern about the increased traffic, the state of the current road (gravel, not fully improved), and increased undesirable noise and activity an access might attract. Similarly, neighbors whom own property near the City's parcel at the southern terminus of 39th Street expressed concerns about how additional use might impact pedestrian traffic and trespassing on their property. It is also worth noting that there are still a considerable number of unknowns relating to these access points: • For the additional proposed access from the western corner of Clearwater Park, Willamalane would need to work closely with the City, Lane County, and consultants to determine the feasibility and cost of developing new public road accesses from both alternatives: (1) extending South 42nd Street to Clearwater Park or (2) providing public access along Clearwater Lane. Willamalane would also need to work with neighbors to more fully identify concerns and attempt to limit conflicts. Lastly, the Clearwater Park Master Plan calls for the residential house on the western edge of Clearwater Park to become a support facility for outdoor recreation and maintenance. These plans should be considered and amended, as needed, if and when public access is provided from this location to ensure each of the designs complement each other. • The proposed access from neighborhoods north of Georgia Pacific would require coordination with the City and County to determine whether parking and public vehicular access could occur via South 39th Street, which is classified as a local road in the City's Transportation System Plan. Feasibility of using this access as a trailhead with no parking should also be discussed with the City and County. Either way, new access from this location will require additional coordination with the City and cost associated with providing a crossing over the Mill Race Channel. Despite all the unknowns, the Clearwater Park access is surrounded by the County's Rural Residential and Exclusive Farm Use (minimum 28 Attachment 3, Page 32 of 104 25 acres) zones, which is very low density. Therefore, this site provides value primarily as a vehicle access point. Alternatively, because the South 39th Street access is located within 500 feet of the City's Low Density Residential neighborhood to the north, it provides value both as a residential, pedestrian access and as a vehicular access point. Additional opportunities for access to the property from either private or public land should continue to be explored as implementation of the plan moves forward EQUESTRIAN USE AND ACCESS Permanent equestrian trails were identified as the most important improvement in the initial survey (approximately 50% responded in favor); however, they were a much lower priority (only 12% of respondents prioritized these over other improvements or it ranked 7th out of 8 improvement options) in the second public survey. They were second to last priority in the student survey (19% in favor). This is likely a direct reflection of the proportion of equestrian users who participated in each survey. The initial survey had approximately 45% of respondents identifying as equestrian users, while the second survey had just over 6% and the student survey had approximately 1%. Equestrian riders who took the survey want to see more equestrian related improvements. Some of the additional improvements noted include: additional trail options parallel to multi- use paths, hitching posts, mounting blocks, picnic areas, access to water, trails to the river, additional parking, restrooms, and plans for continued trail connections to other properties. Those expressing opposition to equestrian use stated the following as their primary reasons: manure on the trail impacting other trail users' experience, concern manure may impact water quality to waterways onsite, concern equestrian users will not stay on designated trails, safety with other potentially conflicting uses along shared portions of the trail or trail crossings including bikes and dogs, and damage to unpaved trails. Willamalane has relied on the Equestrian Trial Period as a guiding force for evaluating the potential conflicts and impacts of equestrian use on the property. The trial period, now going on 10 months, has shown equestrian use to be minimal, with access occurring primarily from adjacent properties. There have been no significant issues brought to Willamalane's attention relating to conflicts between equestrian and other trail users. Most concerns have related to manure on the trail system. Therefore, moving forward, Willamalane can assume that conflict between users will not be a major concern at the current level of use. If use dramatically increases, this conclusion may change. Public access for equestrian use during the trial period is provided from a gravel parking area at Clearwater Park. Based on anecdotal observations, this parking area has received very little use. A permanent public access point will need to be developed to support equestrian use onsite. Equestrians have noted the following amenities as desirable at a parking area for equestrian use: parking for trucks and trailers, a restroom, water, a hitching post, and a mounting block. Additional research is needed to determine the best location for this access to occur. The following options could be considered: 1. Access from the River Rock Ranch, an equestrian center north of the property: Explore options of developing an easement and providing public access from their property. 2. Access from 28th Street, along the Mill Race Path: Work with Springfield School District and City to assess locations for parking and discuss equestrian access along the existing easement. 3. New proposed trailheads from Clearwater Park and South 39th Street. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMfdcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 33 of 104 29 FISHING During the public survey process, fishing was identified as a common public use of the site. The initial survey had 9%, the second survey had 10%, and the student survey had 17% of respondents indicate that they currently use the property for fishing. Although it isn't clear where this is primarily occurring, staff occasionally see people fishing at the pond and from the banks of the river. The master plan concept presented to the public identified that fishing would be discouraged at the pond in the future. This proposed limitation to fishing access was a result of research and discussions with wildlife biologists at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife who found that fishing activities would likely interfere with efforts to preserve and restore turtle habitat in those sensitive areas. Additionally, fishing at the pond would be reduced over time as warm water species like bass and bluegill were removed from the pond. Currently, Willamalane is neither actively promoting or prohibiting fishing onsite. In order to move towards actively limiting this use, Willamalane will need to incorporate signage and implement a public awareness campaign to explain the value of protecting sensitive areas and reasons why fishing is not allowed at the pond. Design of improvements adjacent to the pond could incorporate elements (i.e. viewing blinds or setting them back from the water's edge) that would actively discourage fishing. Licensed fishing in the river would be allowed and conditions likely improved with the proposed increase in access to the Middle Fork Willamette River. IMPACT OF SENSITIVE AREAS Despite Willamalane's efforts to prioritize natural resource protection and minimize the impact and types of recreational improvements, concern over any level of additional access or impact exists within the public. Comments relating to these concerns focused on issues such as removal of additional trees, compaction of soils, impacts to animals using the property as a wildlife corridor, impacts to wetlands and waterways, and fear of disrupting the natural feel or essence of the property. Willamalane should carefully weigh these concerns during every recreational improvement proposed on any property, but especially for improvements within its natural area parks. Trail and trail -associated uses already exist on site. The master plan formalizes and expands these uses, while providing a few additional trail -related amenities. These improvements are consistent with Willamalane's goals for natural area parks, which call for both protection and public access for recreation. To address concerns relating to impact of sensitive areas Willamalane should consider the following: • Identify and map sensitive areas by providing a buffer zone along all waterways and wetlands onsite. Also identify and map any areas identified as existing high priority habitat. Use best practices to design and implement projects in the most sensitive method possible, especially within these identified zones (see Figure 13). • Most proposed new trails should be maintained as native surface to the maximum extent possible. Use gravel/ rock to create turnpikes or causeways in areas with stability and drainage issues in order to minimize unintended widening of trail corridors. • All accessible routes along nature trails should use permeable surfacing. • Utilize boardwalk systems in areas of sensitive habitat to better control access and to minimize impact to soils and wetlands. • Consider seasonal closures of native surface trails to minimize impact to soils during wet months. • Install overlooks and boardwalk systems using minimal impact best practices, such as the use of helical piles to minimize disturbance and guardrails or handrails to control traffic. 30 Attachment 3, Page 34 of 104 • Provide vegetative buffer between trails and waterways, especially along equestrian access routes. • Coordinate with the City to design crossings over the Mill Race Channel that will create minimal impact. • Coordinate with the equestrian user groups to develop strategies for managing horse manure in the natural area. • Identify desired destinations onsite and provide access in a way that minimizes impact (e.g., raised overlooks control access and protect habitat and soils at key lookouts; clearly marked and defined access to the river minimize impact from user -created, informal access points). • Phase improvements in an adaptive approach over time so that impact can be assessed and Willamalane can assure that the desired outcome of balancing recreation opportunities with natural resource management is achieved. Adapt future plans to respond to needs and results of the initial phases of implementation. • Provide garbage cans and restrooms to minimize waste and dumping in the natural area. • Coordinate with the City and SUB to monitor whether proposed levels of access impact water quality in the Mill Race Channel over time and adapt strategy as needed. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaAttachment 3, Page 35 of 104 31 RECREATION THREATS AND CONSTRAINTS • Lack of access to the site and to destinations throughout the site: • Lack of access to the property for all residents, including neighbors living closest to the park • Lack of access for maintenance and restoration efforts • Lack of an official trail system has resulted in trails being created in sensitive areas • Minimal access and visibility onsite increase likelihood of undesirable use of the site and perceived lack of safety by users. • Fast moving water and armored banks along the edge of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River limit opportunities for safe access to the river. • The "Nature Park" classification of the natural area limits the type and extent of recreational development per Willamalane's Comprehensive Plan. • There are currently limited resources (time/funds) available for maintenance of new recreational amenities. • The diversity of existing and proposed uses of the trail system may potentially lead to conflicts, especially along segments showing shared use or at multi -use path crossings. • Intensification of recreational use and development onsite may threaten the success of natural resource goals. • The property is not well known. Historically, it has not been specifically identified on Willamalane's maps. The current name represents a timber company, which may cause confusion about ownership. RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES • There is established use and familiarity of the multi -use path system onsite with connectivity to destinations beyond the property boundaries. • Proximity to Agnes Stewart Middle School provides opportunities to partner with teachers and students to achieve restoration, education, and recreational objectives within the plan. • Both visible and physical access to the Middle Fork of the Willamette River and other waterways is highly desired by the public. • The remote feeling and natural setting of the property are unique given its close proximity to neighborhoods, schools, and other urbanized portions of the community. • There are lots of opportunities for education and interpretation on habitat restoration efforts, as well as the dynamic character of existing waterways, and flora and fauna found in the natural area. • The equestrian boarding facilities adjacent to the site provide opportunities for improved collaboration, access, and monitoring of equestrian user needs and facilities. • There is potential for the site to connect to other trail systems via a bridge over the Middle Fork of the Willamette River (to the Howard Buford Recreation Area) or by extending further east in Springfield. Desire for these future connections is identified in Willamalane's Comprehensive Plan (2012) and other regional planning documents. • There was broad and strong support in the public outreach efforts for many of the proposed recreational improvements including a nature trail around the pond, viewing platforms and overlooks, a picnic area, more trails, and additional benches. • There are two areas very close to the property slated for new development, both for residential housing and as a future employment center. These developments have potential to increase use of the trail system and the natural area. NATURAL RESOURCE GOALS & ACTIONS The overall intent of natural resource goal -setting is to preserve, manage, and enhance target habitats at Georgia Pacific Natural Area in order to benefit native wildlife and plant communities and to support public appreciation and learning at the site. The target habitats used to organize and break down the goals include wetlands, aquatic, and riparian forest. Sensitive species are also addressed. Each action is classified to identify whether it is a short range (i.e. high priority), medium range, or long range priority. It is also identified as either a regular task, ongoing task, or a task with potential for volunteer involvement. More information about these classifications is included in Table 3. Table 3. Prioritization Categories for Natural Resource Actions. GOAL NR1: WETLANDS (approximately 7 acres) Maintain and enhance the native plant community and structure of various types of wetlands at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. Focus efforts on improving understory conditions, canopy, and tree and shrub recruitment to contribute towards protecting water quality and habitat. OBJECTIVE NR1.A. UNDERSTORY Maintain and enhance the structure and composition of wetland understory on the site. Initiate efforts adjacent to areas already in high quality condition and adjacent to waterways. ACTIONS: NR1.A.1 (I,II, RM,O) Remove invasive woody vegetation such as blackberry by utilizing methods identified in Willamalane's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan. Schedule this work to minimize impacts to wildlife on the site. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMf dcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 37 of 104 33 CLASSIFICATIONKEY DEFINITION Short -Range (highest Will be undertaken as soon as possible (1-5 years). priority) II Medium -Range Less pressing, implemented when funding is available (6-10 years). III Long -Range Will be implemented over a longer period of time due to the complexity or cost of the task or is dependent on other actions being completed first (11-20 years). RM Regular Management Management or maintenance activity typically performed on an annual, biannual, or biennial basis. O Ongoing A regularly occurring or ongoing activity. Vol Volunteer Opportunity Activity that could be undertaken by volunteers (with adequate coordination). GOAL NR1: WETLANDS (approximately 7 acres) Maintain and enhance the native plant community and structure of various types of wetlands at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. Focus efforts on improving understory conditions, canopy, and tree and shrub recruitment to contribute towards protecting water quality and habitat. OBJECTIVE NR1.A. UNDERSTORY Maintain and enhance the structure and composition of wetland understory on the site. Initiate efforts adjacent to areas already in high quality condition and adjacent to waterways. ACTIONS: NR1.A.1 (I,II, RM,O) Remove invasive woody vegetation such as blackberry by utilizing methods identified in Willamalane's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan. Schedule this work to minimize impacts to wildlife on the site. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMf dcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 37 of 104 33 Sub Action 1.a. (I,II, RM, O) Develop a strategy for blackberry removal that prioritizes areas of high quality habitat, and areas that experience chronic camping. NR1.A.2. (I,RM,O) Remove invasive species such as false brome, shining geranium, ivy, lemon balm, herb Robert, tansy, and reed canary grass. Sub Action 2.a. (I,II, RM, O) Conduct annual invasive species control in areas with high quality native understory plants and along all existing and future trails throughout the site. Sub Action 2.b. (I,II, RM, O) Follow up ivy control efforts by working out from life -ringed trees to remove ground ivy, starting in high quality habitat and working outwards. NR1.A.3. (I, RM, O) Selectively remove invasive trees such as English holly, English hawthorn and birch. Chemically treat stumps of trees and shrubs at the time of removal to prevent resprout. NR1.A.4. (II, III, O) As understory invasive species are addressed and as wetland understory areas are stabilized, use seeding and plug planting to increase native composition and diversity of forbs, herbaceous plants, and other appropriate wetland understory species. NR1.A.5. (I, RM, O) Monitor wetland conditions and succession over time to determine if wetland is changing in character and if actions need to be implemented to mitigate changes to ecological trajectory. Monitoring work should follow invasive species removal efforts. OBJECTIVE NR1.B. TREE CANOPY Protect and enhance existing tree canopy within and adjacent to wetland habitats in the natural area. Initiate efforts adjacent to areas already in high quality condition and adjacent to waterways. ACTIONS: NR1.B.1. (I, O) Develop a monitoring and mapping protocol to better understand age distribution of the tree canopy and where the canopy is at risk of changing. NR1.B.2. (I, RM, O) Identify trees threatened by ivy species and remove ivy to protect the trees. Start by life ringing the trees (i.e., cutting all vines on tree trunk at chest height) and then progressively clear the ground ivy away from the bases of trees. N1111.13.3. (I, O, RM) Identify specific trees and areas where trees are reaching their maximum ages and should be targeted for tree recruitment efforts (See Objective NR1.C. Tree and Shrub Recruitment) OBJECTIVE NR1.C. TREE AND SHRUB RECRUITMENT Maintain and enhance natural tree and shrub recruitment and supplement natural tree and shrub recruitment with planting efforts to increase the age class diversity of trees and shrubs within wetland habitats at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. Initiate efforts adjacent to areas already in high quality condition and adjacent to waterways. 34 Attachment 3, Page 38 of 104 ACTIONS: NR1.C.1. (1, RM, O) Identify areas where there is good tree recruitment and focus efforts on maintaining that recruitment by managing the understory to prevent woody vegetation encroachment. See above, Objective NR1.A. Understory. NR1.C.2. (1, 11, III, RM, O) Monitor and plant new trees and shrubs in areas where encroaching woody vegetation has been removed from the understory. GOAL N R 2 : RIPARIAN FOREST (approximately 119 acres) Maintain and enhance the native plant community and structure of riparian forest. Focus efforts on tree canopy condition, understory condition, and presence of native tree and shrub recruitment. OBJECTIVE NR2.A. UNDERSTORY Enhance and maintain high quality understory habitat within riparian forests at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. Initiate efforts adjacent to areas already in high quality condition and adjacent to waterways. ACTIONS: NR2.A.1. (1, II RM,O) Remove invasive woody vegetation such as blackberry utilizing methods identified in Willamalane's integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan. Plan this work to minimize impacts to wildlife on the site. Sub Action 1.a. (1,11, RM, O) Develop a strategy for blackberry removal that prioritizes areas of high quality habitat and areas that experience chronic camping. Sub Action 1.b. (1,11, RM, O) Follow-up ivy control efforts by working out from life -ringed trees to remove ground ivy, starting in high quality habitat and working outwards. NR2.A.2. (1, 11,0) Remove invasive species such as false brome, shining geranium, ivy, lemon balm, herb Robert, tansy, reed canary grass, teasel, purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed. Sub Action 2.a. (1,11, RM, O) Conduct annual false brome control in areas with high quality native understory plants and along all existing and future trails throughout the site. Sub Action 2.b. (1,11, RM, O) Annual mowing of open grassy areas of site for invasive weed and shrub encroachment, phase out this work as these areas are planted and restored to riparian forest. NR2.A.3. (1, RM, O) Selectively remove invasive trees such as English holly, English Hawthorne and birch. NR2.A.4. (1, 11, III, O) As understory invasive species are addressed and as the riparian forest understory areas are stabilized, use seeding and plug planting to increase diversity and improve native composition. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMfdcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 39 of 104 35 OBJECTIVE NR2.13. TREE CANOPY Protect and enhance existing tree canopy within and adjacent to riparian forest habitats at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. The focus of these actions is to maintain the structure of a closed canopy riparian forest throughout habitats on the site. Initiate efforts adjacent to areas already in high quality condition and adjacent to waterways. ACTIONS: NR2.B.1. (I, O) Develop a monitoring and mapping protocol to better understand age distribution of the tree canopy and where the canopy is at risk of changing. NR2.B.2. (I, II, O) Develop a plan for filling gaps in the riparian forest canopy through planting and encouraging natural regeneration of native riparian tree species. NR2.B.3. (I, RM, O) Identify trees threatened by ivy species and remove ivy to protect the trees. Start by liferinging the trees (i.e. cutting all vines on tree trunk at chest height) and then progressively clear the ground ivy away from the bases of trees. NR2.B.4. (I, II, O, RM) Identify specific trees and areas where trees are reaching their maximum ages and should be targeted for tree recruitment efforts (See Objective NR2.C. Tree and Shrub Recruitment) N1112.13.5. (I, RM, O) Conduct hazardous tree assessments annually in areas where trees could pose a risk to the public or infrastructure, such as along the Middle Fork and Mill Race Path or adjacent to existing informal trails. OBJECTIVE NR2.C. TREE AND SHRUB RECRUITMENT Maintain and enhance natural tree and shrub recruitment and supplement natural tree and shrub recruitment with planting efforts to increase the age class diversity of trees and shrubs within riparian forest habitats at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. Initiate efforts adjacent to areas already in high quality condition and adjacent to waterways on the site. ACTIONS: NR2.C.1. (I, RM, O) Identify areas where there is good tree recruitment and focus efforts on maintaining that recruitment by managing the understory to prevent woody vegetation encroachment. See action NR2.A.1. above in Understory. NR2.C.2. (I, II, RM, O) Monitor and plant new trees and shrubs in areas where encroaching woody vegetation has been removed from the understory. GOAL N R3: AQUATIC H A 6 I TATS (approximately 11 acres) Maintain and enhance the in -water conditions of the identified aquatic habitats on the site. OBJECTIVE NR3.A. INVASIVE SPECIES Monitor and control invasive species in aquatic habitats. Species include both aquatic plants and wildlife. ACTIONS: NR3.A.1. (I, RM, O) Monitor aquatic vegetation within all aquatic habitats for Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) to address any aquatic invasive plants such as 36 Attachment 3, Page 40 of 104 purple loosestrife, Eurasian watermilfoil, water primrose, reed canary grass, feathered water fern, and other invasive species. NR3.A.2. (1, RM, O) Monitor aquatic habitats for invasive wildlife species using Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) to address any invasive aquatic wildlife such as American bullfrog, Japanese mystery snails, snapping turtles, red eared sliders, carp species, Northern snakehead, New Zealand mud snail, zebra and Quagga mussels and other species. NR3.A.3. (1, RM, O) Obtain professional assistance from Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to support efforts to address aquatic invasive species. OBJECTIVE NR3.B. WATER QUALITY Improve surface and groundwater quality on the site. ACTIONS: NR3.B.1. (1, RM, O) Routinely meet with SUB and the City to support partner efforts and recommendations on how to improve and protect surface and groundwater quality on the site. OBJECTIVE NR3.C. HABITAT Improve wildlife habitat for aquatic species on the site. ACTIONS: NR3.C.1. (1,11,111) Coordinate with the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council to explore the possibility for improving off -channel habitat at the site, including exploring opportunities to reestablish former hydrological connections. NR3.C.2. (1,11,111) Coordinate with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council, the City, and relevant federal regulatory agencies to enhance habitat complexity in the Mill Race Channel. Work may include placement of in -stream structures in addition to large woody debris placements. This work may require coordination with adjacent private property owners. GOAL NR4: SENSITIVE HABITATS Protect and improve the specific areas identified as habitat for sensitive species living within the park boundary. Projects will be focused in areas identified as sensitive; see Figure 13 (pg. 24). OBJECTIVE NR4.A. SENSITIVE AREAS Any work conducted within zones identified as sensitive habitat should minimize potential impacts to sensitive species within these areas. ACTIONS: NR4.A.1. (O,RM) Schedule vegetation management work to avoid disturbing species on the site including ground nesting birds, Western pond turtles, waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians and mammals through consultation with ODFW. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMfdcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 41 of 104 37 NR4.A.2. (III, O) If opportunity arises, coordinate with City and SUB to identify and assess opportunities for wetland mitigation banking. OBJECTIVE NR4.B. WESTERN POND TURTLE Improve habitat for Western pond turtles on the site in both Jasper Slough and the pond. ACTIONS: NR4.B.1. (1, RM, O) Work with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to monitor conditions at the site for Western pond turtles. Incorporate ODFW recommendations into future habitat improvement projects to assure habitat improvement efforts are able to adapt and respond to changing site conditions. NR4.B.2. (1, RM, O) Use mechanical methods to maintain early succession (e.g., low stature vegetation and bare ground) habitat adjacent to aquatic habitats to provide nesting habitat for Western pond turtles. Schedule work to minimize impacts to turtle nesting through consultation with ODFW and coordinate work with the City as needed. NR4.B.3. (1, RM, O) Prioritize work in identified turtle nesting areas with good solar access. NR4.B.4. (1,11) Increase basking structures in the pond itself to provide adult turtles with additional open water basking structures (i.e., large floating logs). NR4.113.5. (1, 11) Maintain and enhance edge basking structure on the pond edges to enable juvenile turtles to bask on vegetation hanging into the pond. This includes maintaining shrub vegetation such as willows and dogwoods adjacent to pond. NR4.B.6. (1,0) Work with ODFW to develop a monitoring protocol that can be used to understand changes in Western pond turtle populations on the site. 38 Attachment 3, Page 42 of 104 RECREATION GOALS & ACTIONS Recreation goals, objectives, and actions provide opportunities for passive recreation at Georgia Pacific Natural Area including trails, additional access, and some supporting amenities. They also address creating a sense of identity and propose several recommendations for management of the natural area. The Desired Future Conditions concept diagram at the end of this section provides a graphic representation of the locations and relationships between the proposed actions. GOAL R1: TRAILS Expand the existing trail system to allow for multiple uses and experiences that are compatible with natural resource goals contained in this master plan. OBJECTIVE M.A. Maintain the existing multi -use paved path system. ACTIONS: R1.A.1. Keep vegetation clear from the "Clearance Zone" of the path (see Appendix 3). R1.A.2. Conduct regular maintenance on the path surfacing, including removing changes in elevation greater than 1/4 inch, maintaining asphalt surface in good repair, and re -striping. R1.A.3. Replace missing or repair damaged signage, maps, and mile markers along the trail system as needed. OBJECTIVE 1111.13. Provide an accessible nature trail around the pond for those visiting on foot or using mobility devices. ACTIONS: 1111.13.11. Trail width, surface, and clearance to be designed in accordance with standards shown in Appendix 3. 1111.13.2. Create a looped trail that captures views of the pond and adjacent wetland areas. Utilize best practices, such as building boardwalks using helical piles for trail development in sensitive areas. 1111.13.3. Incorporate opportunities for art, interpretation, and education along the trail system. OBJECTIVE R1.C. Provide longer soft surface walking trails looping through the natural area for foot and equestrian access. ACTIONS: 111.C.1. Trail width, surface, and clearance to be designed in accordance with standards shown in Appendix 3. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaA,fdc�ii%s�ir t 3, Page 43 of 104 39 1111.C.2. Separate equestrian access routes from multi -use paths to the maximum extent practicable to promote safety between bike and equestrian trail use. 1111.C.3. Align trail to provide a vegetated buffer between trails and waterways aside from a couple of locations shown on the Desired Future Conditions concept diagram. If entering into sensitive areas, carefully design trails to protect surrounding soils (e.g., boardwalks, turnpikes, causeways, etc) to the maximum extent possible. 1111.C.4. Provide signage along the trail system for wayfinding, to define allowed uses, to define etiquette and safe practices when sharing trails with horses, and to provide mile markers. R1.C.5. Work with a broad range of equestrian groups, such as Oregon Equestrian Trails and Backcountry Horsemen of Oregon, to finalize design of equestrian routes prior to construction. R1.C.6. Partner with equestrian users for assistance with maintenance of equestrian related improvements. R1.C.7. Willamalane staff will coordinate with the City to monitor water and habitat quality within and near the Mill Race Channel to assure it does not decline due to increased levels of use. GOAL R2: ACCESS Improve access into the site and to destinations throughout the site. OBJECTIVE R2.A. Add new trailheads that will allow for more convenient access to the natural area from adjacent properties. ACTIONS: R2.A.1. Work with the City and SUB to assess feasibility of an additional access from the west side of the property once the planned future employment district begins to develop (i.e., from South 26th Street, South 28th Street, South M Street). R2.A.2. Work with the City and County to assess the feasibility of developing an additional trailhead from the City's property adjacent to South 39th Street. Prioritize access for adjacent neighbors. Vehicular access and parking should be explored based on an established need and compatibility with neighborhood context. Sub Action 2.a. Communicate with neighbors adjacent to the City's parcel to identify and address concerns about the proposed trailhead. Sub Action 2.b. Identify permitting and land use review requirements for the new trailhead improvement. Sub Action 2.c. Coordinate with the City to design a trailhead and crossing over the Mill Race Channel in order to establish access to the natural area trail system. Assess permitting requirements and cost of the crossing. R2.A.3. Explore feasibility of a new trailhead from the western corner of Clearwater Park. Additional trailhead access from this location should be driven by a need for increased vehicular parking and access, such as an equestrian parking area, if demand exceeds capacity of Clearwater Park. 40 Attachment 3, Page 44 of 104 Sub Action 3.a. Work with Lane County to conduct a cost and feasibility assessment for the extension of South 42nd Street within existing right-of-way in order to allow public access to the western boundary of Clearwater Park. Sub Action 3.b. Work with Lane County to conduct a feasibility assessment for requirements associated with providing public access along Clearwater Lane to the western boundary of Clearwater Park. Sub Action 3.c. Coordinate with adjacent neighbors to identify and address access concerns during the design process. Sub Action 4.d. Ensure design of additional trailhead aligns with future plans for the western corner of the property identified in the Clearwater Park Master Plan. R2.A.4. Work with adjacent private landowners, the City, and SUB to explore additional opportunities for access into the property as they arise. R2.A.S. Maintain Jasper Road Trailhead as the primary access point to the natural area for recreation, maintenance, and safety access. R2.A.6. Develop a dedicated permanent equestrian parking area from a new developed access point if and when parking demand increases. Sub Action 6.a. Continue to use Clearwater Park as a temporary equestrian access until a new access point is developed. Sub Action 6.b. Provide semi-permanent signage at the Clearwater Park parking lot to accommodate equestrian use and access. Sub Action 6.c. Coordinate with equestrian groups such as Oregon Equestrian Trails and Backcountry Horsemen to identify crucial amenities needed (e.g., hitching post or mounting block) at Clearwater Park parking area to allow it to function better as an access point. Sub Action 6.d. Continue feasibility efforts towards developing a new public equestrian access from the private equestrian center located adjacent to the natural area. If feasible, develop a new trailhead and supporting amenities. Sub Action 6.e. If the access from the private equestrian center is deemed not feasible, begin feasibility assessments for other possible points of access. OBJECTIVE R2.B. Provide additional visual and physical access to existing waterways. ACTIONS: R2.B.1. Prioritize maintenance of invasive understory along the river side of the Middle Fork Path at locations that provide opportunities for river views from the path. R2.113.2. Prioritize maintenance of invasive understory along the Mill Race Path where opportunities for views of the pond exist. Consider integrating plantings or other barriers to limit physical access to the pond. R2.113.3. Provide additional benches at existing viewpoints along the Middle Fork or Mill Race Paths. Placement and frequency of benches should be compatible with natural resource goals and retain a sense of solitude for users. R2.113.4. Look for opportunities to provide new benches along the new trail system to capture views of the pond or the Mill Race Channel. Coordinate closely with the City Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 Mai,+tfacnp Wt 3, Page 45 of 104 41 when designing benches near the Mill Race and attempt to integrate plantings or other barriers to limit physical access to the channel. R2.113.5. Construct at least one trail to the banks of the Middle Fork Willamette River at a location that allows for improved user access. Trail design should account for accessibility requirements, safety, and impacts of development and human activity to the surrounding natural area. Desired use for this access includes: viewing wildlife and scenery, picnicking, water play, and fishing. R2.113.6. Construct an overlook along the Jasper Slough and Mill Race Path for viewing of the Western pond turtle and other aquatic and waterfowl species. See Appendix 3 for a conceptual design that includes a cantilevered platform, seating, interpretation, and art. Final design will be done in consultation with ODFW. Sub Action 6.a. Work with natural resource staff to identify the best location in order to minimize impact to pond turtle nesting areas. Sub Action 6.b. Connect to the Jasper Pond picnic area per Action R3.A. Sub Action 6.c. Design in a way to minimize impact to bank soils and vegetation. R2.113.7. Construct an overlook along the southern edge of the pond for viewing birds and wildlife. Incorporate design elements (e.g., increasing the height, handrails) that will deter visitors from leaving the trail and from fishing off the platform (pull back from water's edge, add viewing blind). Locate the overlook on the southwest banks of the pond to protect basking areas on the north banks of the pond. See Appendix 3 for a conceptual design. Final design will be done in consultation with ODFW. Sub Action 7.a. Incorporate accessible seating at the overlook. Sub Action 7.b. Set the overlook back from the water's edge and incorporate other design strategies (e.g., handrails, signage, screening) to deter people from using the overlook as a fishing platform. Sub Action 7.c. Design in a way to minimize impact to bank soils and vegetation. OBJECTIVE R2.C. Continue to support regional visioning for a bridge crossing to natural resource lands along the south bank of the Middle Fork Willamette River (i.e., the "Confluence Property") and Howard Buford Recreation Area. Georgia Pacific Natural Area should be included in future assessments of where this bridge is feasible. GOAL 113: AMENITIES Provide additional site amenities to promote education, enjoyment, safety, and accessibility to trail system users. OBJECTIVE R3.A. Picnic Area. Provide a picnic area within close proximity to the Mill Race Path and Jasper Road Pond. This picnic area will serve path users and neighbors, and can function as an outdoor classroom for Agnes Stewart Middle School students. It can also provide a staging area for volunteer days or events such as races and nature walks. 42 Attachment 3, Page 46 of 104 ACTIONS: R3.A.1. Provide approximately 4-8 picnic tables in both sun and shady locations along the storm basin next to the Jasper Road Trailhead. Coordinate with Natural Resource staff to identify the best locations to avoid turtle nesting areas. R3.A.2. Provide a minimum of two tables and surfacing that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. R3.A.3. Coordinate with the landowners of the proposed picnic area, City of Springfield, for review and approval of the design prior to construction. R3.A.4. Look for opportunities to connect the design of the picnic area to the proposed Jasper Slough Overlook (Action R2.13.6.) through use of repetition of materials, art, and interpretation. OBJECTIVE R3.B. Overlooks. Provide cantilevered overlooks at locations where viewpoints coincide with sensitive habitat zones in order to minimize impact to these areas (see R2.13.6. & R2.13.7. for related actions). OBJECTIVE R3.C. Wayfinding Signs. Expand upon the existing wayfinding system used for the Middle Fork Path and Mill Race Path to incorporate new trails as the trail network develops. ACTIONS: R3.C.1. Provide new trail maps at each new trailhead as they are developed. R3.C.2. Provide quarter -mile markers on new trails as they are constructed. R3.C.3. Provide wayfinding signs at each trail junction. OBJECTIVE 1113.113. Equestrian Signage and Information. Provide signage and online content to support safe and compatible equestrian use onsite. ACTIONS: 1113.113.11. Mark equestrian routes clearly so users know where they can and cannot travel. 1113.113.2. Install "horse crossing" yield signs along the Middle Fork and Mill Race paths prior to equestrian crossings. 1113.113.3. Provide information about equestrian use and trail etiquette at each trailhead. 1113.113.4. Install signage along equestrian routes to educate users on how to safely interact with horses if they were to encounter them on a trail. 1113.113.5. Provide clear wayfinding to and around dedicated equestrian parking area(s) as they are developed. 1113.113.6. Provide information specific to equestrian users on Willamalane's website. Information should include parking locations and capacity, amenities for horses, trail surface, trail crossings, distances, and any precautions about potential hazards riders may encounter. OBJECTIVE R3.E. Interpretive Signs and Education. Provide interpretive panels along the proposed accessible nature trail and at overlook locations. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMfdcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 47 of 104 43 ACTIONS: R3.E.1. Provide interpretive information at the overlook along the Jasper Slough that focuses on the Western pond turtle. Coordinate with City staff on location and signage information. 1113.E.2. Create an interpretive plan for the nature trail and pond overlook. Plan will identify locations where interpretive materials will be placed along the trail system and what information will be provided at each location. Interpretation will focus on explaining the dynamic nature of rivers, the various habitats located on the site, and the plants and wildlife that call the site home. R3.E.3. Create opportunities for "citizen science" through mobile phone applications such as iNaturalist or by establishing official E -Bird hotspots. R3.E.4. Further expand relationships with students and teachers from Agnes Stewart Middle School and other local schools to assist with habitat restoration efforts and water quality monitoring. OBJECTIVE R3.F. General Amenities. Provide general site amenities that maximize enjoyment of the trail system by all users. ACTIONS: R3.F.1. Provide a restroom (porta-potty) near the junction of Middle Fork Path and Mill Race Path. R3.F.2. Provide garbage cans at picnic areas, near restrooms, and near entrance to river access points to limit garbage and waste left behind. R3.F.3. Provide benches at viewpoints, trailheads, and interpretative destinations throughout the park. R3.F.4. Incorporate art into the design of signage structures, boardwalks, picnic areas, and interpretation when possible. OBJECTIVE R3.G. Equestrian Amenities. Provide site amenities and experiences specific to equestrian users through consultation with groups like Oregon Equestrian Trails and Backcountry Horsemen of Oregon. These actions will be undertaken once a permanent access point has been identified to provide equestrians with access to Georgia Pacific Natural Area. ACTIONS: R3.G.1. Provide a mounting block and hitching post near restrooms. R3.G.2. Future permanent access point for equestrians to include a hitching post, mounting block, access to water for horses, and restrooms. R3.G.3. Provide sightlines to water for equestrians both at the pond and along the river. GOAL 114: IDENTITY Improve the identity of the property onsite, online, and among patrons. OBJECTIVE R4.A. Adopt a new name for the property and individual trails. 44 Attachment 3, Page 48 of 104 ACTIONS: R4.A.1. Create a new name for the site that incorporates recommendations from the public (e.g., focuses on local flora, fauna, geology, geomorphology, regional or cultural significance of the site). Sub Action 1.a. Conduct outreach with local Native American tribes to gauge interest in participating in the naming process. Sub Action 1.b. Have the Willamalane Board of Directors review and approve the name consistent with adopted administrative policy. Also seek review and approval from the City and SUB. R4.A.2. Include new name on all maps, signage, and wayfinding throughout the natural area, at trailheads, and online. OBJECTIVE R4.B. Update maps and online content to make the natural area more identifiable. ACTIONS: 1114.13.11. Update trail maps at all existing trailheads (Dorris Ranch, Booth Kelly, Jasper Road, and Clearwater Park) to include new trails as they are constructed. Maps should also show the boundary and name of the natural area. 1114.13.2. Provide the most recent version of trail maps and trail user information on Willamalane's website. At a minimum, maps should be in English and Spanish. 1114.113.3. Review Willamalane's website to ensure information about the property is consistently kept up to date and accurate. OBJECTIVE R4.C. Improve awareness of natural area boundaries. ACTIONS: R4.C.1. Include gateway markers at each entrance/exit point to the natural area along multi -use paths. Consider use of signs, art (i.e., sculptures), plantings, or pavement markings that could best mark these gateways. Coordinate with ownership partners to approve design and placement of these. R4.C.2. Consider creating a symbol or color marker that can be incorporated along pavement markings and signage throughout the property to reinforce the identity of the site to visitors. R4.C.3. Work with adjacent landowners to install signage, fencing, or use other methods to deter visitors from leaving the property and trespassing on private property. GOAL M MANAGEMENT Plan and conduct regular maintenance of trails to assure safety and maximize longevity of the trail system. OBJECTIVE R5.A. Conduct regular walk-throughs and maintenance of the trail system. ACTIONS: R5.A.1. Regular walk-throughs to include removal of hazards, garbage, debris, and Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMfdcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 49 of 104 45 obstructions from trail surface and areas visible from the trail. R5.A.2. Conduct vegetation removal necessary to maintain clearance standards defined in Appendix 3. OBJECTIVE RS.B. Conduct additional maintenance based on need. ACTIONS: 1115.13.1. Coordinate with the City and SUB to get trails cleared and debris removed throughout the property after storm events. 1115.13.2. Work towards implementing priority actions identified in the Natural Resource goals section. 1115.13.3. Prioritize management of invasive species that block sightlines to water from the trail system (i.e., views of the pond from the Mill Race Path, river views from the Middle Fork Path). 1115.13.4. Monitor areas identified as sensitive habitat for impacts such as user -created trails, garbage, etc. OBJECTIVE RS.C. Actively promote safety for trail users. ACTIONS: R5.C.1. Provide emergency contact information and information about potential hazards onsite at kiosks. R5.C.2. Assure that fire/emergency access from the Mill Race Path, Jasper Road Trailhead, and throughout the multi -use path system is maintained and cleared of obstructions. R5.C.3. Continue to coordinate with Springfield/Eugene Fire to assure that new uses, trails, and river access points are communicated. Develop plans for emergency response to key destinations within the natural area. OBJECTIVE 1115.113. Create a plan to maintain trails accessed by equestrian users. ACTIONS: R5.D.1. Work with equestrian users to assist with maintenance of equestrian trails, signage, and site amenities relating to equestrian use. OBJECTIVE RS.E. Establish funding and volunteer partnerships to conduct maintenance onsite. R5.E.1. Amend the existing Intergovernmental Agreement with ownership partners to determine opportunities for partnering on the implementation of maintenance tasks. R5.E.2. Coordinate with the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council to seek grant funding from Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board or other funding sources in support of restoration and management actions on the site. R5.E.3. Work with ODFW to monitor the site and identify additional opportunities for restoration and enhancement of the site. R5.E.4. Establish regular volunteer work parties to assist with maintenance and restoration efforts. 46 Attachment 3, Page 50 of 104 DESIRED FUTURE CONDITIONS GEORGIA PACIFIC NATURAL AREA 2021 MASTER PLAN 1 Jas er Rd. 2 L 3 i _ � r r I *1 N 1 7 LEGEND O ® Key Actions* Multi -use Path �.. "" Accessible Nature Trail �= O Running/ Equestrian Trails Master Plan Boundary Sensitive Areas** O 0 Waterways r, 0 Parkland O *The numbered improvements are further explained 4 in the plan document and in the referenced actions within the plan document. **Sensitive Areas in the context of this plan is defined on page 24. O 00�_ .♦ I 0 0.05 0.1 N ■ Miles 0.2 V, JASPER ROAD TRAILHEAD © SENSITIVE AREAS Primary access to natural area for bikers, Trail through sensitive areas to receive careful pedestrians, maintenance, and safety design and consideration to minimize impact. vehicles. (R2.A.5.) Regulations may also influence trail design. (pg. 30) PICNIC AREA A picnic area to serve neighbors, students, and events. M.A.) JASPER SLOUGH OVERLOOK For viewing of western pond turtle basking sites and waterfowl in Jasper Slough. (R2.B.6.) RUNNING AND EQUESTRIAN TRAILS A double loop, soft surface trail system for running, hiking, and equestrian use. (R1.C.) ACCESSIBLE NATURE TRAIL Accessible trail constructed of compacted gravel and boardwalks. Trail will provide views of the pond and wetland areas and will include seating, wildlife screens, and educational opportunities through interpretive signage and art. (R1.B.) 2 �►.'law Attachment 3, Page 51 of 104 OPOND OVERLOOK The overlook will be elevated from the banks of the pond and accessed from a boardwalk system for pedestrian use. It will include interpretative signage, seating, art, and wildlife screening. Fishing will be discouraged. An equestrian route will bypass the boardwalk, to the south and set back further from pond's edge. (R2.B.7.) ®REST AREA Area will provide portable restrooms, garbage cans, seating, hitching post, and mounting block in close proximity to existing kiosk and proposed river access. (R3.F.1., R3.F.2., R3.G.1.) ORIVER ACCESS 1 A clear, accessible route down to the river's edge that improves access for fishing, water play, and wildlife viewing. (R2.B.5.) OACCESS FROM SOUTH 39TH STREET Explore feasibility of this potential new access point. (R2.A.2.) 11 VIEWS OF MILL RACE CHANNEL Benches at a couple of locations along the Mill Race Channel enhance wildlife viewing and scenic 13 opportunities for trail users. (R2.B.4.) © RIVER ACCESS 2 ' CLEARWATER 1 Pending successful experiences at River Access ' PARK 1, a second access point will be developed near ' I ' this location that provides runners, walkers, and ' equestrians an additional opportunity to view, _♦ fish, and play in the water. (R2.B.5.) 13 ACCESS FROM CLEARWATER PARK Depending upon the demand for additional vehicular parking for access, assess the feasibility of this location as a new trailhead access point. (R2.A.3.) This page is left intentionally blank. Attachment 3, Page 52 of 104 IMPLEMENTATION NATURAL RESOURCES The following discussion provides clarity on how Willamalane will proceed with implementation of the desired future conditions at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. The highest priority for implementation is protecting and enhancing habitats (Wetland and Riparian Forest) that are already in high quality condition and maintaining them in that condition. The second highest priority will be implementing restoration and maintenance practices in areas directly adjacent to aquatic habitats to ensure that the ecotone or transitional zone from aquatic to terrestrial (land) environments is preserved and enhanced. The third priority for implementation will be site -wide invasive species work to enable more natural regeneration and tree recruitment. Habitat restoration and maintenance will be tracked and monitored to enable Willamalane to utilize adaptive management approaches over time to address issues within the natural area. Data will be collected pre- and post -project, and outcomes will be monitored to provide insights into the level of success of projects. Results will be evaluated and analyzed to identify opportunities for improvement when implementing maintenance and management at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. The sequencing of work at the site will follow these general guidelines: work outwards from high quality habitats and improve habitats adjacent to water. Initial steps will include addressing invasive species in high quality areas and then working toward medium quality and low quality as resources allow. Some of the initial work will focus on improvements to the understory to support natural tree recruitment as well as enable tree planting once conditions are stabilized. Areas where the canopy is missing or at risk of aging out will be prioritized. Given the existing site conditions at Georgia Pacific Natural Area and the widespread distribution of invasive species, small planting plans and projects will be used first to test and evaluate restoration techniques for efficacy and efficiency. AQUATIC HABITATS Aquatic habitats at Georgia Pacific Natural Area will require a unique strategic approach in that they are natural resources for which Willamalane is not well equipped to solely manage. For the purposes of this plan, Willamalane will help guide and implement restoration activities up to the high water line or, seasonally, to the water's edge. For aquatic habitat implementation in the water bodies themselves, Willamalane will consult and partner with relevant agencies: the City (Mill Race Channel and Jasper Slough), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (Georgia Pacific Natural Area Pond), and the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council for any habitat issues identified on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. Tables 4 & 5 provide an overview of the goals and actions that will be implemented and the general time -horizon in which they will be implemented at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaAttachment 3, Page 53 of 104 49 Table 4. Priorities for Wetland Habitat Habitat Short-range Priorities Medium -range Long-range Priorit •Priorities• • High Quality Understory (0.2 acres) Understory (0.2 acres) Understory (0.2 acres) • NR1.A.1 NR1.A.1 NR1.A.4 (3 acres) NR1.A.2NR1.A.1 Sub Action 1.a NR1.A.5 • NR A.3 NR1.A.2 Sub Action 2.a • NR1.A.4 NR1.A.2 Sub Action 2.b Canopy (1.8 acres) • NR1.A.5 NR1.A.3 NR1.B.1 Canopy (1.8 acres) NR1.A.4 NR1.B.2 • NR1.B.1 NR1.A.5 NR1.B.3 • NR1.B.2 Canopy 0.8 acres) Tree Recruitment (1.0 acre) • NR1.B.3 NR1.B.1 NR1.C.1 Tree Recruitment (1.0 acre) NR1.B.2 NR1.C.2 • NR1.C.1 NR1.B.3 • NR1.C.2 Tree Recruitment (1.0 acre) • NR1.C.1 • NR1.C.2 Medium Understory (1.4 acres) Understory (1.4 acres) Understory (1.4 acres) • NR1.A.1 NR1.A.1 NR1.A.4 Quality (4.06 NR1.A.2 NR1.A.1 Sub Action l.a NR1.A.5 acres) • NR1.A.3 NR1.A.4 NR1.A.2 Sub Action 2.a Canopy (2.6 acres) • NR1.A.5 NR1.A.2 Sub Action 2.b NR1.B.1 Canopy (2.6 acres) • NR1.A.3 NR1.A.4 NR1.B.2 • NR1.B.1 NR1.A.5 NR1.B.3 • NR1.B.2 Tree Recruitment (0.06 acres) • NR1.B.3 Canopy (2.6 acres) NR1.C.1 Tree Recruitment (0.06 acres) • NR1.B.1 NR1.B.2 NR1.C.2 • NR1.C.1 • NR1.B.3 • NR1.C.2 Tree recruitment (0.06 acres) • NR1.C.1 • NR1.C.2 Low Quality Understory (5.7 acres) Understory (5.7 acres) Understory (5.7 acres) • NR1.A.1 NR1.A.1 NR1.A.4 (15 acres) NR1.A.2 NR1.A.1 Sub Action 1.a NR1.A.5 • NR1.A.3 NR1.A.2 Sub Action 2.a Canopy (3 acres) • NR1.A.4 NR1.A.2 Sub Action 2.b NR1.B.1 • NR1.A.5 NR1.A.3 NR1.B.2 Canopy (3 acres) NR1.A.4 NR1.B.3 • NR1.B.1 NR1.A.5 Tree Recruitment (6.3 acres) • NR1.B.2 Canopy (3 acres) NR1.C.1 • NR1.B.3 NR1.B.1 NR1.C.2 Tree Recruitment (6.3 acres) NR1.B.2 • NR1.C.1 NR1.B.3 • NR1.C.2 Tree recruitment (6.3 acres) • NR1.C.1 • NR1.C.2 50 Attachment 3, Page 54 of 104 Table 5. Priorities for Riparian Forest Habitat Georgia Pacific Natural A roa')r)?1 Mr9MferclPirk nt 3, Page 55 of 104 51 Short-rangeHabitat •Long-range • • 1101-20 years) d High Quality Understory (1.1 acres) Understory (1.1 acres) Understory (1.1 acres) • NR2.A.1 NR2.A.1 NR2.A.1 (57.6 acres) NR2.A.1 Sub Action l.a NR2.A.1 Sub Action l.a NR2.A.1 Sub Action l.a • NR2.A.1 Sub Action 1.1b NR2.A.1 Sub Action 1.1b NR2.A.1 Sub Action 1.1b • NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.a NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.a NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.a • NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.b NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.b NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.b • NR2.A.3 NR2.A.3 NR2.A.3 • NR2.A.4 NR2.A.4 NR2.A.4 Canopy (28.4 acres) Canopy (28.4 acres) Canopy (28.4 acres) • NR2.B.1 NR2.B.1 NR2.B.1 • NR2.B.2 NR2.B.2 NR2.B.2 • NR2.B.3 NR2.B.3 NR2.B.3 • NR2.B.4 NR2.B.4 NR2.B.4 • NR2.B.5 NR2.B.5 NR2.B.5 Tree recruitment (28.1 acres) ree Recruitment (28.1 acres) Tree Recruitment (28.1 acres) • NR2.C.1 NR2.C.1 NR2.C.1 • NR2.C.2 NR2.C.2 NR2.C.2 Medium Understory (33.5 acres) Understory (33.5 acres) Understory (33.5 acres) • NR2.A.1 NR2.A.1 NR2.A.1 quality (124.9 NR2.A.1 Sub Action 1.a NR2.A.1 Sub Action 1.a NR2.A.1 Sub Action 1.a acres) NR2.A.1 Sub Action l.b NR2.A.1 Sub Action l.b NR2.A.1 Sub Action l.b • NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.a NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.a NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.a • NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.b NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.b NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.b • NR2.A.3 NR2.A.3 NR2.A.3 • NR2.A.4 NR2.A.4 NR2.A.4 Canopy (68.8 acres) Canopy (68.8 acres) Canopy (68.8 acres) • NR2.B.1 NR2.B.1 NR2.B.1 • NR2.B.2 NR2.B.2 NR2.B.2 • NR2.B.3 NR2.B.3 NR2.B.3 • NR2.B.4 NR2.B.4 NR2.B.4 • NR2.B.5 NR2.B.5 NR2.B.5 Tree Recruitment (22.6 acres) Tree Recruitment (22.6 acres) Tree Recruitment (22.6 acres) • NR2.C.1 NR2.C.1 NR2.C.1 • NR2.C.2 NR2.C.2 NR2.C.2 Low Quality Understory (84.6 acres) Understory (84.6 acres) Understory (84.6 acres) (175.1 acres) NR2.A.1 NR2.A.1 NR2.A.1 • NR2.A.1 Sub Action l.a NR2.A.1 Sub Action l.a NR2.A.1 Sub Action l.a • NR2.A.1 Sub Action 1.1b NR2.A.1 Sub Action 1.1b NR2.A.1 Sub Action 1.1b • NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.a NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.a NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.a • NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.b NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.b NR2.A.2 Sub Action 2.b • NR2.A.3 NR2.A.3 NR2.A.3 • NR2.A.4 NR2.A.4 NR2.A.4 Canopy (22 acres) Canopy (22 acres) Canopy (22 acres) • NR2.B.1 NR2.B.1 NR2.B.1 • NR2.B.2 NR2.B.2 NR2.B.2 • NR2.B.3 NR2.B.3 NR2.B.3 • NR2.B.4 NR2.B.4 NR2.B.4 • NR2.B.5 NR2.B.5 NR2.B.5 Tree Recruitment (68.5 acres) Tree recruitment (68.5 acres) Tree Recruitment (68.5 acres) • NR2.C.1 NR2.C.1 • NR2.C.2 NR2.C.2 NR2.C.1 • NR2.C.2 Georgia Pacific Natural A roa')r)?1 Mr9MferclPirk nt 3, Page 55 of 104 51 RECREATION Feedback from public outreach efforts and project expense are the two main factors that will influence the prioritization of recreational improvements proposed within this master plan. The priorities from public outreach efforts are shown in Table 6. Table 6. Prioritization of proposed recreation improvements from public outreach efforts. Willamalane is proposing a high level, broad implementation schedule for project tasks, understanding that timelines will vary based on funding availability, findings from feasibility assessments, and partnership opportunities. Figure 14 and Table 7 show the proposed prioritization schedule. Throughout the implementation process, Willamalane should keep some factors in mind. These are described in the following paragraphs. Access Additional public access is identified as a high priority project and is also an item listed in the 2012 Willamalane Comprehensive Plan as an action item that has yet to be explored by the district. This master plan identifies several opportunities for new trailheads, each requiring additional research to assess costs and feasibility. Willamalane should prioritize conducting a feasibility study for all proposed trailheads to further clarify where short- and long-term access can occur on the property. If there are access points with lower associated cost and/or relative logistic ease associated with them, these should be prioritized. New access points that have comparatively higher associated costs should be pushed out until funding streams can be identified for such projects. This plan assumes equestrian use and access going forward will be facilitated through partnership with the privately owned and operated equestrian center adjacent to the natural area, and that equestrian access from the existing gravel lot at Clearwater is only temporary until a permanent location can be established. If the equestrian center access does not materialize, the feasibility of developing other access points will need to be looked at sooner, along with associated costs and available funding. Trails The nature trail around the pond had a significant amount of support from the public during outreach; however, it will also be the most expensive section of trail to construct given the proposed boardwalk system and desire to keep it compliant with ADA guidelines. The soft surface trails will be much more straightforward and less technical, and therefore, more likely to be able to be constructed through partnerships with equestrian or running groups, or other volunteer efforts. The soft surface running and equestrian trails that loop on the western side of the natural area should be considered a first priority, followed by the proposed soft surface trail on the eastern side of the property. The trail on the eastern segment that provides river access should only be developed upon review and monitoring of how the initial river access improvements go. If impacts such as garbage, habitat degradation due to people not staying on designated trails, and bank erosion from heavy use are observed, Willamalane should postpone or eliminate the proposed access on the eastern side. Similarly, equestrian use of the trails should be monitored over time to assess impacts to the trails, user experience, habitat, and water 52 Attachment 3, Page 56 of 104 ProposedRanking 1 Public access 2 Nature trail and boardwalk around pond with wildlife screen 3 Habitat restoration 4 Jasper Slough turtle overlook 5 Picnic area 6 Pond overlook 7 Access to river 8 Permanent equestrian trails Willamalane is proposing a high level, broad implementation schedule for project tasks, understanding that timelines will vary based on funding availability, findings from feasibility assessments, and partnership opportunities. Figure 14 and Table 7 show the proposed prioritization schedule. Throughout the implementation process, Willamalane should keep some factors in mind. These are described in the following paragraphs. Access Additional public access is identified as a high priority project and is also an item listed in the 2012 Willamalane Comprehensive Plan as an action item that has yet to be explored by the district. This master plan identifies several opportunities for new trailheads, each requiring additional research to assess costs and feasibility. Willamalane should prioritize conducting a feasibility study for all proposed trailheads to further clarify where short- and long-term access can occur on the property. If there are access points with lower associated cost and/or relative logistic ease associated with them, these should be prioritized. New access points that have comparatively higher associated costs should be pushed out until funding streams can be identified for such projects. This plan assumes equestrian use and access going forward will be facilitated through partnership with the privately owned and operated equestrian center adjacent to the natural area, and that equestrian access from the existing gravel lot at Clearwater is only temporary until a permanent location can be established. If the equestrian center access does not materialize, the feasibility of developing other access points will need to be looked at sooner, along with associated costs and available funding. Trails The nature trail around the pond had a significant amount of support from the public during outreach; however, it will also be the most expensive section of trail to construct given the proposed boardwalk system and desire to keep it compliant with ADA guidelines. The soft surface trails will be much more straightforward and less technical, and therefore, more likely to be able to be constructed through partnerships with equestrian or running groups, or other volunteer efforts. The soft surface running and equestrian trails that loop on the western side of the natural area should be considered a first priority, followed by the proposed soft surface trail on the eastern side of the property. The trail on the eastern segment that provides river access should only be developed upon review and monitoring of how the initial river access improvements go. If impacts such as garbage, habitat degradation due to people not staying on designated trails, and bank erosion from heavy use are observed, Willamalane should postpone or eliminate the proposed access on the eastern side. Similarly, equestrian use of the trails should be monitored over time to assess impacts to the trails, user experience, habitat, and water 52 Attachment 3, Page 56 of 104 Medium — Term Priority Overlook Medium — Term Priority Overlook Short Term Priority River Access N A Short Term Priority Picnic Area LEGEND 0 Georgia Pacific Boundary Existing Multi -use Path Existing Equestrian Route Short Term Priority Medium to Long Term Priority n Short Term Priority for Pedestrian Trailhead / Long Term Priority for 1 Vehicular Parking based on need 014 ♦` �'•:�` 1 I v Medium - Long Term Priority River Access 0 Miles 0 0.05 0.1 0.2 Figure 14. Priorities for recreational improvements Table 7. Priorities for recreational improvements Long Term Priority for New Vehicular Parking and Trailhead based on need iermrears) FlIediurn to Long • Construct nature trail boardwalk system Conduct feasibility studies on proposed access points Install interpretative signs along nature trail If feasible, develop pedestrian -oriented access Construct overlook at pond point from South 39th Street If feasible, design and develop a new trail ' Construct overlook at Jasper Slough segment and bridge over Mill Race to support • Develop soft surface running/equestrian trails new South 39th Trailhead on east side of property • Conduct permitting and feasibility research • Provide additional river access on the east around proposed improvements to determine side of the property pending successful process, cost, and any limiting factors for implementation and outcome of the one added development on the west end of property • Develop soft surface running/equestrian trails • Develop additional site access as feasibility is on the west side of the property determined and funding designated • Develop picnic area adjacent to Jasper Pond - Complete the design of nature trail, interpretive displays, and boardwalk system • Complete the design of overlooks • Develop a public equestrian access from the equestrian center adjacent to the natural area Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMPJcPrk t 3, Page 57 of 104 quality. If equestrian use of the trails increases and/or negative impacts are noted in the future, Willamalane and its ownership partners should collaborate with equestrian user groups to identify opportunities to mitigate these impacts. If impact cannot be mitigated, allowed uses may need to be reassessed in order to maintain the prioritized vision of preserving and enhancing habitat in the natural area. Overlooks Similar to trails passing through sensitive areas, overlooks will also require substantial expense both in their design and construction. The timing for installing these more expensive improvements will ultimately be driven by availability of funds, which may put them in the longer term category. FUNDING Funding is always a critical component of successfully implementing any master plan or management plan. Willamalane has limited resources which may be available to assist with implementation efforts through its Capital Improvement Program and System Development Charges (SDC) fund. There is also the potential for future bond measure funding to support these efforts. Any proposed capital improvement also comes with an associated maintenance requirement and cost. Currently Willamalane has staff that visit the site 1-2 times per week or as issues are reported on the Middle Fork Path and Mill Race Path. Landscape and Grounds staff do not walk the trail system to check it for garbage or hazards. Natural Resource staff generally visit the site at least once per week. The improved access through the natural area will enhance the district's ability to implement the natural resource management actions within this plan; however, either additional FTE or funds to support private contracts will be necessary to perform this work. Additional FTE will also be needed to maintain the site as improvements are added and public use increases. Willamalane should account for these costs in the estimates for improvements and budget for them appropriately. Willamalane will need to look for outside support to implement this plan. Outside support could be provided by partnerships within the community and/or grant funding. PARTNERSHIPS The following list of partners may be able to provide assistance or support with implementation of the goals identified in this plan. Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council (MFWWC): The MFWWC can provide technical assistance and leverage funding towards natural resource implementation efforts. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW): ODFW can provide support for monitoring Western pond turtle habitat on the site and recommending habitat improvements. ODFW can also provide support for adding habitat complexity to the Mill Race Channel and can provide guidance for any long-term project related to addressing hydrology issues on the site. The Nature Conservancy (TNC): TNC can provide recommendations and share techniques that were used to implement riparian forest restoration and planting projects at the Willamette Confluence site. City of Springfield: The City is a primary partner due to co -ownership of the site and can provide support for managing the Georgia Pacific Natural Area through providing resources to assist with restoration efforts, providing plant material to support restoration on the site, and by keeping Willamalane informed of any changes to water quality in the Mill Race Channel or Jasper Slough. They may also be able to provide staff and resources to support maintenance of the property and assist with educational efforts relating to water quality and habitat. The City has interest in exploring opportunities for wetland mitigation onsite in the future if such efforts can support the plan's goals. 54 Attachment 3, Page 58 of 104 Springfield Utility Board (SUB): SUB is a primary partner due to co -ownership of the site and can provide recommendations to Willamalane on their restoration techniques or if there are any concerns related to water quality that could impact their wellfield on the site. They may also be able to provide staff and resources to support maintenance or restoration on the property. SUB has interest in exploring opportunities for wetland mitigation onsite in the future if such efforts can support the plan's goals. Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB): EWEB is in the process of developing a secondary water intake downstream of the Georgia Pacific Natural Area and the Willamette Confluence. As a result, EWEB may expand their Pure Waters Partnership to include the Middle Fork which could result in a funding opportunity to support riparian restoration at the site. McKenzie River Trust: The Trust can assist with providing advice and suggestions on riparian forest restoration given their experiences at various sites in the region. Lane County Parks: Lane County can provide recommendations and share techniques for riparian restoration projects that have occurred at Howard Buford Recreation Area in addition to being a key partner for any future recreation connection across the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. Friends of Mt. Pisgah and Buford Park: This partnership can provide recommendations and share techniques used for riparian restoration projects at the Turtle Flats site, just downstream of Georgia Pacific Natural Area. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): Partnerships with USFWS can provide Willamalane with technical assistance in meeting habitat requirements for a variety of species using the site. Willamalane is part of the Partners program, which provides technical and financial assistance to landowners interested in restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat on their land. Projects are custom-designed to meet landowners' needs. Willamette Riverkeeper: Willamette Riverkeeper can provide partnerships that can monitor conditions along the river frontage with the Middle Fork Willamette River. They can also provide partnerships that bring volunteers to the site both on the ground and via water to collect trash and litter as part of the Great Willamette Clean Up events that happen twice yearly in the spring and fall. Rivers to Ridges Partnership: Partnering agencies not mentioned in this plan such as the City of Eugene may be consulted for advice or recommendations on techniques that they have used for riparian forest and wetland restoration at sites in Eugene, including Delta Ponds. Agnes Stewart Middle School: Continue to work with teachers at the school to support their efforts to restore habitat across from the school. Work with teachers to continue to explore opportunities for students to use Georgia Pacific Natural Area for lessons and education. Oregon Equestrian Trails: Local chapter may be able to assist with maintenance or construction of equestrian trails or amenities. Springfield School District Cross Country: Student running groups may be able to assist with development and maintenance of running trails. Local Running Groups: May be able to assist with design and construction of soft surface running trails throughout the natural area. GRANTS To bolster the limited funds available through Willamalane's Capital Improvement Program and SDCs, Willamalane and ownership partners should work collaboratively to seek grants to support implementation of identified projects within this plan. Table 8 includes a list of grants for both natural resource and recreation project types that Willamalane and/or its partners are likely eligible for. Georgia Pacific Natural Area 2021 MaMfdcPii%s�ir t 3, Page 59 of 104 55 Table 8. Possible grants to support implementation of goals. GRANT TITLE/AGENCY PROJECT TYPES AMOUNT/ MATCH Oregon State Weed Board Grant Noxious weed and invasive species control Match: 25% (in kind or Program, Oregon Department of using sound principles of integrated weed cash) Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon management to protect and enhance Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) watershed health. Restoration Grant, Oregon Watershed Habitat restoration on the site in partnership Match: 25% (in kind or Enhancement Board (OWEB) with the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed cash) Council. Stakeholder Engagement Grant, Oregon Projects whose purpose is to communicate Match: 25% (in kind or Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) with landowners, organizations, and the cash) community about the need for, feasibility, and benefits of a specific eligible restoration or acquisition project or projects within an identified geography, or an eligible resource assessment or planning project, in order to successfully plan or implement said restoration or acquisition project. North American Wetlands Conservation Restoration projects. Partner with McKenzie Match: 1:1 cash Act (NAWCA)- Wetland Restoration River Trust and other local partners who seek Grant, Migratory Bird Conservation this grant annually. Commission Oregon319 Nonpoint Source Nonpoint source pollution grant program to Match: 40% cash Implementation Grant, U.S. support projects to reduce and mitigate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) effects of nonpoint source pollutants, such as sediment, pesticides, and nutrients to waters of the state. Healthy Environment Grant, Meyer Ensure that environmental impacts and No match required Memorial Trust benefits are equitably distributed among communities, Ensure that natural systems are healthy and able to adapt to changing conditions and long-term impacts, Support of movement for a healthy environment that is effective and relevant for all of Oregon's diverse communities. Land and Water Conservation Fund Acquisition or development of basic outdoor Match: 50% (in kind or (LWCF) - Oregon Parks and Recreation recreation facilities cash) Department Local Government Grant Program Acquisition, development, rehabilitation, or Match: 50% (in kind or (LGGP) - Oregon Parks and Recreation planning/feasibility of recreation facilities. cash) Department Includes small ($75K max), large ($750K max), and planning grants ($40K max) Recreational Trails Program (RTP) - Construction of new trails and trail support Match: 20% if below Oregon Parks and Recreation Department facilities, rehabilitation of trails, acquisition $250K, 40% if over of land or easements for the purpose of trail Minimum ask: $10,000 development, safety and education projects. Maximum ask: none Equestrian trails are eligible. specified C7Attachment 3, Page 60 of 104 Oregon Parks Foundation Fund - Oregon Projects that support the acquisition of Match: yes Community Foundation natural parks, the restoration of native Amount: $1-$5K habitat, and act to strengthen educational opportunities, such as ecological interpretive programs, within Oregon parks. Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Projects that help underserved communities Match: yes Program - National Park Service address outdoor recreation deficits by Amount: $300K - $1M supporting projects in cities and densely populated urbanized areas that create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors. Waterway Access Grants - Oregon State May be eligible for nonmotorized access Match: 25% Marine Board improvements to the river. Stewards for Trails, Education & For non -profits doing work on public land. Match: unknown Partnerships (STEP) - American Quarter Focus on projects that promote equestrian Amount: $1K - $5K approx. Horse Association involvement in the restoration, repair, and establishment of trails. Unclear whether this is still active. APPENDICES 1. PARCELS, ZONING & LAND USE 2. PUBLIC OUTREACH SUMMARY 3. TRAIL CROSS SECTIONS & OVERLOOK CONCEPTS 4. NATURAL RESOURCE DATA 58 Attachment 3, Page 62 of 104 Table 1. Parcels within Georgia Pacific Natural Area* Taxlot Springfield Zoning Metro Land Use Designation Within Greenway Setback? Acres 180205"16W PLO Public/Semi Public Mostly 75 1802054201100 PLO Public/semi Public Mostly 0.3 18=54201200 PLO Public/Semi Public Mostly 0.07 1802060004501 PLO Public/Semi Public Yes 7.39 1802070000801 PLO Puiblic/Semi Public Yes 4.57 1802030000&00 PLO Public/semi Public Yes 31.22 No Total Acres 1802060004&w 120.05 • Aflpraperties within the Georgia Pacific lVatural Area are joirrtly owned by Willamalane, the City of Springfield, and Springfield Utility Baard (SUB). Table 2. Additional parcels included in the planning boundary Taxlot Ownership Springfield Zoning Metro Land Use Designation Within Greenway Setback? Acres 1802080000502 City of Springfield PLO, no Urban Fringe Overlay Public/Semi Public Partially 5.73 1 8 82 050001 8 0 1 City of Springfield PLO, no Urban Fringe Overlay Public/Semi Public Yes 0.52 1802060001606 City of Springfield PLO, no Urban Fringe Overlay Public/Semi Public Partially 5.29 1802070)00100 {OUTSIDEUGB) The Nature .Conservancy NA, zoned EFU in Lane County Agriculture Yes Small portion N of river 1802062404" Willamalane PLO, no Urban Fringe Overlay LDR No 5.24 1802060004&w Willamalane LDR, Urban Fringe Overlap LDR No 1.12 Total Acres* 18.05+ "The sum of total acreage included into the planning haundary does nut reflect the small portion ofparcel 1802070000100, owned by The filature Conservancy. APPENDIX 1 Attachment 3, Page 63 of 104 59 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org TO: Willamalane Park and Recreation District Board of Directors FROM: Kristina Boe, Project Manager DATE: March 2, 2020 SUBJECT: Public Outreach Findings for Georgia Pacific Natural Area Master Plan Public Outreach was conducted in two rounds for the Georgia Pacific Master Plan process. The first round of outreach happened in in late spring of 2020 with the goal of spreading public awareness of the planning process and getting some initial feedback of what people are most interested in. The second round of outreach occurred in January and February 2021 with the goal of reviewing and providing feedback on preliminary concepts for the plan. A complete list of strategies used to conduct outreach includes: 2 public surveys, 2 partner meetings, a virtual public meeting, virtual class visits and survey of Agnes Stewart Middle School students, and an online presence using an Esri Story Map tool. This outreach summary includes key findings and takeaways from the compilation of these efforts followed by more detailed summaries of findings from each implemented strategy. DOCUMENT OUTLINE 1. Common Themes and Key Findings 2. Public Outreach Round 1 - Survey 1 3. Public Outreach Round 2 - Virtual Public Meeting 4. Public Outreach Round 2 - Survey 2 5. Public Outreach Round 2 - Agnes Stewart Outreach 6. Partner and Neighbor Comments COMMON THEMES AND KEY FINDINGS Current Uses: It is no surprise that the most common current uses onsite are primarily trail related (walking, running, biking). A number of less common trail uses were identified as well, such as equestrian use, skating, rollerblading, wheel chair use, hand cycling, and riding scooters. Non -trail related uses primarily involved watching nature, wildlife, and the river; or user created recreation opportunities such as geocaching, art, meditation, fishing, and socializing. 60 Attachment 3, Page 64 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org Popular Proposed Uses: Aside from a couple improvements noted in the following section, most of the proposed improvements were viewed favorably by the public. In the initial survey a picnic area (32%), access to the pond or waterways (29%), and improved quality of habitat (23%) were at the top of the list. In the second survey the nature trail with boardwalks and wildlife viewing blind was the most popular (in top 3 of 55% of respondents). This item was not yet an option in the initial survey. Other items that ranked highest in the second survey include: habitat restoration (in top 3 of 48%), pond turtle viewing platform (top 3 of 40%), and river access (top 3 of 32%). Students prioritized a picnic area (60%) over everything else, followed by improving habitat (47%), pond overlook (47%), and access to the river (46%). The total breakdown of responses and available data for this assessment is as follows: Survey Qty %of Total Public Survey 1 32 7.6% Public Survey 2 287 68.1% Student survey 102 24.2% Total 421 100.0% To develop a list of priorities for improvements information from the second round of feedback will be added together and used because (1) it represents the most substantial quantity of comparable data (92%), (2) respondents from survey 1 were notified about the opportunity to participate in survey 2; therefore, including survey 1 would likely double count respondents' votes. Keeping in mind that little to no opposition was expressed other than for the proposed improvements mentioned in the next section, the following table shows ranked priorities from the public responses. It should be noted that a new access point also received very strong support and was addressed in a separate question of the survey, which is also discussed more in the next section. Ranking Improvement Survey 2 Students Total 1 Nature trail around pond w/screen 157 41 198 2 Habitat restoration 139 48 187 3 jasper slough/turtle overlook 114 23 137 4 picnic area 56 61 117 5 pond overlook 69 48 117 6 access to river 32 47 79 7 permanent horse trails 37 19 56 APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 65 of 104 61 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org Less Popular or Conflicted Future Uses: Equestrian Use - Permanent equestrian trails were identified as the most important improvement in the initial survey (approximately 50% responded in favor); however, they were a much lower priority (only 12% of respondents prioritized these over other improvements or it ranked 7t" out of 8 improvement options) in the second public survey. They were second to last priority in the student survey (19% in favor). This is likely a direct reflection of the proportion of equestrian users who were taking the survey. The initial survey had approximately 45% of respondents identifying as equestrian users, while the second survey had just over 6% and the student survey had approximately 1%. Equestrian riders who took the survey wanted to see more equestrian related improvements. Some of the additional improvements noted included: additional trail options parallel to multi -use paths, hitching posts, mounting blocks, picnic areas, access to water, trails to the river, additional parking, and plans for continued trail connections to other properties. Those expressing opposition to equestrian use stated the following as their primary reasons: manure on the trail impacting other trail users' experience, concern manure may impact water quality to waterways onsite, safety with other potentially conflicting uses along shared portions of the trail or trail crossings including bikes and dogs, and damage to unpaved trails. The current equestrian trial period has gone on for approximately 9 months. During this time there has been very minimal equestrian use. Willamalane does not have documentation of frequency of equestrian trucks and trailers accessing the trails from the designated parking area at Clearwater Park, but Willamalane staff have experienced it to be very minimal. There have not been any significant issues brought to Willamalane's attention relating to conflicts between equestrian and other trail users. The only concerns have related to manure on the trail system. Therefore, we can assume that conflict between users will not be a major concern at the current level of use. If use dramatically increases, this situation may change. A number of equestrian riders responded that they are not accessing the trails currently, but might if the trail system expanded or that the length of the trails is not adequate to warrant trailering their horse to the trailhead. The US Forest Service's Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds recommends 62 Attachment 3, Page 66 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org that equestrian trails be no shorter than 5 miles, an approximate 1-2 hour ride. Given this information it is highly unlikely that many equestrian riders would trailer their horses to the natural area even with the expansion of the trail system to 2.2 miles. Willamalane would likely need to conduct additional targeted outreach to verify a demand for additional use exists prior to making significant investments in such improvements. Opportunities for expansion of the trail system beyond Georgia Pacific property do exist and were strongly encouraged by the equestrian community. These include: 28th St. along the Mill Race Path where additional neighbors may gain access, Dorris Ranch along the Middle Fork Path, or potentially to the Howard Buford Recreation Area via a future bridge connection if designed to accommodate horses. Additional outreach and research is needed to understand the feasibility of expanding to these destinations. This trail network expansion is not being addressed within this planning process. Additional Access — Additional access was shown in the concept during round 2 outreach from 39th St. and from Clearwater Park via either Clearwater Ln or an extension from S. 42nd St. This proposal was generally supported by the public with 72% in favor of a new access point and 28% opposing it. In comparison, the improvement that ranked the highest in the above section received 55% support in the second survey; therefore, it could be said that additional access is the top and most desired improvement proposed in the second round of outreach. In general, there was slightly greater support for additional access from 39th St. (42%) over access from 42nd or Clearwater Lane (30%). Several comments validated the assumption that the 39th St. trailhead would provide direct access to the natural area and trails to many adjacent neighbors who currently have to access them via the busy Jasper Road. Additional access was also strongly supported by equestrian riders who want to maximize access and length of trails. It is important to note that there was some opposition to each of these points of entry by neighbors living adjacent to them. Three neighbors along Clearwater Ln. expressed concern about the increased traffic, the state of the current road (gravel, not developed), and increased undesirable noise and activity the improvement might attract. Similarly a neighbor who owns property abutting the City's parcel that would be used for access is concerned about how additional use might impact exposure and trespassing on their property. Willamalane will need to coordinate closely with APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 67 of 104 63 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org neighbors during the design process if either proposal is included in the final plan to assure concerns are addressed to the maximum extent possible. Given the overall support for added access, Willamalane should consider which site provides the most benefit. Additional feasibility research is needed to be able to answer this question: The 39th Street access: feasibility should focus on permitting requirements and the types and intensity of improvements that would be allowed on the City's parcel. In addition, costs for both the trailhead and the crossing over the Mill Race Channel would need to be understood. Willamalane also needs to better understand neighbor concerns and if they can be addressed adequately. Overall, this potential trailhead provides more and safer residential access to the existing and growing neighborhood adjacent to the property. The natural area could benefit from more and regular residential access and use of the site. This improvement would require close collaboration with the City of Springfield. Unless future equestrian parking needs are not met elsewhere, little to no parking may be needed at the 39th St. access. Improvements may be as simple as a sign and developed trail connection. • Access from the western part of Clearwater Park: initial feasibility should focus on identifying the most ideal route to the trailhead (South 42nd St. vs. Clearwater Lane) by looking at permitting/land use requirements and overall cost. The new trailhead and equestrian use are not planned for in the Clearwater Park Master Plan and it would need to be updated to incorporate this planned improvement. Also, the trailhead would need to be designed to accommodate any other future uses at Clearwater Park, including equestrian. The cost of this improvement, overall, may be substantial and the limiting factor. If it can provide a dual function, beyond serving as access to the Georgia Pacific Property, the expense may be more warranted. Overall, this trailhead serves a much less dense residential area and therefore provides value primarily as a vehicle access point. Fishing - The public survey noted that fishing is a current use happening onsite, though we don't know exactly where it is primarily occurring. The initial survey had 9%, the second survey had 10%, and the student survey had 17% of respondents indicating 64 Attachment 3, Page 68 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org that they currently use the property for fishing. The master plan concept indicated that fishing would be discouraged at the pond. Licensed fishing would be allowed and likely improved with the proposed increase in access to the Willamette River. Willamalane will need to figure out how to respond to the fact that based on these results, some members of the public (many of whom appear to be youth) may be losing one of the ways they recreate onsite. New suggestions to consider: The second round of surveys proposed a few additional recommendations that could be considered by the District. These recommendations align with the values of the master plan and should be considered further before completion of the master plan. • Restrooms • Maximize accessibility. Accessible features recommended include providing accessible surfaces, accessible amenities, lighting, and restrooms. • Bark chip running trail • Connection to Howard Buford Recreation Area • Implement measures to address safety on trails via maintenance of trails, trees along trails, and security patrols. PUBLIC OUTREACH ROUND 1 Public Survey A public survey was initiated in mid-May of 2020. It was advertised via postcard mailers to immediate neighbors of the property and via Willamalane's social media platforms. Onsite posters discussing the equestrian trial period also included information about the survey as a means to gather feedback directly about equestrian use. The survey remained open through the summer to capture feedback through the duration of the equestrian trial. The survey was conducted using Google Forms and resulted in a total of 32 responses from the public. Question 1: Willamalane is working with local equestrian advocates to provide a pilot program for shared use trails that include equestrian access. What feedback do you have for Willamalane about this pilot program? This was an open ended question. Responses can be reviewed below. Repeated themes among these responses included the following: In favor of horse trails (7 mentions) 2. Concern of horse manure on trails (3 mentions) 3. Desire for longer equestrian trails (2 mentions) A P P F N D I X 2 Attachment 3, Page 69 of 104 65 rtewillamalane 4b?Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 4. Opposed to horses on property (2 mentions) 13 Responses: 1. This is great 2. 1 think safety of pedestrians, particularly those with small kids and maybe someone in a wheelchair is a big issue with regard to having horses on a well used paved pathway. Older people also may have trouble getting out of the way of a horse that is not completely under control in a narrow corridor. The availability of horse trails at Mt Pisgah and Elijah Bristow state park not too for away should be enough for local horse riders, with much better trails that are appropriate for horses. The middle fork path is not a good place for horses and there is an accident waiting to happen out there. 3. It has been nice to walk without stepping in horse poop. I hope that would continue.:) 4. Thank you so much for providing this pilot program for equestrians. We appreciate it. S. Would really appreciate longer length trails to ride horses on. At least an hour in length to make it worth the fuel to haul out to the trail head. Ideally, a 2 hour length ride would be an amazing resource to have in our local area. Especially in the winter! 6. 1 love the sharing of trails, love seeing the horses. Have not ridden here horseback, but may in the future if I can. 7. love this! 8. 1 think it is great idea. We should provide for all kinds of users 9. We passed two horses on the path near Clearwater Park. Later we noticed horse poop on the side of the trail. I believe that horse riders should clean up after their animals just as we expect dog owners to do. I realize it's not convenient for them, but it also not convenient for a bike rider to dodge the large horse turds nor for a hiker who steps in one. It's a much bigger mess that dog poop. 10. I like the stop, speak and ask concept yet I am still uncomfortable with horses on the trails concerning use conflict. As a dog owner i am responsible for cleaning up after them and have concerns about the horse clean up. Altogether i am skeptic of this and concerned if this is a push by only one or two entities to promote their business interests. 11. 1 think this is a really great idea. I have walked the Clearwater trail a couple of times and enjoyed seeing the horses. Since I live in SW Eugene it's too for for me to bring my horse for such a short trail. Very glad it's available to those living closer! 12. Being able to use the trails has been wonderful in the Clearwater park area, it would certainly mean a lot to us if we could expand our use. We are careful to pick up after ourselves and we often bring bags to remove trash that isn't ours. Expanding the area we use, also means expanding the areas we want to help care for, so others can continue to use it also. 13. This is a terrible idea. As a walker with dogs, I am constantly on the lookout for the whole variety of users that do not respect space or behave rudely on the trail. Adding horses to the mix is asking for disaster. There will horse and bike collisions as well as other issues with people colliding while trying to avoid the horses and other users. The trail is too busy as is. Please do not make a bad situation worse. Question 2: What activities do you enjoy when visiting Georgia Pacific Property? (Select all that apply). 31 responses. 66 Attachment 3, Page 70 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org walking nature observation biking equestrian running fishing 0 5 10 15 20 Question 3: Which of the following would most improve your experience when visiting this property? (Select all that apply) 31 responses. Provide Permanent Horse Trails Provide Picnic Area Improve Access to Pond or Waterways Improve quality of native habitats Improve Quality of Trails More benches Like it as is No Horses Replace or Enhance park signs More parking Improve views to water Mosquito Control Water stations (for humans/animals) Restrooms Separate Horses 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 Question 4: Please explain any of your answers or let us know if there is anything else you would like us to consider for this area. 18 responses APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 71 of 104 67 rte? willamalane 4b Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org This was an open ended question. Responses can be reviewed below. Repeated themes among these responses included the following: 1. In favor of horse use (4 mentions) 2. Improve enforcement of rules/etiquette (3 mentions) 3. Leave it alone/keep it natural (3 mentions) 4. Opposed to horses on property (2 mentions) 5. Provide more/better horse parking (2 mentions) 6. Other comments addressed: security onsite, separation of bike use, connection to Howard Buford Recreation Area, need for longer equestrian trails, nature viewing areas 18 Responses: 1. 1 think you need someone holding people to the rules with just the hikers and bikers and dogs. Now you're adding horses to the mix. I have owned horses in the past. I know how my horse acted when a bike past them at Elijah Bristow on dirt path at S miles on hour. On this bike path you have bikers riding 10 to 20 mph. 2. There are plenty of horse trails at Elijah Bristow Park and Mt Pisgah Park where they can ride. 3. Unlock bathrooms and turn on drinking fountains! 4. 1 love the horse trails. Everyone can enjoy the trails with less restrictions on use. S. Leave it be. You have already destroyed the habitat for the wildlife shame on you for letting people in there. very sad 6. How is security provided for this trail? We have had a 6 foot gate stolen and our neighbors had a man attempt to steal their four wheeler along with a few others who wandered on to our property that were intoxicated and a few even living off the path. Maybe work with property owners to supply agreed upon fencing and signage? 7. 1 would like to keep much of it as natural vs "developed" & "improved" 8. Natural habitat..... viewing areas...... signs to remind visitors "keep the park clean". 9. More horse trailer parking would be essential for permanent horse trails. 10. Most often dedicated equestrian parking has been taken over by non -equestrian vehicles, mostly because parking is so limited for non -equestrians, noticeably during busy times of the year. 11. would love to connect to Bristow 12. 1 am so excited about this trail. It provides me a place to ride that I don't have to haul to. 13. People need to be educated on how to use the trails. They do not read the signs or abide by the rules. When I ride my bike I see smokers on the path, loose dogs. People do not even know what side of the trail they should be walking on. They get angry when you ask them to move to one side or the other so you can pass. People camp in the woods along the river. I would never be out on these trails after For the first time we saw a park ranger posting a sign. Once I have seen the Springfield police on a motorcycle. 14. Willamalone needs to honor its verbal agreements and political promises with the equestrian community and keep the trail. 1S. It would be amazing if the trail could be expanded to Dorris Ranch. I belong to the group Oregon Equestrian Trails and I know a few of us would be using this trail system if there was more trail available for equestrians. 68 Attachment 3, Page 72 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 16. Please provide permanent horse trail systems, it is a true joy. 17. The center divider needs to be painted. People do not stay on their side when biking or hiking. There needs to be some education done with these people. 18. Dedicated bike lanes Question 5: How frequently do you visit Georgia Pacific Natural Area? 31 responses / Frequently (more than once per week) / Regularly (more than once per month) Occasionally (more than once per year) / Rarely or never (less than once per year) / Frequently (more than once per year) Question 6: Where do you live? 30 responses / Within walking distance to the property / In Springfield 0 In Eugene * Outside the SpringfieldlEugene metro area Question 7: What age range do you fall within? 30 responses 00-18 / 19.29 30.39 40.49 050-59 060-69 / 70) APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 73 of 104 69 EVP willamalane Outreach Summary Park and Recreation District Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org Question 8: How many people live in your household? 30 responses Partner Site Tour •1 •2 i3 04 /5 06+ In June 2020 Willamalane staff met onsite with co-owners of the property and other partners who have historically or may in the future have an influence on how the property is managed. This group included: City of Springfield, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and McKenzie River Trust. The group conducted a tour of the property and discussed potential sensitive areas, habitat concerns, and possible future improvements. Below are a few key topics discussed among partners: • Protecting/enhancing pond turtle habitat. Recommendations were made to separate human uses from areas where pond turtles are nesting or adjacent to basking areas. At the pond, fishing was discouraged. Fishing opportunities in the pond are fairly minimal and would require Willamalane to stock and manage if proposing use. Fishing is problematic and conflicts with efforts to protect turtle habitat along the pond. The fish, the inevitable left over fishing gear/debris, and impact along banks of the pond all pose significant threats to health of the pond turtles. Consider adding basking structures for turtles in the pond. Blackberry removal around pond (especially north and east sides) would improve nesting habitat. • Natural Resources. Plan will need to address invasive species onsite. It was noted that Cottonwood recruitment is weak, plan should address how to maintain canopy cover. ODFW would be interested in more habitat structures and improved gravels in the Mill race. Illegal camping is detrimental to habitats and leaves a lot of garbage currently on the property. • Equestrian use. Horse manure is a concern for water quality in the Mill Race Channel. Consider coordinating with the adjacent equestrian center to assist with manure collection/management. The current Mill Race crossing at equestrian center has resulted in eroded banks. The best way to design/plan for that crossing will depend on the frequency of use. 70 Attachment 3, Page 74 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org • Education. Partner with local birding groups to enhance birding opportunities. Provide interpretation of dynamism of rivers/waterways onsite. Engage Agnes Stewart students to do field work. • GP Pond. Pond is connected to river 8-9' deep. Banks on the east side of the pond are steeper than west end. There is a ridge running through the pond where the gravel was excavated. • Recreation. General proposal of minimal development and trail or trail associated improvements was approved by partners attending the meeting. PUBLIC OUTREACH ROUND 2 To support the second round of outreach, an ESRI Story Map was built for this project to virtually provide the following project information: (1) what we're doing and why, (2) what is currently on the site, and (3) what is being considered for the future of the property. Maps and photographs were used to improve understanding of the existing conditions and where proposed improvements might happen. Text throughout the page provides information and details being considered as part of the proposals. This Story Map was made available on the Willamalane website and was used in discussions with the public and partners. Additionally a second survey was developed using Survey Monkey to collect feedback from people accessing the project information either from our website, the virtual public meeting, or from mailings sent to neighbors and partners. The following sections discuss targeted outreach strategies and results from the survey for the second round of outreach for this project. Virtual Public Meeting A virtual public meeting was held via Microsoft Teams on February 8, 2021 at 6pm. The meeting was advertised on Willamalane's website and social media platforms, via postcard mailer to over 1,000 residents, and on sandwich board posters placed throughout the site. The meeting lasted one hour and approximately 95 people attended either via Microsoft Teams or the Facebook livestream (including Willamalane staff). Participants were encouraged to provide feedback primarily through the survey, however a few comments were made during the meeting: A Community member expressed concern over the proposed 39th st access. Her comments were also submitted via email and are addressed in a separate section below. • A representative from the equestrian group expressed desire for additional amenities for horses, more trails, access to water and improved access. Additional APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 75 of 104 71 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org conversations have been had with this member and concerns are addressed in a separate section below. There were several comments in favor of additional access points and to additional access to the river. Public Survey #2 Question 1: What activities do you currently enjoy when visiting Georgia Pacific Natural Area? 286 responses None of the' above walking Running map Biking Equestrian Fishing Nature observation - Bird watching - None of the above Other (please . specify) D95 10% 20% 30% 40% 5D95 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 72 Attachment 3, Page 76 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org ANSWER CHOICES None of the above Walking Running Biking Equestrian Fishing Nature observation Bird watching None of the above Other (please specify) Total Respondents: 286 RESPONSES 2.45% 83.92% 7 240 29.72% B5 53.95% 154- 546.64% 6.64% 19 9.09% 26 65.38% 187 37.06% 106 0.00% 0 Responses 10.14% "Other" responses included the following activities: Dog walking (6) Kayaking (3) Roller bloding (2) Disc Golf (2) River access (2) Wheelchair (2) Being near/watching the river (2) Meditating Otter watching in the ponds Duck hunting Drawing/painting 29 • Non -motorized scooters • Hand cycles • Paddle boarding • Roller skating • Skateboarding • Swimming at Clearwater Park in the canal • Geocache • Escape into a non -human dominated landscape without causing disruption (harm) to rare and sensitive species. Question 2: How do you most frequently access Georgia Pacific Natural Area? Please reference the map above. 285 Responses Mill Race Path ■ via Booth Ke... Mill Race Path via Jasper R... Middle Fork Path via... Middle Fork Path via Dor... From adjacent neighhorhood... Other (please , explain) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90°!0100% APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 77 of 104 73 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org ANSWER CHOICES Mill Race Path via Booth Kelly Trailhead Mill Race Path via Jasper Rd. Trailhead Middle Fork Path via Clearwater Park Trailhead Middle Fork Path via Dorris Ranch Trailhead From adjacent neigh horhood/property Other {please explain) TOTAL RESPONSES 9-82% 28 32.98% 94 29.12% 83 19.30% 55 3.86% 11 Responses 4.91% 14 285 "Other" responses included the following: Haven't been (6) i use all four Willomelone trailheods (2) Behind the old Pacific equestrian facility now called River rock I have not been able to access as on equestrian because my horse is kept at a private facility off of 28th, PLEASE add 28th to the plan for equestrian access via bike path. We are VERY responsible horse owners/tax payers and would be good stewards of the designated trails/paths to these beautiful trails. After having my vehicle broken into of jasper road, 1 usually park at the Kiefer Complex and run from there. Through the gates at ASMS. I am a science teacher there and use this area with my classes. Equally from Clearwater Park & Jasper Road Trailhead. Down the river Question 3: Which recreational improvements would you most like to see at the Georgia Pacific Natural Area? (Select top three) Please review this link for more information on the choices. 287 Responses 74 Attachment 3, Page 78 of 104 rte? willamalane Outreach Summary it Park and Recreation District Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org None of the ' above Picnic area Pond turtle viewi ng... Permanent horse trail Nature trail with boardwa... Pond overlook Habitat restoration River access Additional - benches None 0°% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50°% 60°% 70°% 80% 90vo 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES None of the above 3.481% 10 Pic nicarea 1951°% 56 Pond turtle viewing platform 39.72°% 114 Permanent horse trail 12.89°% 37 Nature trail with boardwalks and wildlife viewing blind 54.70% 157 Pond overlook 24.04°% 69 Habitat restoration 49.43% 139 River access 31.71% 91 Additional benches 11.50% 33 None 0.00% 0 Total Respondents: 287 APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 79 of 104 75 rOt? willamalane it Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org Question 4: Which additional access point would you be most interested in at the Georgia Pacific Natural Area? Please reference the map above. 280 Responses From S. 42nd St. From S. 39th St. No New access Mi 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES AdditionaL access point from 5 42nd St AdditionaL access point along S 39th St No new access TOTAL RESPONSES 42.14% 118 27.85% 78 280 Question 5: What natural features in the park would you like to see prioritized as we're preparing our master plan for the property? 278 Responses m p rave habitat qual... Improve forest structure of... Improve habitat by... Minimize human impact in ar... 0% 10% 2045 30% 4D4 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 76 Attachment 3, Page 80 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Improve habitatquality within wetland areas 49.64% 138 Improve forest structure of riparian areas 40.65% 113 Improve habitat by managing invasive species onsite 59.71% 166 Minimize human impact in areas of sensitive species 46.76% 130 Total Respondents:278 Question 6: Do you have other suggestions for improvements our team should consider? 137 Responses This was an open ended question. The entire list of comments is posted below. A general summary of common or noteworthy topics that were mentioned is provided first. Numbers after the topic indicate the number of times it was mentioned. NATURAL RESOURCE/PROTECTION • Limit disturbance/protect habitat - 6 • Protect species/limit access • Do nothing - 3 to/around pond -1 • Restore pond (connect to river)- 2 • Reduce fuels -1 • Focus on salmon habitat restoration -1 EDUCATION/VOLUNTEERISM • Use volunteers/students to provide care - 2 • Provide education opportunities to Springfield Schools, tribal groups - 2 • Interpretive onsite learning or virtual app - 2 NEW USES / IMPROVEMENTS • Bridge to HBRA - 7 • Bark running trail - 3 • Soft surface/single track trails for walkers/runners - 3 • Allow fishing in pond - 2 • Off leash dog area - 2 • Small play features or playground - 2 • Fishing in Millrace -1 • Soft paths for bikes -1 • Disc Golf Course -1 • Pickleball -1 • Canoe/kayak in mill race -1 • Clothing optional beach -1 • Water recreation (paddle board, swimming) -1 ADD MORE • More parking/new access - 6 • Pond access -1 • River access - 4 • More bike paths -1 • More benches - 2 APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 81 of 104 I� EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org HORSE RELATED • No horses - 7 • Minimize horses or horse/bike xing - 6 • Pro Horses - 5 MANAGEMENT • Safety patrols/security - 8 • More maintenance on bike paths (roots) or along sides -2 • Minimize illegal camping - 2 ACCESS • Pro access from 28th for horses - 3 • In favor of new access from 39th -2 • Strong no to 39th Access -1 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS • Add Restroom - 5 • Consider folks experiencing disabilities/wheelchairs - 5 • More garbage cans (for dog poop) - 2 • Mile markers on trails (more) - 2 • Horse/runner etiquette signs -1 • No horses to river -1 • Change name - 2 • Concern about trees falling over path -1 • Strong no to 42nd Access via Clearwater Ln -1 • Provide pull outs along trails -1 • Lighting -1 • Provide trail map -1 • Drinking fountains -1 All Responses (138): 1. Bike trails! 2. Make sure that you control horse access to the river so that people aren't trying to bring horses down to the river to water them or splash around. 3. Thanks for asking for feedback! 4. Please don't allow horses along the paved areas of the walking path because the will ruin the beauty beside the path and they don't pick up there horse poop and it stinks if they continue to ride on the path they need to pick it up like we have to with the dogs not fair for them to leave it anew get to step in it. Horses do a lot of damage to the trails just go look at Mt Pisgah and Elijah Bristow State Park it looks horrible S. Strongly encourage access via 39th. I live in this neighborhood and it has on active walking and bicycling community that regularly travels by this potential access point. It would improve both enjoyment and safety by avoiding the sometimes dangerous jasper road, especially for younger cyclists. 6. no, but I do want you to know I appreciate you doing what you said you'd do. Thank You, , 7. 1 would enjoy approval of equine access from 28th street. 8. All of us equestrian people would just like to enjoy outdoors the river the beautiful area that we have been doing for years please don't take that away from us 9. Please allow equines access via 28th street bike path to the horse trails. Continued river/pond views from equine trails. 10. Thank you so much for your hard work; the parks in our area are so important for our community wellbeing. 78 Attachment 3, Page 82 of 104 rtewillamalane 4b?Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 11. 1 strongly oppose the new access point at 42nd street - unless the access is from 42nd street (and even then 1 don't think it is a good spot). Clearwater Lane is a Local Access Road, and although public, it is maintained at the expense of the property owners. It is gravel, and has 4 homes on it. Creating on "overflow" lot for the benefit of the park will SIGNIFICANTLY damage the value and serenity of the 4 properties. If this option were to move forward, it certainly requires that the road be improved (paved, drainage, etc), and that those improvements would be 100% covered by the project, in addition to other improvements on the properties to mitigate the "damage" to the lots. I request to be kept informed on the project. 12. Additional parking 13. More improvements to bike trails and better lighting 14. Consider restoring habitat and limiting more human disturbance along the ponds. I have seen river otters playing along that stretch several times! 15. Soft paths for hikers and bikers. 16. 1 think your natural resources staff are the experts and have a good idea of what needs to be done. Listen to them! 17. More garbage cans please! 18. let community groups do landscaping, litter pick up, river clean up etc 19. Tribal and early Springfield education 20. If the pond presently supports a warm water fishery, don't restrict access to urban users. I often see young people using this resource. Keep the area natural as possible. 21. Off leash dog park, maybe with water access? 22. Consider connecting with Lane County and City of Springfield to work on a pedestrian/cycling bridge from the north end of Dorris Ranch to Buford Park 23. Increase bank access for catch and release bass fishing in the pond. Bass fishing is growing in popularity even amongst the youth. We should be promoting this healthy hobby. 24. 1 would love to see a mile long (at least) bark dust trail for runners brought in. There is nothing like this in Springfield, and it is difficult for many runners to run on the cement trails because of the physical wear impact on their bodies. Eugene has several trails like this and it would be nice to bring something like this to our area. I think it could also bring more people from surrounding areas into Springfield which might have a positive impact on the community. 2S. Protect the natural environment for native species. 26. Consider access for folks with disabilities. 27. specific emphasis on salmon habitat restoration 28. Allow E -Bikes, Enforce Leash Law for Dogs. Prohibit Horses on Path between Mill -Race to Dorris Ranch. 29. Well built walking paths that will be usable year-round. Horses make a mess of trails. I'd rather see one or two developed for bikers. 30. 1 would like to see fishing access in Mill Race itself. 31. As a pedestrian, ( walk and run) and cyclist, my experience with horses and riders has been less than ideal. 1 don't frequent the horse only trails, but there is no way for equestrians to access these areas without using the paved paths. Horse droppings may or may not be tended to, and it is not uncommon for dog owners to keep their dogs off lead. 10 feet of path seems like a lot until you have some pedestrians, cyclists, and horses and dogs all in the some place at the some time. 32. 1)Equestrion Access to Riverbank. 2)Picnic, hitching post, mounting block, honey pot access. Some area. 3)Let the horses can you to ride next to the bike path. We had no problems and shared it just fine so for. 33. Maintain the wild and natural feel of this area! The most wonderful thing about this area is feeling like you can take a stroll through the woods and forget you're blocks from the city. APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 83 of 104 79 rtewillamalane 4b?Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 34. Planting rosemary and other plants that help such up pollution. Especially behind the woodmill. Please contact me i want to help!! 35. This is a wonderful asset for the Springfield community. I hope that students at ASMS can continue to be part of the project and help with restoration efforts. It is a great teaching resource for SPS students from elementary thru high school. 36. Safety patrols 37. 1 do not think horses should be able to be in this area. They take over trails and the waste is not cleaned up or managed. 38. Better access from Downtown Springfield. And a SMOOTH Bike -way transition to Island Park without traffic. 39. Restore the pond, reconnect it to the river 40. Pamphlets given to off leash violators re importance of leash 41. minimize horse travel 42. Disc golf park 43. As a senior citizen, in order to enjoy these areas, strategically placed restrooms/port-a-potties are needed -- at least one every 1-2 miles and/or in viewing areas, plus at every access/entry point. Many seniors are not able to enjoy these areas because of the lack of this critical amenity. 44. More riverside access. 45. 1 would especially like to see the needs of the elderly considered. I definitely favor many more benches along the trails. I'm in my 80s and enjoy walking the trails. But I no longer can walk long distances without resting a bit. I could join my family more often if I could occasionally sit while they bike or hike further along, then pick me up on their way back to the trailhead. I think more benches would enhance the outdoor experience for seniors and all nature lovers with mobility needs. Families with small children would also enjoy the beauty of Springfield more if they could occasionally sit for a few minutes. Perhaps a voluntary fundraising effort could be developed to pay for more benches in all Springfield parks --maybe something along the lines of pooling small contributions from selling bricks to pave a public courtyard. Actually, I would welcome the opportunity to contribute enough to install a bench along the river in memory of my late husband. 46. If permanent horse trails are added, avoid ANY -interface with existing paved walk/bicycle pathways 47. Additional restroom facility 48. Allow dog walking and have pull outs where dogs & owners can get off the trail to let other dogs go by 49. We'd like to see new pickleboll courts added to the plans. 50. Plant lots of native wildflowers in open areas adjacent to parking lots, picnic tables, benches. Less lawn and more flowers! 51. Horses bring with them additional waste into the area. They involve large amounts of space at the trailhead. They degrade the trail more rapidly than human foot traffic. Bicycles should be kept on paved surfaces in this area as well. I would very much like to see the emphasis placed on conservation. A few amenities close to the school, one additional site for river access, and a few more benches along the path seem like great ideas. 52. Please do not allow bikes or skates or any wheeled transportation. 53. Look at how for the walk -path to get the the wheelchair accessible path is. It really is NOT accessible from South 39th OR South 42nd, but I would very much like it to be! The accessible multi -use path you have is great, but is very difficult to access it from the marked foot -paths. Please have concrete wheelchair pads at the benches and picnic tables, and observation areas. The ADA means I should be ABLE to go in my wheelchair all the places the folks who walk can go. 80 Attachment 3, Page 84 of 104 rtewillamalane 4b?Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 54. I just want to mention 1 have observed much wildlife within this park, more than other adjacent parks. Deer, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, Pileated Woodpeckers, etc. 55. Change the name to reflect something that speaks to nature stewardship rather than an environmental controversy such as the Timber industry 56. Since mosquitoes carry disease, look for ways to reduce their populations in the recreation areas most populated by people. (I know this may not even be feasible being right on the river, and so many marshy areas they breed in. I'm not suggesting pesticides. I just know that when I hike by the river at Mount Pisgah in the warmer months, no mosquitoes. I avoid this area during summer months because one year I developed a bad bulls eye rash that went septic. ST As a runner, I'd like it if there was a soft trail alongside the paved trail, as along D Street trail. It wouldn't need to be that wide, but just something softer for walking and running. If 1 was to prioritize, I would like to see river access first, and then the horse/nature trails, then the 39th st access point. I don't see a need for the Clearwater Lane access point any time soon. 58. Would like to see a developed canoe path going from Clearwater park to Alton Baker park. 59. Mile markers on the trails. Clear markers from the beginning of a trailhead to specific destinations because not everyone can do 2+ miles one way. 60. Could equestrian trails be shared use with bikers? Minimize spaces that can be used by homeless campers/ tenters 61. Is it possible for the mill race stream being used for kayak/canoe usage? 62. Please add a security camera 63. Utilizing this property to offset environmental impacts from neighboring areas is on important consideration. The stormwater mitigation use in the area is a great beginning. 64. Please remember easy access for wheelchair users 65. A restroom where the trail from Jasper trailhead meets the river trail 66. Anything that would facilitate better access for people in wheelchairs would be grand. 67. Electric vehicles are becoming a noise problem (boomboxes). 68. It could be cool to have some small play features for kids along the trail (balance beams, climbing boulders similar to what is by Bob Keefer's soccer fields). We often go on this trail with our little guys & some play features along the trail could make it fun & different than other trails in the area. 69. Soft surface trails for runners/walkers. Have a plan to deal with the increase in unwanted activities /use that will come with the increase in access/use. 70. Love all the suggestions in master plan, especially anything related to teaching science/nature at Agnes Stewart School 71. A bridge connecting to Mount Pisgah would be incredible. 72. Emergency call stations 73. Concerned about additional access making the area more accessible to the "non recreating" users. 74. The river is a huge asset, provide several more access points to the water than currently proposed. Also, be sure that the equestrian trail is fully available for hikers/pedestrians, which will overwhelmingly be the future users of the park trails. 75. Take advantage of that beautiful river and let's get access to it! Thanks for all you do! 76. Allowing horses access often results in significant waste left on the trail. This is a problem for other trail users and should not be allowed. Simply leaving horse dung on the trail is common and this should be considered when deciding if horse access is allowed. I would suggest that horse access not be allowed. 77. No electric bikes or motorized use!!!! 78. Bridge/path to access Howard Buford/Mt. Pisgah. Clothing optional beach along the Middle Fork Willamette. 79. It's a natural area and should be left alone. I don't want to see it destroyed. APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 85 of 104 81 rtewillamalane 4b?Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 80. Map showing dirt/gravel trails. 81. consider fire hazard. mechanical fuels reduction would be cost effective --run a flail mower over the blackberries and smaller woody material. 82. Drinking fountains 83. Areas for people to explore off the trail are extremely hard to find. Exploring the wild is great for kids to learn about nature. It would be wonderful if there was an area for people to get off the trail and truly experience nature. 84. keep people out of the sensitive areas. Maybe offer viewing platforms with telescopes. 8S. More mile markers 86. Put up signs that say "Pack your own trash out." 87. Horse trails away from the main paths. Don't like the horse manure on the path 88. Protect any old growth trees! 89. More garbage cans for dog poop 90. It is a wonderful area with easy access, please keep it as natural as possible. 91. Regular park rangers to prevent homeless camps destroying wetlands and habitat 92. Future bike/ped bridge across the Middle Fork Willamette to connect with Howard Buford Recreation Area, as envisioned in Rivers to Ridges, the Willomalone Park & Recreation Comprehensive Plan and the Regional Transportation Plan. Somewhere near your proposed River Access point (item 9 on the map) might be an optimum location for the crossing because it would land at the narrowest portion of the Willamette Confluence Preserve (minimizing impacts to the Preserve) and near existing service roads in the Howard Buford Recreation Area. 2. Off-street multi- use path from 42nd and Jasper to your proposed additional access point (#13 on the map), using existing public right-of-way, while waiting for a future extension of 42nd Street. 3. The survey required me to select favorites in some cases but, just to be clear, I support all of your proposals as presented above. Excellent work. 93. So glad that this is happening. 94. Consult with The Nature Conservancy or whoever is improving habitat across the river. 9S. More single track walking paths. 96. Bridge over Willamette to Dorris Ranch 97. Improve maintenance on bike path (roots creating bumps) and adding more bike path. 98. A playground would be nice 99. Consider signs on the horse path for directions for runners/horses to interact with each other. (Runners should alert riders of their presence and wait for instruction from riders before proceeding; horses should keep to one side), horses should avoid the area when it is muddy. Consider making the trail very well drained- perhaps with pea gravel or limestone similar to Ridgeline trail to avoid excessive mud. 100. More access to the pond overall. The ability to be able to walk around the entire area 101. make it an off -leash dog park with more paths 102. The bridge to Mt. Pisgah 103. Love the area improvements. Thanks for your hard work. 104. just leave it alone, you don't need to spend millions to enjoy nature 10S. Update/maintain the disc golf course. This will help lead to greater use of the property in on already designated area. 106. There are a lot of suspect trees. I walk out there a lot and won't go on windy days as I'm afraid of trees coming down. The cottonwoods are very weak and it has been more than once a tree has fallen on the path while I was walking 82 Attachment 3, Page 86 of 104 rtewillamalane 4b?Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 107. While habitat appears to be a priority, I'd prefer to see usable recreation features developed. Specifically I would prefer some controlled ponding for open -water swimming and paddle boarding adjacent to the river. 108. Not a suggestion, but a heartfelt request - The equestrian population may not be the majority of users, but the horse trails are extremely important to those with properties adjacent to the park. It has been a blessing for my daughter to have trail riding in Springfield and we hope and pray this continues. Thank you! 109.1 would love soft running paths to increase the number of route options. I work in Springfield and use the path system regularly. 110. I'm not sure that building any additional structures is necessary. I feel like there are many great spots to observe already. If anything, we need information about the types of animals and plants posted so we can learn to discern. How cool would it be to share an op (like plantnet) that can help distinguish native plants and help us learn about our area as we move through it. 111. No, all parks are amazing! 112. This is a gorgeous area. I think any path along this area would be great. 113. The horse trail option is a little "iffy" for me. Especially with small children riding their little bikes, etc. It would also be good to have some sort of speed limit for bicycles in heavier walking traffic areas. 114. Do not make places where homeless people will be tempted to live. i.e. no shelters 115. Clearwater river access is crowded to adding additional entry points would be great (doesn't have to be a boar ramp, but a play area for kids is nice) and I like the idea of wildlife viewing areas! 116. Keep up the great work! 117. 1 do have concerns about this whole area being a conduit for predatory animals. We have seen cougars in this part of town, and there are two schools nearby. 118. you all are doing a good job of balancing use and protection, share the trails with equestrians, 119. Interpretive signs at viewing platforms or by benches to explain the natural area. 120. I'm on the equestrian committee from the start.. I see some changes for the horse trails. I'm good with losing the pond area but would like to add a area for the horse and riding to stop and maybe have a picnic area too. With hitching post any e honey pot 1. The area. I was thinking by the Jasper trail head. Honey pot Is there now. There is a area next to it that we could tie our horses there as we eat and rest. Also need a mounting block there. Large log would do. 2) we would like to continue the trail to 28th so other equestrian riders can join the trail at that point. On the Mill Race Path. There are a few barns in that area that want to join the trail. They have no trailers. 3) I'm located at the So I can cross the creek to the park from there. But I think the 39th street would be better for most people. But 42nd could also work. More parking the better. That way people will have most choices. If you can the 28th street road would also work well That way you have another one. People can just park on the side of the road. 4) we need to also have access to the river bank. I'm sure there are a few areas that you can just have a small for our horses to also enjoy the water during the hot months. 5) there's one area about a hundred yards east of the bench on the bike trail now. It has a turn in lout by a few large trees. Anyway I think it would make a nice area for the horses to drink and get off our horses. Picnic table and hitching post. Call it the watering hole. It's off the bike path alittle. We need a log as a mounting block to get back on our horse. Should be something around lol. Thank you for keeping and working with the equestrians folks. 121. None, property crime has increased due to this path, have had someone try to steal property, had other high on drugs from the path. The path has people on it all night, was supposed to be closed at dusk? Defiantly not an improvement keep them on the path and out of peoples property. Crime and safety concerns.... 122. Clearing overgrowth along paths, ie just keeping up general maintenance. APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 87 of 104 83 rtewillamalane 4b?Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 123. Kick out the homeless and their garbage. 124. A bridge across the river to connect to Mt Pisgah/ Buford Park. 125. Bark path parallel to the paved bike paths 126. would like to keep it as natural area not develop it. we have enough developed parks & areas in town 127. River viewing benches. Park watch to deter graffiti. 128. A gravel or borkchip running trail. 129. The Large pond which has many rarer and sensitive duck species (I've seen Wood Duck, Bu f flehead, Ringed Neck Duck, Green Winged Teal) use in the winter as well as other species should be protected and blinds placed around with fishing prohibited. Do not increase the miles of "trails" or "multi -use paths" in this area and prioritize rare and sensitive species habitat protection and restoration. 130. Please change the name! GP is owned by the Koch Brothers enterprise and they have a horrible history of destroying the environment hand have paid hundreds of epa violation fines. Please do not honor these terrible people. 131. No horses allowed. The trails are too busy and allowing horses will result in user conflicts. More trash cans along the trails. 132. ADA improvements! Public lands are for all public members. 133. If you are going to have equestrian trials you better include mt bike trails. Horses do clot of damage to trails due to their weight and hoof damage, not to mention the horst biscuits all over. We need more mt bikable trails around this area. The closest are thurston hills and then that is about it will you drive out of town. 134. More parking 135. Potential new permanent bathroom at a future bridgehead across the Willamette 136. Maybe a posted speed limit for cyclists. Even while riding the path myself, I have been nearly ran off f the path by speeding cyclists.. it's a nature trail not a race track. 137. Leave it all alone 138. I'm concerned about horse droppings on the paved part of the path from Clearwater. Wouldn't that interfere with walking, running, and biking? Shouldn't the horse riders have a completely separate parallel path? Question 7: We will likely be going through a naming process for this property in the future. If you would like to suggest a name for the Willamalane Board of Directors to consider, please write it below. 95 Responses. 1. Middle Fork Shores Natural Recreation Area 2. Turtle park 3. Andrea Ortiz Natural Area 4. The Kolopuyan word today is "Umsho" or "Umsu" spoken- "oomsoo" or "oomshoo", either one, meaning "it is good'% I would like to see it names Umsu - pronounced oomshoo == it is good. S. The trail of equality. 6. Camas Riparian Natural Area 7. Please consider working with local indigenous peoples to see if they would be interested in identifying on appropriate indigenous name. 8. Elias and Mary Briggs Park Or Briggs Mill Race Park 9. Western Pond Turtle Park 10. Springfield Wetland Preservation 11. Ask the tribes 12. The Willamette Wetlands and Wildlife Refuge 13. Osprey Park 14. Middle Fork Preserve 84 Attachment 3, Page 88 of 104 rte? willamalane it Park and Recreation District Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 i willamalane.org 15. Lewis and Clark Park 16. Elias Briggs Nature Area 17. Springfield Trails for all 18. Springfield nature habitat 19. GP Acres 20. Wetlands of springfield cling with indigenous name of area. 21. Millrace channel parkway. 22. Let the tribes name it 23. WlllPoc 24. A name that reflex's remembering historically those that donated this property to the park's district. 25. Springfield forest park 26. Would be nice to see something that honors the history of the area that's not from a European settler perspective. The Board of Directors could reach out to native indigenous groups (e.g., Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde) for input on naming. 27. Pond Turtle Park, Willamette Wetlands Park, Channel Park 28. Path Of Life 29. Kolopuyo 30. Middle Fork Natural area 31. Something named after or dedicated to someone who has served the Springfield area 32. 1 think it would be wonderful to give this area a name, I have the hardest time, describing to people where I am headed for a run. How about Woodland River Park. 33. Adventure Park 34. MLKJr 35. Miller's crossing 36. GP Pond 37. A name with Restoration and/or education would send a message of the benefits and uses for the property. 38. To show on awareness of the diverse people who have lived here, maybe a Kolopuyo member or early African American who braved the sundowner towns of Lane County. 39. Georgia Pacific Park 40. 1 think you should focus on ONE identity for the whole Middle Fork corridor from Clearwater to Dorris. Sub areas can/should have "place-names" but not try to be their own separate parks. 41. 1 don't have a suggestion, but please ensure that we are honoring the community with the naming and not individuals. Outreach Summary 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. Name it after a native plant or bird or Indigenous resident. Do not name after a corporation or White person or a male - they are over -commemorated! Good as is. Cottonwood Park James A. Bushnell Pinebork 7th Generation Committee Ojo de la bellezo Name it after a tribe of the First Peoples. Willamette park Middle Fork Park Josh Hull Reserve New Horizon Park Riverview Parklands Soggy Bottom, or name it after a bird or tree that lives there. Native American name. Turtle Park The mill race natural area Willamette Confluence Preserve Alpha Centauri anything pc, of course Please do not name it after a person. Maybe consider a Kolopuyan word that refers to nature. Something with some Springfield history tied to it. anything related to the native land Confluence Parkways What is the name of the creek there? Maybe merging the name of the creek with whatever people voice they care most about. For example: Hartman Creek Turtle Observatory... or something. Jasper Trail Willamolone River Trails Clear to the Mill Nature Area I would like the board to consider non-white folks when making this property. troilie mctroil face lol Springfield Nature Pork True Park for All Something connected to local indigenous peoples. Springfield Wildlife Sanctuary. Anything that does not have to do with the Koch enterprises Something that reflects the historic or geographical significance of the area. North Willamette Recreation and Natural area. Turtle Park Recreational Area Booth -Kelly Natural Area APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 89 of 104 85 rOt? willamalane it Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org Question 8: Would you like to be kept up to date on progress with the development of this natural area through email? 271 Responses. ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes 68.27% =.. No 31.73% TOTAL 271 Question 9: If so, at what email address would you like to be contacted? 186 Responses Question 10: What area do you live in? Please reference the map above. 285 Responses Nd Spri ngfi I- u West Springfield Southwest Springfield South Springfield Within walking distance of _.. Ce ntral Springfield East Springfield Eugene Outside SpringfieldJ_.. Other 0% 10% 2045 3045 4095 60% 60% 7045 80% 90% 100% 86 Attachment 3, Page 90 of 104 rOt? willamalane Outreach Summary it Park and Recreation District Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org ANSW ER CH OICES RESPONSES North Springfield 8.42% 24 West Springfield 8.07% 23 Southwest Springfield 3.51% 10 South Springneld 14.39% 41 Within walking distance ofthe park, in South Springfield 8.32% 18 Central Springfield 12.98% 37 East SpringfieLd 19.65% 56 Eugene 19.30% 55 Outside Springfield/Eugen e, within Lane County 7.37% 21 Other 0.00% ❑ TOTAL 285 Question 11: What age range do you fall within? 284 Responses „nderl8 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55£4 65+ 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Under 18 0,00% 0 18-24 1.41% 4 25-34 16.90% 48 35-44 24.65% 70 45-54 17.61 % 50 55-64 17.61% 50 65+ 21.53% 62 TOTAL 284 APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 91 of 104 87 EVP willamalane Outreach Summary �, Park and Recreation District Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org Question 12: Which race/ethnicity best describes you? (Please choose only one.) 275 Responses White American Black or African... Hispanic or Latino/aJx Native American Alaska Native Asian American Native Hawaiian or... Two or more races/ethnic... Other G% 10% 20% M% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES White American 84.73% 233 Black or African American 0.73% 2 Hispanic ar Latinujajx 2.18% 6 Native American 2.18% 6 Alaska Native 0.0036 0 Asian American 0.36% 1 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0.36% 1 Two or more races/ethnicities 4.73% 13 Other Responses 4.73% 13 TOTAL 275 88 Attachment 3, Page 92 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org Question 12: Are you a Willamalane employee? 286 Responses ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes 3.50% 10 No 96.50% 276 TOTAL 286 Agnes Stewart Middle School Virtual Class Visit & Survey A virtual class visit was made to middle school students in sciences classes. This visit included short videos that explained: (1) what we are doing and why, (2) what the existing conditions are at Georgia Pacific Natural Area, and (3) what is being proposed. At the end of the presentation, students were directed to take a brief survey to gain an understanding of how much the students are visiting/using the property and what their primary interests are in regards to the future of this property. A total of 102 students took the survey. Results are shared below. Question 1: How frequently do you visit Georgia Pacific Natural Area? 100 Responses • Frequently (more than once per week) • Regularly (more than once per month) 0 Occasionally (more than once per year) ! Rarely or never (less than once per year) Question 2: What activities do you enjoy when visiting Georgia Pacific Property? (Select all that apply) 102 Responses APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 93 of 104 89 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 80 70 - 60 — 50 40 30 20 10 0 tvo' aft Oros 5�{a�~ofi 0 � 40 Respondents who selected "other" added the following additional activities. The numbers following the comment reflect how many times each activity was mentioned: • Hang out with family/friends - 3 • Listen to music 1 • Swim - 2 • Think - 1 • Watch River - 2 • Football - 1 • Dog Walking - 2 • Soccer- 1 • Picnic - 2 • Skate - 1 • Draw - 1 Question 3: What do you want to see happen most at Georgia Pacific Natural Area? 102 Responses Provide new trailheads and access... Create 1/2 mile nature trail around... Provide safe access down to the... Replace or enhance park signs Provide a picnic area Provide overlook of pond Provide overlook of Jasper Slough Provide permanent horse trails Improve quality of native habitats 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 90 Attachment 3, Page 94 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org Respondents who selected "other" added the following additional ideas. The numbers following the comment reflect how many times each was mentioned: • bus stop - 1 • more benches - 7 • A volleyball court - 1 • trails made out of dirt for BMX/mtn bikes -1 • warning signs - 1 • build new habitats for the wildlife (especially the turtles) - 7 • Swings on the trees! - 1 • provide only bike trails - 1 Question 4: Please explain any of your answers or let us know if there is anything else you would like us to consider for this area. 63 Responses This was an open ended question. A full list of responses is included below. A brief summary of items (followed by the number of times it was mentioned) is provided first: Common/repeated Themes: • Rest or Picnic area would improve experience- 7 • Habitat improvements/preservation is important- 2 All Responses: i would like improvement on making animal habitats I feel like a picnic area would get used a lot. • more access to fishing areas • I think it'll be nice to have some benches for people who wonno take a break during their visit. • the explanation is to make more activities that will attract more people • Well I've always thought about this old hornet nest, It's just decaying and rotting away and its rotting the tree its in so maybe that could go? I would like to see have a 7/2 mile nature walk because u wan walk and observe the wildlife there and enjoy the outside. I said would run, walk, and bike so I could get exercise and I want a picnic area so people can take a break and just have lunch in the nature. On the map I saw in class the plan for access points one was by my friend's house and we go out and use the trails all the time and that would provide a point so we don't have to go on the main road. APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 95 of 104 91 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 i willamalane.org My mom and I really like going on walks in the Georgia Pacific Natural Area and it would be really nice to have more nature trails and seating areas. I have always wanted to have a picnic there and it would much appreciated! • The wildlife screen would be really nice for observing nature without disturbing it. The overlooks would be very important to the preservation of the wildlife. I think that if people have more choices that don't negatively impact their surroundings, they'll choose those more often. • when i do come to the trail we always have a snack about halfway through but never have a place to eat so having a picnic area would be nice • horse trails as a big one in my opinion More hedges for viewing the ponds. 1 really enjoy walking around ponds and I think they are good places to observe nature. lower the fences because deer get separated from their family trying to jump • I just want the area to improve • swimming dock 1 don't really wonno see it change because one thing leads to another and I don't think that 1 want the area being over paved or too much site seeing or park signs or anything really because its still ruining nature either way no matter how you say it I'm gonna stick with us only doing trails. • rest area Picnic area would be cool. 1 would like to see more nature included. • An overlook of the pond would be cool because people make their way to the pond by creating their own trails, which damages the land. I like to go with friends and we want to picnic • warning signs • to make a rock pull so little kids can swim • Clean up all of the litter so no wildlife eat any stuff that is bad for them. Partner and Neighbor Comments Springfield Utility Board (SUB) SUB's primary interest in the property and this project is maintaining access to their adjacent property and well fields and assuring improvements and activities proposed did not impact ground water. Upon viewing the concepts, SUB did not oppose any of the proposed improvements or activities. 92 Attachment 3, Page 96 of 104 EVP willamalane �, Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org City of Springfield So far for the City's primary interest is maintaining access to and health of the Mill Race channel. Upon viewing concepts the City generally had no opposition to anything that was being proposed within the plan. The City has expressed support for exploring the possibility of creating an additional access point from 39th St. The only concern noted was a question of how equestrian use might impact on water quality in the Mill Race. The City has started and will continue to monitor water quality to respond to this concern. They would want to be directly involved in any improvements on or near the Mill Race Channel. Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council This group was not opposed to the proposed improvements or activities shown in the plan. They did provide caution that Willamalane should be thoughtful about proposing additional static infrastructure in the natural floodplain, specifically with respect to impervious surfaces, trails, and other facilities that depend on a static environment. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) ODFW provided a lot of insight in the research and assessment portions of this plan. They provided information on the pond and other aquatic habitats onsite, information on sensitive species (especially the pond turtle) and recommendations for habitat enhancement and protection. ODFW strongly supported the protection and enhancement of sensitive habitats and prioritizing restoration work in areas that are in higher quality to maintain it that way into the future. ODFW recommended no fishing in the pond area if the goal was to protect pond turtle habitat due to the typical impacts fishing areas experience. There was some concern over the viewing platforms being proposed because they may encourage fishing. They recommend not extending them over the water and designing them in a way to discourage fishing off of them. The Nature Conservancy - No concerns were expressed. Equestrian Groups A representative from the equestrian group who has supported development of equestrian trails onsite submitted the following requests to be considered for equestrian use for this project and other adjacent areas: APPENDIX 2 Attachment 3, Page 97 of 104 93 rOt? willamalane it Park and Recreation District Outreach Summary Park Services Center, 682 36th St., Springfield OR 97478-5606 541-736-4104 1 willamalane.org 11,-.V rr 10 28tb otr el 7t Pienie area fur egae,0triJ*' ^ • , 4 � ` r l:.rr� u hr liirerr' .• rrdrrr lrrrr rr..firrrer frail• g Excew to rq!lnrrry Ryas Trails i`]rrs rrirrn rn Apprim maeely 22 utiles orf F.•xir.«� rn rNr •ars - - - ' natural surface trail desigped ermid on hank fs Nrr��rrrnn liar! rrrrt to primarily for horses would pale create an oulerloop throughout the natural area. ❑thrr users such as wddLfe groups and runners. could also use lhi• r iiiP. s Teal color would be horse trails. I think we should keep the trails next to the hike path plus the dirt trails except by the closest to the pond. If bikers and walkers can still use our equestrian trails then it should he okto share the other one too. We haven't had any problems yet with sharing the paths including the bike paths. I love seeing the people and the river views too. It you checkwith River Rock Ranch and talkto Steven he said the public could Have excess to the creek. It would be nice to have our horses excess tothe river. Neighbors Several neighbors called or emailed in response to the proposed new access points for the plan. Two neighbors living along Clearwater Lane called to express concern about access via their local access road. One neighbor adjacent to the 39t" St. access sent an email concerned about that access, "...Although in support of additional access to trails, we are in opposition of the proposed 39th access, especially the construction of a parking lot. We hope Willamalane takes this into consideration. We already have people seeking river access through our property and trespassing. Our biggest concern is not the average recreational user but vagrant activity. Please reach out to us with any further development in the 39th street access." These neighbors will be notified prior to the draft plan going to the Board of Directors for review to provide them an additional opportunity to submit comment. 94 Attachment 3, Page 98 of 104 APPENDIX 3: Trail Sections and Overlook Concepts GRAVEL SHOULDER EXISTING VEGETATION MAINTAINED TO ALLOW SAFE SIGHT DISTANCE BASE COURSE PER GEOTEC..... _.._ ENGINEER RECOMMENDATIONS y —/ / > -00 9 -al ,SVT Paved Multi -use Pathway Section HORIZONTAL SCALE: 1' = 5-0' 3" DEPTH ASPHALT PAVING, OR PER GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER RECOMMENDATIONS Attachment 3, Page 99 of 104 This document and the information contained herein may not be copied or reproduced without express written permission of Willamalone Park and Recreation District. Unauthorized disclosure or construction use are prohibited by copyright low- C� Q CZ D Ill � CZ Z � U � U � CZ Cn CZ C� O ( 1 w� W z v F- C) W_ O of 0— r willamalane Park and Recreation District NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION Drawn by: SPD Date: 10.28.20 SHEET NO: C2.00 APPENDIX 3: Trail Sections and Overlook Concepts 9I U I) r L l / 7 ,\> V T II ii 10 II W � nll U I z of 1 I/ BUFFER Ila t CLEAR OF VEGETATION nI I/ T CD 2 2'-3' �Il 2'— 3I NATIVE SURFACE SHOULDER MAX 1:3 SLOPE NATIVE SURFACE/GRAVEL EQUESTRIAN TREAD Running/ Equestrian Trail Section HORIZONTAL SCALE: 1' = 5'-0' 7a Q Q a 4 Q Q C�o NATIVE SURFACE SHOULDER MAX 1:3 SLOPE Nature Trail Section HORIZONTAL SCALE: 1' = 5'-0' Attachment 3, Page 100 of 104 3 EXISTING VEGETATION MAINTAINED TO REDUCE ENCROACHMENT ON J TRAIL U Co 4" DEPTH GRAVEL TRAIL 6" DEPTH BASE COURSE This document and the information contained herein may not be copied or reproduced without express written permission of Willamalone Park and Recreation District. Unauthorized disclosure or construction use are prohibited by copyright low- � V Q CZ D Ill � CZ Z � U � U� CZ Cn CZ Lil O (3) Q �Z F- U W O of 0— r willamalane Park and Recreation District NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION Drawn by: SPD Date: 10.28.20 SHEET NO: C3.00 APPENDIX 3: Trail Sections and Overlook Concepts - G \ —, \ \ > /. ✓\ Ix J , �>I�-/ l`� INTERPRETIVE \L �� �` J SIGNAGE PICNIC TABLE(S) I/ S' 7 WOODEN DECK ,�v T I�.1 '' \ ��'— STRUCTURE WITH WOOD HANDRAILS EXISTING VEGETATION--</Yn�..� vV Ix. 116 l l l 11 l li Section / Elevation Jasper Slough Overlook HORIZONTAL SCALE- I" = 5-0' Attachment 3, Page 101 of 104 NEW CONCRETE EDGING BOULDERS PLACED UNDER DECK TO DISCOURAGE ACCESS EXISTING MILL RACE PATH This document and the information contained herein may not be copied or reproduced without express written permission of Willamalone Park and Recreation District. Unauthorized disclosure or construction use are prohibited by copyright low - i willamialane NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION Drawn by: SPD Date: 06.02.20 SHEET NO: C2.01 CZ N Q U � ♦�""' CZ C/) U� O Cz Q CZCZ � G z F— C) W 0 of 0- i willamialane NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION Drawn by: SPD Date: 06.02.20 SHEET NO: C2.01 This document and the information APPENDIX 3: Trail Sections and Overlook Concepts contained herein may not be copied or reproduced without express written permission of Willamalone Park and Recreation District. Unauthorized disclosure or construction use are prohibited by copyright law. CSV\ W Cz L Q Q Q Q CV O Z 0 QQ U U Q 0) INTERPRETIVE QQ c O M SIGNAGE Q — 0- 2) Q Q O QQ Q � WOODEN DECK z Ali 0 STRUCTURE WITH QQ Q WOOD RAILINGS Q 0 EXISTING TRAIL rNO NOwillamalane Park and RecreationDistnat GEORGIA (;� _ 4 (�� - — — - (J;i —�- PACIFIC POND r;' — — — — — NOT FOR (' (' EXISTING VEGETATION CONSTRUCTION Drawn by: SPD Date: 10.28.20 Scale: AS SHOWN SHEET NO: Section / Elevation Pond Overlook HORIZONTAL SCALE: 1' = 5-0' C1OO Attachment 3, Page 102 of 104 .00 APPENDIX 4 - NATURAL RESOURCE DATA WATER QUALITY OF THE MILL RACE CHANNEL The City of Springfield sampled the water in the Mill Race before (8/12/20) and in the middle (2/1/21) of the equestrian trial period. The City was specifically looking at E. coli levels, which may increase with additional horse manure entering the waterway. Results are preliminary and provided a good basis for continued monitoring in future months. Location Date E. coli resultsullts Ziller, Reis & Richardson (ODFW) Location: 00 m1s) Upstream of Georgia 8/12/2020 2 _j Pacific of Jasper Rd and 32nd Street to the Clearwater/WiIlama lane bike Upstream of Georgia 2/1/2021 8 Pacific Sampling Seine At Georgia Pacific 8/12/2020 10 At Georgia Pacific 2/1/2021 Downstream of Georgia 8/12/2020 Purpose: Pacific Downstream of Georgia 2/1/2021 Pacific * The state standard for E. coli is 406 MPWI00mis. FISH SURVEY AT THE POND Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted a fish survey in 2017. Date: 17 -Jan -14 Samplers: Ziller, Reis & Richardson (ODFW) Location: "Bike Trail Pond", Pond on north side of Willamalane bike path west of Clearwater Boat Landing near end of Kintzley Ave (near 32nd St) Notes: Note: In January 2017 a connector path opened from the corner of Jasper Rd and 32nd Street to the Clearwater/WiIlama lane bike path. This pond, the Georgia-Pacific Pond, is immediately east of this connector path. Sampling Seine Method: Water 42 F at 11:00am Temperature: Sampling To assess ponds for hatchery trout or warm water fishery potential. Purpose: APPENDIX 4 Attachment 3, Page 103 of 104 We also looked at a smaller pond on the east side of the entrance road into Clearwater Park ("Clearwater Park Pond"). Both ponds had evidence of some angling pressure. Birds (migratory song birds and waterfowl) were present at both ponds, and beaver activity was observed at the pond on the north side of the bike path. Although we didn't sample the smaller pond, we assume it contains some warm water fish. Species Fork Count Comments Species Codes Length (mm) BG 28 BG = Bluegill BG 32 BG = Bluegill BG 40 BG = Bluegill LMB 195 LMB = Largemouth Bass BFT 1 BFT = Bull frog tadpole BATHYMETRY Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) also conducted a bathymetric survey of the pond. 100 Attachment 3, Page 104 of 104