<br />August 22, 2018 <br /> <br />Hearings Official <br /> <br />c/o Nick Gioello, Associate Planner <br /> <br />City of Eugene Planning and Development <br /> <br />th <br />99 W 10 Ave <br /> <br />Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> <br /> <br />RE: CU 18-0001/WG 18-0002 UO North Campus <br />Dear Mr. Gioello, <br />Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Conditional Use Permit / Willamette Greenway <br />Permit proposal for the University of Oregon North Campus. The University of Oregon reached out to <br />Willamette Riverkeeper early on in the CUP process to share information and receive feedback on the <br />proposal. As such, we were especially intrigued with the possibilities in this proposal to address riparian <br />restoration, water quality and river recreation improvements. <br />In general, this proposal represents an opportunity for increased community engagement with students <br />and the general public to help restore and protect a key riparian area while improving water quality and <br />providing safe and enjoyable river recreation access. Restoration activities, such as removing invasive <br />species and replanting with native trees and shrubs, will improve wildlife habitat, help control soil <br />erosion and potentially improve water quality. Another possible benefit of this proposal might include <br />improving the stormwater filtration process through use of special materials used to create new athletic <br />fields. Additionally, creating an inviting natural area for legitimate recreation opportunities may help <br />decrease illegal camping and drug use along the riverbank in this area. <br />Willamette Riverkeeper supports the overall vision of this project along with the following <br />considerations: <br />Given the length of the riverbank here, it may make sense to establish an additional human <br /> <br />powered craft access point in addition to the one on the upstream end of the property. <br /> <br />It would seem that any lighting installed at the site should conform to Bird Friendly Building <br /> <br /> standards that are being widely implemented. <br /> <br />Given the construction that will occur to lay back the riverbank, a survey of freshwater species <br /> <br />should be done adjacent to the river bank - with the desire to protect any existing Western <br />Pearlshell mussels being a significant consideration. <br /> <br />