RESOLUTION No. 36122

Direct Bureau of Water Works to work with the U.S.D.A. Mt. Hood National Forest and community interests to conduct a comprehensive review of Bull Run Management Unit administration and develop recommendations to Council (Resolution)

WHEREAS, the City of Portland, the Mt. Hood National Forest, and the regional community served by the Bull Run watershed are strongly committed to protecting and conserving the natural resources and ecosystem processes of the Bull Run Management Unit so that it can continue to serve as an unparalleled source of “pure clear raw potable water” for the region;

WHEREAS, the relationships of the City, the Mt. Hood National Forest, and the community have significantly improved over time due to the dedicated efforts of the parties to address issues in a collaborative manner, to build and sustain trust, and to work together to ensure the protection and conservation of the Bull Run Management Unit’s valuable resources;

WHEREAS, an evolving understanding of the conditions necessary for protecting important ecosystems such as exist in the Bull Run Management Unit compel the parties to work together to ensure the ongoing protection and conservation of such valuable resources;

WHEREAS, the parties agree that ensuring that the Bull Run Management Unit’s benefits continue to flow to our community requires that the agreements between and working relationships of the responsible parties be clear, equitable, effective, efficient, and up-to-date;

WHEREAS, the current climate between the interested and responsible parties provides a unique opportunity to undertake a constructive, responsible and well-informed review of administrative agreements and roles, responsibilities and relationships so that they may be redesigned to better meet the current and likely future needs; and

WHEREAS, the Water Bureau anticipates developing recommendations in stages and will seek direction from Council at key milestones. (Attachment A outlines the anticipated approach and describes a preliminary timeline.)

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that:

1. The Council hereby directs the Water Bureau to work with the USDA Mt. Hood National Forest and community interests to conduct a comprehensive review of the administration of the Bull Run Management Unit, including administrative agreements, roles, responsibilities and working relationships, and develop recommendations to the Council.

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2.  The Council directs the Water Bureau to conduct this work in collaboration with the community and the USDA Mt. Hood National Forest to ensure that the recommendations developed take a long term view of the interests and needs of the parties involved in managing this critical resource and provide for flexible, adaptable, equitable and predictable governance of the Bull Run Management Unit.

Adopted by the Council: FEB 19 2003        GARY BLACKMER

Auditor of the City of Portland

Prepared by:              By /S/ Susan Parsons

Deputy

Rosemary Menard:RM

February 7, 2003        

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BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 139-2003

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36122