07/06/2015 - MinutesEXHIBIT A
Dear Planning Commission:
Regarding the proposal for the removal of 0.12 acres of Tigard's significant wetlands from the Wetlands
and Stream Corridor map:
As a board member of the Fans of Fanno Creek, we urge the Commission NOT to remove these wetlands
from having protection and shown on the current WSC map for several reasons. 1) The city of Tigard
bought this property and PROMISED the citizens they would protect ALL of the site including the
wetlands. If they remove the protections currently afforded to this 0.12 acres, they will have voided the
agreement and the bond measure passed for the aqcquisition of this site. This will
lead the city into "hot water" with citizens. 2) The placement of
the proposed two boardwalks is NOT the original placement agreed upon by CWS, Metro, Fans, and a
number of other entities that walked the site and came up with the boardwalk idea. Hence why Fans is
opposed to the current placement. 3) The boardwalk placement proposal near Fanno Creek is in a
wetland that is protected by a conservation easement for a mitigation site, and is protected by state and
federal wetland mitigation laws. Therefore, this wetland CANNOT be removed from the Tigard WSC
map.
Fans worked for over 15 years with local citizens and Fowler students to protect and preserve this site.
The city needs to be on board with the full protection of the property, that includes NO wetland loss, NO
habitat loss, and protection of the existing wildlife on the site.
That means no more trails and no more development on the site, period.
Fans of Fanno Creek will continue to work toward full protection and preservation of this unique site so
that habitats and wildlife are protected as was originally agreed upon prior to the acquisition of the site
when Trust for Public Lands became involved and helped with the acquisition. Fans pointed out to TPL
that native turtles and red-legged frogs occurred on the site and it is primarily because of this that TPL
became involved and invested in protecting this property some years ago. As stated previously, the city
of Tigard should be working to protect ALL of the site and should NOT be working toward destroying
valuable wetlands for any reason.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Sue Beilke,
Board member, Fans of Fanno Creek