Exhibit B <br />Metro Plan Chapter 111-C. Environmental Resources Element <br />Note: This document shows proposed changes to Chapter III-C of the Metro Plan. It is'a draft <br />in legislative format. It is a product of the metropolitan-wide policy component of the Eugene- <br />Springfield Metropolitan Natural Resources Study (NR Study) and the Lane County component <br />of the study, for the area outside the urban growth boundary. Additions are shown in double <br />underline.. Deletions are shown in strikeau . The draft includes proposed changes to the <br />element resulting from the NR Study, which include new and amended findings to comply with <br />Statewide Planning Goal 5 as implemented in Oregon Administrative Rule (CAR) 660 Division <br />23. This draft also includes amendments to the policies for Goal 3: Agricultural Lands, and <br />Goal 4: Forest Lands, which are products of a separate Periodic Review study. <br />C. Environmental Resources Element <br />The Environmental Resources Element addresses the natural assets and hazards in the <br />metropolitan area. The assets include agricultural land, clean air and water, forest land, sand and <br />gravel deposits, scenic areas, vegetation, wildlife, and wildlife habitat. The hazards include <br />problems associated with floods, soils, and geology. The policies of this element emphasize <br />reducing urban impacts on wetlands throughout the metropolitan area and planning for the <br />natural assets and constraints on undeveloped lands on the urban fringe. <br />Numerous local efforts reflect a positive attitude by the community toward the natural <br />environment. For example, the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area has a long history of <br />commitment to local programs directed toward problems of air and water quality. Examples of <br />regional parks that provide significant public open space areas for metropolitan residents include <br />Eugene's Skinner Butte, Spencer Butte, Alton Baker, and Hendrick's Parks and Whilamut <br />Natural Area; Lane 's Altai iker, Qgar-wat Lri-, *ndL eCounty's-Howard Buford <br />Recreation Area (Mt. Pisgah),-, and Willamalane Park and Recreation District's Clearwater Park, <br />East ate Woodlands and Dorris Ranch. Eugene has focused special planning efforts toward <br />controlling development and maintaining the scenic and environmental assets in the South Hills <br />of the city. A tax levy passed by Eugene voters is resulting in additions to the park and open <br />space system in the metropolitan area. Lane County, Springfield, and Eugene all contribute to <br />the local success of the Willamette River Greenway (Greenwa))_ program. <br />The natural environment adds to the livability of the metropolitan area. Local awareness and <br />appreciation for nature and the need to provide a physically and psychologically healthy urban <br />environment are reasons for promoting a compatible mix of nature and city. Urban areas provide <br />a diversity of economic, social, and cultural opportunities. It is equally important to provide <br />diversity in the natural environment of the city. With proper planning, it is possible to allow <br />intense urban development on suitable land and still retain valuable islands and corridors of open <br />space. Open space may reflect a sensitive natural area, such as the floodway fringe, that is <br />protected from development. Open space can also be a park, a golf course, a cemetery, a body of <br />water, or an area left undeveloped within a private commercial or residential development. <br />Exhibit B; Proposed amendments to Chapter III-C, Environmental Resources Element, Page 1 of 25 <br />of the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Plan (Metro Plan). <br />Laurel Ridge Record (Z 15-5) Page 278 <br />