EXHIBIT R Page 182 <br />Findings - <br />4-51. The statewide goal definition for agriculture is based upon: (a) U.S. Department of <br />Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):agricultural soil <br />capability classification system for Class I through IV soils, (b) other agricultural uses on <br />Class V through VIII soils, and (c) proximity of other lands to (a) and (b). The majority <br />of land in the metropolitan area is located on agricultural soils rated Classes 'l through IV, <br />and much of this area is developed with urban uses. The hillside soils are generally <br />Classes VI through VIII soils, and some are suited for grazing and other agricultural uses. <br />4-Q. The most productive agricultural lands in the metropolitan area are located on Class I <br />through -IV soils on bottomlands along the McKenzie River and the Middle Fork of the <br />Willamette River. <br />2-92. Where urban and agricultural lands abut, farm use management problems are frequently <br />created. <br />Policies <br />3C.1 Where agricultural land is being considered for inclusion in future amendments to the <br />UGB, least productive agricultural land shall be considered first. Factors other than <br />agricultural soil ratings shall be considered when determining the productivity of <br />agricultural land. Relevant factors include suitability for grazing, climatic conditions, <br />existing and future availability of water for farm irrigation, ownership patterns, land use <br />patterns, proximity to agricultural soils or current farm uses, other adjacent land uses, <br />agricultural history, technological and energy inputs required, accepted farming practices, <br />and farm market conditions. <br />$C.2 Designated. agricultural lands shall be protected for agricultural uses through zoning for <br />exclusive farm use or equivalent acceptable zoning and through application of other <br />protective measures. <br />9C.2 During the next Metro Plan update, a study should be initiated to examine ways of <br />buffering and protecting agricultural lands. on the urban fringe from the effects of urban <br />development. The study should also evaluate approaches to use in order to maintain <br />physical separation between the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area and smaller <br />outlying communities. <br />CA In addition to any of the above policies, these policies apply to agricultural lands within <br />the iuuisdietionalb:ejg9dnz-J,-s Plan Boundary of the Metro Plan but outside the UGB. <br />Lands within the UGB with agricultural soils or that are used for agricultural numoses are <br />not entitled to protection under these olp icier. <br />a Encourage agricultural activities by preserving and maintaining agricultural lands <br />through the use of an exclusive agricultural zone which is consistent with ORS <br />215 and QAR 660 Division 033 <br />JAI Ridge`F~~tc~~2 :5_~foposed amendments to Chapter III-C, Environmental Resources Element, Page 4 of 24 <br />of the ugene-Springfield Metropolitan Plan (Metro Plan). Page 501 <br />