HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-0517 Council Agenda PACKET
CITY OF
ASHLAND
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AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
May 17, 2016
Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street
Note: Items on the Agenda not considered due to time constraints are automatically continued to the next
regularly scheduled Council meeting [AMC 2.04.030.E.]
7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Study Session of May 2, 2016
2. Business Meeting of May 3, 2016
VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
1. Proclamation of May 16 - 22, 2016 as American Craft Beer Week
2. Annual presentation by Wildfire Commission
VII. PUBLIC FORUM Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Total time
allowed for Public Forum is 15 minutes. The Mayor will set time limits to enable all
people wishing to speak to complete their testimony.) [15 minutes maximum]
VIII. CO" SENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of boards, commissions, and committees
2. Ambulance Operator's License renewal
IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Persons wishing to speak are to submit a "speaker request form"
prior to the commencement of the public hearing. Public hearings shall conclude at 9:00
p.m. and be continued to a future date to be set by the Council, unless the Council, by a
two-thirds vote of those present, extends the hearing(s) until up to 10:30 p.m. at which
time the Council shall set a date for continuance and shall proceed with the balance of
the agenda.)
1. Public hearing and approval of resolutions titled, "A resolution adopting a
COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE BROADCAST LIVE ON CHANNEL 9, OR ON C1 ARTER CABLE
CHANNEL 180. VISIT THE CITY OF ASHLAND'S WEB SITE AT WWW.ASHLAND.OR.US
transportation utility fee schedule pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code Section 4.26
and repealing Resolution 2015-12"
and
"A resolution adopting a storm drain utility fee schedule pursuant to Ashland
Municipal Code Section 4.27.050 and repealing Resolution 2015-11
and
A resolution revising rates for water service pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code
Section 14.04.030 and repealing Resolution 2015-09"
and
"A resolution revising rates for wastewater (sewer) service pursuant to Ashland
Municipal Code Section 14.08.035 and repealing Resolution 2015-10"
X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
XI. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Request from the Public Art Commission for approval of mural concepts on Calle
Guanajuato
2. Adoption of 2016 Ashland Forest Plan
XII. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. Approval of a Resolution titled, "A resolution of the City of Ashland, Jackson County,
Oregon, to submit to Ashland electors at the November 8, 2016 General Election an
advisory question on instructing the 2017 Oregon Legislature to create a transparent
public process to design a system that provides timely access to affordable
comprehensive health care for all Oregon residents, ensures choice of provider, has
effective cost controls, equitable access, and a focus on preventative care"
XIII. OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERSIREPORTS FROM COUNCIL
LIAISONS
XIV. ADJOURNMENT OF BUSINESS MEETING
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting,
please contact the City Administrator's office at (549) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-2900). Notification 72
hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the
meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE BROADCAST LIVE ON CHANNEL 9, OR ON CHARTER CABLE
CHANNEL 180. VISIT THE CITY OF ASHLAND'S WEB SITE AT WWW.ASHLAND.OR.US
City Council Study Session
May 2, 2016
Page I of')
MINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
Monday, May 2, 2016
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.rn. in the Siskiyou Room.
Councilor Seffinger, Rosenthal, Morris, Voisin, and Marsh were present. Councilor Lernhouse was absent.
1. Public Input
Huelz Gutcheon/2253 Hwy 99/Addressed global climate change and explained the ocean would rise twelve
feet if Greenland's 1.8-mile thick ice melted. Climate experts were now saying climate change was worse than
they reported in Paris.
2. Look Ahead review
City Administrator Dave Kanner reviewed items on the Look Ahead.
3. 2016 Ashland Forest Plan draft review and presentation by the Forest Lands Commission
Forest Lands Commission Chair Frank Betlejewski started the presentation on the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan.
The Commission updated the 1992 plan and built a website. Ashland owned approximately 1,100 acres of
forest land and were adding 172 acres from the Parks and Recreation Department previously not in the plan.
He accessed the website, http://gis.asliland.or.us/2016afp/ and explained the features.
Commissioner John Williams presented the Ashland Forest Plan overview that included:
• Pre-settlement - Native peoples low-impact Ashland Watershed
• 1860-1890 - Scattered logging, cattle, and sheep grazing - water supply degraded
• 1935-1990 - Logging, fire suppression, several large wildfires, run-away vegetation
• 1992-1995 City Council mandates active forest management. City adopts first comprehensive
Ashland Forest Plan and established Ashland Forest Lands Commission
• Modern Era Management 1992-2015: Active management with 3 primary objectives:
o Protection and promotion of the City's water supply
o Maintenance and promotion of forest health
o Reduce risk of catastrophic fire
• 1995-2002 Building community trust; low-level, restorative forestlands projects completed
• 2003-2004 - Restoration II project initiated: community supported, professionally implemented
0 180 acres, helicopter thinning, 125 log truck loads
o recognized Becomes nationally recognized as workable model
• 2004-2014 - Community collaboration with Forest Service
• 2010 -Ashland Forest Resiliency Project (AFR) begins restoration work in Ashland Watershed across
all ownerships: City of Ashland, Nature Conservancy, US Forest Service, Lomakatsi Restoration
Project
• 2016 and Beyond
o Continued Community Engagement
o Joint management of Parks and Rec Forestlands
o Secure sustained funding for further restoration work
o Implementation of 2016 Ashland Forest Plan
• Recreation Issues: Resource impacts; unsanctioned trails; user conflict; increased future use
• Management Considerations
o Manage trails for sustainability - reduce "social" trails
o Monitor and implement adaptive management
City Council Study Session
May 2, 2016
Page 3 of 3
The Forest Plan contained a section that addressed climate change. The Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest
would start a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment that will take 18 months to complete.
4. 8/10 Staffing Study for Ashland Fire & Rescue
Fire Chief John Karns provided the background on transitioning from an 8/9 staffing level in the Fire
Department to 8/10. Staffing was critical and the Fire Department was relying on Fire District 5 and Mercy
Flights more often. They were currently in the process of subcontracting non-emergent transfers and would
seek permission from Jackson County Commissioners. Two viable vendors could assume transport duties.
Transitioning out of non-emergent transports would decrease calls 2-3% but not alleviate staffing inadequacies.
The Fire Department recently executed an entry-level exam and had a list of possible firefighter candidates.
Hiring paramedics instead of firefighter/paramedics would curtail flexibility and not solve the issue. There
were certification levels that would preclude paramedics from responding to fires.
Chief Karns wanted to start hiring July 1, 2016. City Administrator Dave Kanner- understood the rationale and
supported moving to an 8/10 staffing level but wanted to do it July 1, 2017 as part of the budget. In addition
to the increase in cost, there was a $40,000 to $50,000 annual cost associated to giving up non-emergent
transports. The two retirees the Fire Department hired completed their hire back terms that lasted 4 to 5
months due to staff hours. The volunteer student program would be appropriate once the department achieved
an adequate staff level and could not replace career firefighters.
Council discussed directing staff to come to a future meeting with a plan to achieve an 8/10 staffing level
starting July 1, 2016. Opposing comments wanted to wait and review staffing with other priority budget issues
during the financial segment of council goal setting set for June 17, 2016. Council majority directed staff to
move forward on a plan to achieve 8/10 staffing.
5. Update on employee disaster readiness
Chief John Karns explained employee emergency preparedness would allow employees to return to work
during a disaster to help the city recover. Further training would provide emergency preparedness, Ashland's
threat hazard, and the new state strategy of everyone having the ability to self-sustain for fourteen days. If the
disaster were not a 72-hour situation, it would take 14 days for the area to receive relief from the state. Training
could extend to the families of employees as well.
The City would create a committee mostly staffed by the Employee Emergency Response Team (EERT) who
would evaluate 14-day sustainability options for employees and their families. Mayor Stromberg added the
goal was ensuring families of every City employee had the necessary supplies, provisions, and training to
survive in a healthy state for 14 days so employees were available to return to work and help the city recover.
The City could cover sorne costs or pay the cost upfront and have employees pay through payroll deduction
afterwards. There were also costs for having the employees at work, ancillary agreements with fuel providers
and contracts that allowed the City first access. The City may also be able to offer collective buying
opportunities to citizens. The project would take a couple years to put together.
Meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Smith
Assistant to the City Recorder
City Council Business Meeting
May 3, 2016
Page 1 of 8
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
May 3, 2016
Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilor Voisin, Morris, Lemhouse, Seffinger, Rosenthal, and Marsh were present.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Stromberg announced vacancies on the Tree, Wildfire Mitigation, and Conservation Commissions.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Study Session of April 18, 2016 and Business Meeting of April 19, 2016 were approved
as presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
Michael Cavallaro of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) provided the annual report and
submitted the Program and Financial Update for January 2016 into the record. He thanked the City of
Ashland participants for their Transportation Planning efforts. RVCOG was in discussion with the state
regarding the possibility of the area receiving reduced Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
program funds. They wanted to delay the reduction long enough to hold the current scheduled program
projects harmless. He went on to note other programs and resources RVCOG provided throughout the
valley and shared aspects of the financial report.
The Mayor's proclamation of May 2016 as National Historic Preservation Month was read aloud.
PUBLIC FORUM
Amelia Hensler/450 Wightman/Shared she was a student at Southern Oregon University (SOU) and
explained how homelessness was connected to poverty.
Batike Fan/450 Wightman/Also an SOU student addressed the City's camping prohibition law and
explained how it violated amendment rights and how those laws deteriorated the lives of homeless people.
Mayor Stromberg explained the Ashland Police Department adhered to the Oregon Revised Statute that
protected homeless people's property. Additionally, the assistant city attorney developed a process that
when a homeless person returned to society they did not have bad credit ratings.
Mackenzie Murphy/450 Wightman/Was an SOU student and spoke on the criminalization of homeless
people in Ashland and the Homeless Bill of Rights.
Huelz Gutcheon/2253 Hwy 99/Spoke on climate change, and what was happening to reduce carbons.
Councilor Voisin/Seffinger m/s to move the approval of a Resolution authorizing the citizens of
Ashland to urge the Oregon Legislature, in the 2019 session, to refer to the voters a measure creating
a publicly funded health care system serving everyone in Oregon to the May 17, 2016 Council
Business meeting. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
City Council Business Meeting
May 3, 2016
Page 2 of 8
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of boards, commissions, and committees
2. Renewal of telecommunication franchise with Sprint Communications
3. Approval of recommendation from the Public Art Commission to accept the Watershed Cairn
by Karen Rycheck
4. Biennium 2015-2017 Third Quarterly Financial Report
5. Liquor license application for Sachta Bakshi dba Oberon's Restaurant & Bar
6. Liquor license application for Jeff Chase dba Ashland Street Market
7. Liquor license application for Jeff Chase dba Siskiiyou Blvd. Market
8. Liquor license application for Jatinder Kaur dba Taj Indian Cuisine
Councilor Seffinger/Rosenthal m/s to approve the Consent Agenda items. Voice Vote: all AYES.
Motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing and approval of a resolution titled, "A resolution adopting a Miscellaneous Fees
and Charges Document and repealing prior fee Resolution 2015-15"
Administrative Services and Finance Director Lee Tuneberg explained the majority of fees and charges did
not change. Changes were inflationary, or due to industry increases. He noted a language change to
Research Fee (C) requiring a $25 minimal charge for research. Copy fees would cover any research that
fell below $25.
Mr. Tuneberg clarified the $10 fee to reprint business licenses. Community Development Director Bill
Molnar addressed the $28 Street Tree Removal Permit fee. The City did not have a fee for private property
owners requesting removal of a tree in the right of way in front of their property. The City charged that
amount for private property tree removal permits and described the process.
Public Hearing Open: 7:49 p.m.
Public Hearing Closed: 7:49 p.m.
Councilor Rosenthal/Lemhouse m/s to approve Resolution #2016-04. DISCUSSION: Councilor
Rosenthal thanked Mr. Tuneberg and his staff for their efforts on the Miscellaneous Fees & Charges
document. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Voisin, Marsh, Morris, Rosenthal, Lemhouse, and Seffinger,
YES. Motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval of a resolution titled, "A resolution of the City Council establishing a fee for appeals of
administrative decisions"
City Administrator Dave Kanner provided background and submitted a chart into the record. The chart
showed how the appellant determined the level of involvement they wanted for their appeal process that
resulted in either no fees or a range from $50 to $150. Appeals were rare and if they did occur, the fee
structure would make it less onerous for citizens.
Councilor Marsh/Voisin m/s to approve Resolution 42016-05. DISCUSSION: Councilor Marsh
appreciated Mr. Kanner's efforts to improve the process. Councilor Voisin appreciated Mr. Kanner
bringing it forward and making suggested changes. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Rosenthal, Morris,
Lemhouse, Marsh, Seffinger, and Voisin, YES. Motion passed.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
1. Award of professional services contract in excess of $75,000 for the Water Master Plan Update
Public Works Director Mike Faught and Engineering Services Manager Scott Fleury and Ashland Water
City Council Business Meeting
May 3, 2016
Page 3 of 8
Advisory ad hoc Committee (AWAC) members Don Morris, John Williams, and Donna Rhee presented
the staff report. Staff reviewed master plans and system development charges (SDCs) every five years.
The estimated costs for the Water Master Plan was $150,000 and the cost for the Water Distribution
Operation and Maintenance Manual was $50,000 to $60,000. Staff sent out a request for proposal that
resulted in awarding the contract to RH2. The price for the Water Master Plan Update was $153,203 and
the manual was $57,000. Costs were one-time purchases and came with free updates.
RH2 introduced staff to two new tools for climate change and water conservation that staff forwarded to
AWAC. AWAC member Morris spoke in support of the software tools RH2 recommended and described
the technology. AWAC member Williams reviewed the software using his experience as a software
developer and physical geographer and shared his impressions. AWAC member Rhee gave her assessment
of the software and commented how its sophisticated technology would help AWAC forecast future needs
in the master plan update.
Mr. Faught clarified using SDC finds for master planning and tools associated to a master plan was
legitimate. If Council was not comfortable staff could looking at other funding options. He went on to
address the software model and shared feedback from other cities using the software who responded the
software provided more efficient use of staff time, good data for predictions, accurately predicted future
needs, and during drought, the model had indicated accurate water supply predictions. The software also
analyzed short term and long term water needs.
Mr. Fleury explained the statement of work would review items previously done by Carollo Engineers
including climate change. RH2 would develop a new water model and calibration of the system that
included the addition of Talent Ashland Phoenix Intertie (TAP). They would research TAP going to 3
million gallons a day (mgd), what it would take to push that water into the Crowson zone and system issues
if the City resized Crowson and removed the Granite tank. The big portion of the scope was calibrating the
water model to make it work efficiently, analyzing the distribution system and impact as well as the location
of the proposed Crowson 11 Reservoir and the Water Treatment Plant and impact. Another scope item was
the one water concept in conjunction with the 2020-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the
associated financial plan for that planning period. RH2 will do a model to determine system adjustments
and upgrades to pump 3 mgd of water through TAP.
The City would pay additional SDCs to the Medford Water Commission to go from 2.4 mgd to 3 mgd.
TAP had the capacity to go to 3 mgd. Public Works budgeted $150,000 in the SDC fund for developer
reimbursements. They had not received any requests for current fiscal budget and planned to use that
money for the software program. Staff was considering the potential for an inline hydropower project as
well.
The current contract with the Medford Water Commission allowed the City a volume of water delivered at
a maximum rate of up to 2.4 mgd. This amount could run daily for 4-5 months for summer or during the
winter if the City had not depleted the allocated water supply.
Council majority was not interested in having a software demonstration. However, staff would arrange a
demonstration for those that were.
Councilor Lemhouse/Rosenthal m/s to award a professional services contract with R112 in the
amount of $315,976 for the Water Master Plan Update, Maddaus software models and Operations
and Maintenance Plan. DISCUSSION: Councilor Lemhouse appreciated the efforts by staff and AWAC
and supported their recommendation. Councilor Rosenthal agreed and would support the motion.
Councilor Marsh noted this was about climate change and having software that would help predict patterns
was a good investment. Councilor Seffinger thought the recommendation was well researched.
City Council Business Meeting
May 3, 2016
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Councilor Morris would not support the motion. He would meet with staff and AWAC with his concerns
regarding the actual work. Councilor Voisin would not support the motion either and raised concerns
regarding software costs.
Councilor Voisin motioned to remove the software models, $105,032 for later consideration. Motion
died for lack of a second.
Continued discussion on motion: Councilor Lemhouse clarified Council was capable of making an
informed decision on the matter and did not think it was necessary to have a demonstration in order to
approve the software request. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Lemhouse, Seffinger, Rosenthal, and Marsh,
YES; Councilor Voisin and Morris, NO. Motion passed 4-2.
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. Second reading by title only of an ordinance titled, "An ordinance creating AMC Chapter 9.30
to prohibit smoking in places of employment, in enclosed areas open to the public, and in
downtown Ashland"
City Administrator Dave Kanner submitted a map of the smoking ban in the downtown area into the record.
He suggested an amendment that would delete the ban in alleyways. Council had removed the OLCC
exemption at first reading and the alleyways allowed employees to smoke. Alternately, Ashland Municipal
Code (AMC) did not consider an alleyway a shared street.- and pedestrian facility and recognized them as a
street. In addition to the amendment removing alleyways, the property owner of 150 East Main Street
wanted the ban to include the public right of way by the Varsity Movie Theatre between 150 and 166 East
Main Street.
Staff recommended an amendment removing any of the Oregon Shakespeare's Festival (OSF) leasehold
properties so OSF could determine where or whether they wanted to allow smoking. The City would
continue to prohibit smoking on sidewalks surrounding OSF property. Two other amendments would
replace the definition of "Enclosed Area" in Section l and add 9.30.050 Penalties for Violation
inadvertently left out before. A restaurant owner contacted Mr. Kanner and asked Council to consider
expanding the smoking ban to prohibit smoking within 10-feet of an outdoor dining area.
The City would distribute rack cards for businesses to display in their stores and lodging facilities that
explained the smoking ban and depicted areas that allowed smoking in the downtown. Staff was planning
on extensive signage throughout the downtown.
Council noted there was 110 public place for smokers and it was unlikely private owners would sponsor
smokers they were not associated with to smoke in their private space. There were already unintended
consequences on Granite Street with restaurant workers going up that street to gather and smoke. The City
should identify other central areas in a public way where people could smoke. Sending people to alleys
would be a problem. Another suggestion was having signage for designated smoking areas and providing
receptacles. There was concern the ordinance was complicated.
The penalty was $135 as a class 4 violation. Enforcement entailed education first.
Councilor Seffinger/Rosenthal m/s to approve Ordinance 93127 with noted amendments.
Councilor Morris/Marsh m/s to amend the main motion in Section 1, replace the definition of
"Enclosed area" means all space between a floor and ceiling that is enclosed on two or more sides by
permanent or temporary walls or windows, exclusive of doors, passageways or gaps. If no ceiling is
present, "enclosed area" means all space that is included by three or more sides by permanent or
City Council Business Meeting
May 3, 2016
Page 5 of 8
temporary walls or windows, exclusive of doors, passageways, or gaps." DISCUSSION: Councilor
Morris explained it clarified the definition. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Rosenthal, Lemhouse, Marsh,
Seffinger, Voisin and Morris, YES. Motion approved.
Councilor Rosen thal/Seffinger m/s to amend motion at the end of Section 1 to add under 9.30.050
Penalties for Violation, "Violations of this chapter are Class IV violations as described in AMC 1.08."
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Rosenthal, Lemhouse, Marsh, Seffinger, Voisin, and Morris, YES. Motion
passed.
Councilor Marsh/Seffinger m/s to amend the motion to delete in Section 1, 9.30.020(1) the reference
to alleyways and modify the prohibition relating to the Theater Corridor. The revised subsection
would read as follows:
"A. Except as allowed in AMC 9.30.040, a person may, not smoke, aerosolize or vaporize an inhalant
or carry a lighted smoking instrument in a place of employment, in an enclosed area open to the
public, on any sidewalk or on any public or private property within ten (10) feet of a sidewalk in
Downtown Ashland, on the City property commonly referred to as the Theater Corridor Walkway
(Assessor's Map no. 391E09BC, Tax Lot 901) except for that portion of the property controlled by
leasehold right of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (commonly known as the Thomas Theater), on
the sidewalk on North Main Street between Granite Street and the Plaza, on sidewalks on Winburn
Way abutting Lithia Park, on the Plaza, or on the area at the corner of East Main Street and South
Pioneer Street known as Chautauqua Square. DISCUSSION: Councilor Marsh noted allowing
smoking in alleyways would accommodate most of the downtown employees that smoked and hoped over
time that did not prove to be a nuisance. Councilor Seffinger thought the amendment would provide safe
places for employees to smoke and help make the ordinance successful.
Councilor Marsh/Seffinger m/s to amend the amendment to the motion to read "...abutting Lithia
Park," "in the public walkway between 150 and 166 E Main Street, on the Plaza, or on the area at
the corner of East Main Street and South Pioneer Street known as Chautauqua Square."
Roll Call Vote on the amendment to the amendment: Councilor Rosenthal, Lemhouse, Marsh,
Seffinger, Voisin, and Morris, YES. Motion passed.
Roll Call Vote on amended amendment: Councilor Rosenthal, Lemhouse, Marsh, Seffinger, Voisin,
and Morris, YES. Motion passed.
Councilor Rosenthal/Seffinger m/s to amend 9.30.020(B) to include outdoor dining areas.
DISCUSSION: Councilor Rosenthal thought the amendment was fundamental since people sitting at
outdoor dining could not avoid smoke. Councilor Seffinger agreed with Councilor Rosenthal. Councilor
Morris confirmed subsection B included the 10-foot buffer. Councilor Morris and Marsh confirmed the
amendment applied citywide and not just the downtown area. Mayor Stromberg suggested staff track
problems that emerged due to the smoking ban and bring options to Council in the future. Councilor
Lemhouse supported outdoor dining being citywide and thought it was reasonable. Councilor Seffinger
added it also protected the employees of businesses with outdoor dining. Councilor Marsh would support
the amendment but thought it was problematic on a citywide basis. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Rosenthal,
Lemhouse, Marsh, Seffinger, Voisin, and Morris, YES. Motion approved.
Continued discussion on amended motion: Councilor Marsh thought the ban was important and
predicted the City would have to develop informal smoking areas that could become problematic to
businesses and residents. Mayor Stromberg commented the city received 300,000 visitors yearly and
almost all passed through the downtown area. It was legitimate to address smoking in these areas.
Councilor Voisin talked to citizens who felt this was overreach by local government. Another concern was
having the police regulate and cite behavior. The ban discriminated against employees, visitors and
City Council Business Meeting
May 3, 2016
Page 6 of 8
homeless people who smoked. She predicted issues in the future and would not support the motion.
Councilor Lemhouse addressed concerns made regarding enforcement and explained documentation
proved repeatedly that enforcing smaller quality of life violations and crimes eventually prevented larger
crimes. The job of a police officer was not to only enforce, investigate, and prosecute; it was also to deter
behavior. Roll Call Vote on amended main motion: Councilor Rosenthal, Lemhouse, Marsh,
Seffinger, and Morris, YES; Councilor Voisin, NO. Motion passed 5-1.
Police Chief O'Meara explained Councilor Lemhouse was talking about the "Broken Windows Theory" in
policing. Deterrence helped eradicate behavior. Officers would take enforcement action after they had the
opportunity to educate offenders. The new ordinance would not over burden the Police Department and
served as another tool.
2. Second reading by title only of two ordinances titled, "An ordinance amending the City of Ashland
Comprehensive Plan to adopt the Ashland Municipal Airport - Airport Layout Plan Update 2004-
2025, as a supporting document to the City of Ashland. Comprehensive Plan,"
Councilor Lemhouse/Morris m/s to approve Ordinance 93126. Roll Call Vote: Councilor Marsh,
Rosenthal, Morris, Lemhouse, Voisin, and Seffinger, YES. Motion passed.
"An ordinance amending the Ashland Municipal Code 18.3.7.030 Airport Overlay Regulations,
Chapter 18.4.3.040 Parking Ratios, Chapter 18.5.1, Table 18.5.1.010, Summary of Approvals by Type
of Review Procedure, Chapter 18.5.7.020.C, Exempt from Tree Removal Permit and Chapter
18.6.1.030, Definitions."
Councilor Morris/Seffinger m/s to approve Ordinance #3125. DISCUSSION: Councilor Morris
thought it would benefit the airport and doing business at the airport. Councilor Seffinger agreed.
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Morris, Marsh, Seffinger, Rosenthal, Voisin and Lemhouse, YES. Motion
passed.
3. Second reading by title only of an ordinance titled, "An ordinance amending AMC Chapter 10.64
Obstructing Sidewalks and Passageways"
City Attorney Dave Lohman proposed four changes to the ordinance. The first change was 10.64.020(B)
and would delete the following, "Except as otherwise permitted by ordinance or by a conditional use
permit or by a special event permit, no person shall physically preclude other persons' use of a
pedestrian passageway by exclusively occupying or placing an object or animal thereon for longer
than 5 minutes with the intent to interfere with free passage thereon," and replace with, "No person
shall obstruct travel on a pedestrian passageway for longer than a reasonable period of time, and in
no event longer than 5 minutes, by exclusively occupying or placing an object or animal thereon with
the intent to interfere with free pedestrian passage. Anyone blocking a pedestrian passageway must
cease doing so immediately after observing or otherwise having been made aware that a person with
an ambulatory disability is waiting for obstruction-free travel thereon."
If an officer asked someone to move and he or she refused, the officer did not have to wait five minutes to
issue a citation. The judge would decide if it was reasonable or not. The pedestrian passageway ran the
entire length of the street. Moving a few feet or to the next block would still be blocking the passageway.
The person's actions determined intent, not the officer.
The second change to 10.64.020(B) applied to anyone in a wheelchair or with some other ambulatory
disability and would require the person blocking the passageway to move immediately after either
observing the person was disabled or being told the person was disabled.
City Council Business Meeting
May 3, 2016
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The next change was 10.643.020(C) and deleted (2.) "The area of a public sidewalk that is within 6 feet
of the enter edge of any roadway or any City owned or controlled fixture or structure; and," and
replaced with, (The area of a public sidewalk that is (a) within 6 feet of the outer edge of any roadway,
(b) within 6 feet of any city owned or controlled fixture or structure, or (c) within 10 feet of any
crosswalk: and."
Staff proposed make sitting on a bench identified in the Downtown Sidewalk Usage Map exempt. If a
bench were within the 10-foot radius of a sidewalk, it would be exempt. This would not apply to planter
ledges and boxes.
The third change would replace the following language under 10.643.020(0) (3) "That portion of any
public walkway that is 6 feet in width," with "An area of unobstructed passage 6 feet in width on any
sidewalk, walkway, or path improved to City standards." Council discussed possibly removing
sidewalk from the language.
The final change was the addition of three exceptions to 10.64.020(E): 6. Sitting on a bench shown on the
City's Downtown Sidewalk Usage Map; 7. Permitted by ordinance or by a conditional use permit or
by a special event permit to temporarily block a pedestrian passageway; or 8. Exercising the
constitutionally protected right of freedom of speech or assembly.
Councilor Marsh/Morris m/s to approve Ordinance #3128 as amended by City Attorney with the
following changes to Section 10.64.020(C)(2), (B) to read "...within six feet of any City owned or
controlled fixture or structure adjacent to the curb, or within 10 feet of any crosswalk" and to delete
the word "sidewalk" from Section 10.64.020 (C) (3). DISCUSSION: Councilor Marsh commented
passing the ordinances was really about the community coming together and determining the rules. The
intent was setting reasonable standards about how the community lived together and shared the public
space. Councilor Morris added it allowed people to walk safely down the street. It would not address every
intersection but came close. Councilor Marsh confirmed the motion would not preclude people from sitting
in front or by City Hall. Councilor Seffinger expressed concern regarding the disruption employees
encountered with people sitting outside City Hall. Councilor Marsh responded the smoking ban would
prohibit smoking in that area.
Councilor Voisin was encouraged about the volunteers that would be walking around downtown during the
summer educating the public and helping direct travelers and homeless people. Councilor Lemhouse
agreed with Councilor Morris. The ordinance addressed safe passage, the ability for people to use the
downtown, and a significant ongoing problem the community had shared with Council. It would not
alleviate all the issues, that would take a community effort_ and realization there was an issue the community
as a whole needed to address. Councilor Rosenthal referred to the listening session regarding problems
downtown and the hours of testimony asking Council to address these issues. He agreed with Councilor
Marsh, this was a reasonable approach. He had concerns it would be difficult to explain and hoped it would
make the downtown more comfortable, safe, and healthy for everyone.
Roll Call Vote: Councilor Rosenthal, Morris, Lemhouse, Marsh, and Seffinger, YES; Councilor
Voisin, NO. Motion passed 5-1.
4. Approval of a resolution titled, "A resolution authorizing the citizens of Ashland to urge the
Oregon Legislature, in the 2019 session, to refer to the voters a measure creating a publicly
funded health care system serving everyone in Oregon"
Item delayed until the May 17, 2016 Council Meeting.
City Council Business Meeting
May 3, 2016
Page 8 of 8
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERSAREPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS
Councilor Lemhouse announced trails in the watershed area that were previously closed for maintenance
reopened the week before. He went on to explain a recent car accident that involved an uninsured drunk
driver hitting Ashland High School Senior Tarquin Daily who at the time was parked in his car after
baseball practice. His leg was badly broken. The family set up a GoFundMe account,
https://www.gofLiiidi-nc.coiii/TarQuiiiDqley for medical expenses.
Councilor Seffinger announced that Friday, May 6, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. the Peace Commission was hosting
a listening session with a potluck at 5:00 p.m.
Councilor Voisin thanked the Council for graciously receiving her students during Public FOrlllll. She
taught a class called Ethical Thinking for the 21" Century. Her honor students chose the topic of
homelessness.
Councilor Kanner announced the City's application to partition the property at 380 Clay Street would
receive final approval soon pending challenges.
ADJOURNMENT OF BUSINESS MEETING
Meeting adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder John Stromberg, Mayor
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1
PROCLAMATION
° • American Craft Beer Week is annually celebrated by small and independent
breweries, restaurants, and beer stores by craft brewers and home brewers nationwide.
Our local craft breweries continue to grow their businesses in the city of Ashland
and the greater State of Jefferson.
4,200-plus American craft brewers employ over 115,000 full- and part-time
workers and annually generate more than $3 billion in wages and benefits;°
American craft brewers support American agriculture by purchasing barley and
hops grown, processed, and distributed in the United States.
And our local craft breweries are actively involved in the Ashland community
1, V
through philanthropy and sponsorship of community events. ~
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council and Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of
12~ Ashland, do proclaim May 16 - 22, 2016, as
"American Craft Beer Week
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And encoura e
Week, a all citizens to suport the goals and ideals of American Craft Beer as fotided by the Brewers Association, to recognize the significant
contributions of our local breweries to the city of Ashland's economy and to celebrate and appreciate the accomplishments of all craft breweries through events at
~s our local breweries. TT'
Dated this 17th day of May, 2016-
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v=-== tt John Stromber Mayor
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U L ~ Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
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Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee
April 20, 2016
Page I of 5
MINUTES FOR THE CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN ad hoc COMMITTEE
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
1. Call to Order
Councilor Rich Rosenthal called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Committee members Louise Shawkat, Stuart Green, Bryan Sohl, Roxane Beigel-Coryell, Greg
Jones, Cindy Bernard, Sarah Lasoff, Isaac Bevers, Marni Koopman, and Jim Hartman were
present. Committee member James McGinnis arrived. late. Committee member Claudia Alick
was absent. Staff member Adam Hanks was present.
Rosenthal welcomed the newest member of the committee, Cindy Bernard, and gave background
information on her.
2. Approval of minutes
The minutes of April 6, 2016 were approved as submitted.
3. Public Input
Huelz Gutchen: Gave the group a handout of information regarding carbon emissions and
showed the group his C02 monitor. He gave the group information how carbons will continue to
increase and asked the group to use the calculations on his handout to determine the costs for
zero-net energy construction. He stated that if Council requests an exemption to the code, for
zero-net building the community could make big progress. He encouraged members of the
committee to write to Council to pass this exemption. He gave information regarding how the
melting of glaciers has caused a wobble in the Earth's rotation which has moved magnetic
North's location.
McGinnis arrived 5: 40 p. m.
Ken Crocker: Stated that the committee needs to not forget the importance of time on the agenda
for the group to either check-in with one another or to check-out at the end of the meeting to see
what went well or what could be improved. He believes that the importance of improving
communication and how to work together cannot be understated. Talking and getting to know
one another helps the process.
Hannah Sohl: Thanked the group for their hard work.
Shawkat asked the group if they could implement Mr. Crocker's check-in idea by going around
the table and stating one thing that has happened this week which made them happy. The group
agreed to this proposal and did the around the table check-in.
Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee
April 20, 2016
Page 2 of 5
4. Climate Plan Goals and Targets Discussion (continued)
Rosenthal reviewed the questions he proposed in the packet, and gave an overview of how he
hopes they will focus the conversation.
Question 1: Have you seen a particular Climate & Energy Action Plan that you like and could be
embraced by Ashlanders?
• Rosenthal: Portland and Cleveland stuck out. They are both well-designed with lots of
visual representations of information (graphics, charts, etc.) to aid explaining to average
Ashlander.
• Sohl: Cleveland, Portland, Eugene, and Corvallis all were good. It would be nice to be
similar to Portland, Eugene & Corvallis so we have a "Northwest" feel. Liked that
Portland has set defined goals with lots of actiions that are in-progress or soon to be
completed. Believes we should set more aggressive goals to reflect Ashland's lack of
ability to grow the population substantially.
• Koopman: Likes Eugene's plan. It has a very strong focus on adaptation and not just
mitigation. Also liked the strong, legally binding targets. Liked Cleveland's clarity as it
was easy to get an idea of what is expected. Cleveland also includes recommendations for
other groups and individuals and how the City could support those efforts. Also, they
were strong on equity issues and concerns. She also likes that Seattle's plan was going
for big targets.
• Green: All the plans have their virtues. He believes readability is important to inspire
people. He liked Corvallis' six action areas they were useful divisions and liked that
natural resources were separated out. Liked that Seattle's plan had an emphasis on how
people can assist with the plan. Ile favors aggressive targets, but wonders how
consumption, which is mostly unmeasurable, can factor into how we succeed.
• Shawkat: Liked that the Cleveland plan was easy to read - it sucked her in. Eugene's plan
is also good, especially as they are a community fairly similar to Ashland. She reminded
the group that Corvallis' plan was a citizen-led plan, which is good but isn't being used.
She appreciated that both Eugene and Cleveland did a lots of about vulnerable citizens
and overall wellness. Also was concerned that Cleveland had lots about natural gas, but
that doesn't go well with the spirit of what we're doing here.
• McGinnis: Liked that Corvallis had objectives and actions with specific timeframes. Also
liked that they included environmental, social, and greenhouse gas emissions in the plan.
He also likes that they use percentages, not just numbers to be more readable. Likes that
Seattle's plan is strong and had indicators which are a good snapshot of what is being
done and how to get the information across. He appreciated that they had early targets.
Liked Portland's use of co-benefits which were identified by symbols. Overall, he liked
Portland's the best and would also like to keep some continuity with a regional
(Northwest) format.
• Hartman: Liked the targets in Seattle's plan. Liked how Corvallis laid out information as
to how it will help the economy. Also appreciated the revolving loan fund which was in
the Cleveland plan.
• Lasoff: Likes that Eugene's plan is legally binding - it mean there is accountability.
Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee
April 20, 2016
Page 3 of 5
• Bevers: Believes that information graphics are a powerful tool and an excellent way to
communicate information and complicated data to the community. Likes plans where the
general tone is positive with an emphasis on co-benefits. Believes that a plan would
represent a new vision and new cultural identity for the community.
• Bernard: Appreciated Portland and Cleveland's clarity and the way they can capture
attention to get the word out to the public. Would like a catchy final product.
• Jones: Is very impressed with the committee's work on reviewing these plans. He liked
that Cleveland's plan is very easy to grasp with lots of information to hold on to.
Question 2: Generally, what should Ashland's goals and targets be?
Group discussed baseline and target options. Options mentioned included:
• Aggressive goals and targets, but start the process slowly - we want the community to
see that small changes can make a big difference
• 2010 as baseline, rather than 1990, which many scientists still use
• Aggressive targets, but need to set the community up for a win
• Carbon neutral, through use of off-sets
• Look into 100% renewable energy - look at sourcing
• 80% reduction by 2050
• Use Portland as an example: 40% reduction by 2030 and 80% reduction by 2050
• Avoid using plans with older, less dire statistics - this will require us to be more
aggressive to overcome the newer higher numbers
• 100% carbon-neutral
• Early higher reductions will have a greater cumulative effect (i.e. no slow build on the
plan)
• The problem with ramping up projects (more aggressive goals later) is that it puts lots of
pressure to achieve them both financial- and community resource-wise
• The only plans which have a goal of 100% neutrality are those that do not include
consumption
• We would only be able to deal with consumption if we buy into the use of off-sets
• Offsets would cost much less than 10% of each person's annual income
• Offsets would only be attractive to lots of the community if they occurred locally - can
we facilitate that?
• Other plan aren't ignoring consumption, and it should be part of our plan, but we need to
acknowledge that fully tracking for target purposes is difficult, if not impossible
• City of Ashland itself should rapidly become carbon-neutral. They should be an example
for the community
• No off-sets - too many have been or feel like scams
• If off-sets are used they need to be real and have proven success
• We need to rapidly detach ourselves from the fossil fuel industry (it will soon be too
unstable)
• We need to be aggressive out of the gate - so we can avoid some of the drastic changes
that have been predicted
Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee
April 20, 2016
Page 4 of 5
• Should we consider per-person reduction measurements?
• Per-person reductions is concerning with regards to equity - should we really expect the
same from all wealth levels?
Question 3: What would be the potential drawbacks/challenges/barriers/impacts that Ashland
would need to address or overcome for its plan to be successful?
Group discussed the following considerations:
• Political - there is no big champion of change
• No one at the City to get the community excited/educated
• Overall political apathy
• Current costs are not reflections of future costs (i.e. stop kicking the can down the road)
• Articulating the "dark future" to the community is hard - how do we make the plan not
all doom and gloom but still get the facts out`?
• We need to transition away from thinking natural gas is good
• Setting policy is key to cliange. Community education is key to successful policy buy in.
• The business community is important to getting the word out/success of the plan but they
are not always engaged
• Identifying groups/people with the greatest influence in the community (i.e. how do we
identify and recruit our champions for change?)
• It's an election year - we need to look for good influences and elect/support them
• Can the community (particularly the business community) tolerate decisions being made
entirely based on climate change?
• It is important to get the Chamber and business community on-board early to help them
embrace the plan
Question 5: How frequent do we want Ashland's interim targets?
The group had the following responses:
• Would like to see us carbon neutral 100% by 2050 but worry that it's not realistic
• The baseline year should be 2015 (as we have GHG Inventory numbers for that year and
it is the lowest emmissions levels, which would mean more aggressive targets)
• Want to see 85% reduction of 2015 levels by 2050 but is not sold on including
consumption as we have no real grasp on how to track it
• Want goals timeline to match the budget cycles, with a baseline start of 2015
• The typical lifecycle of a project is about five years, which means every five years is a
good opportunity to check-in and revise to keep up with new technology
• Want to be completely carbon neutral, but that might be impossible how about a range of
plus or minus 5 % of 100% of 2015 levels?
• 2022 should be the first set of targets with a goal of 45% reduction by 2030 and a 90%
reduction by 2050 (of 2015 levels)
0 Syncing with the budget cycle is important
Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee
April 20, 2016
Page 5 of 5
• 100% reduction of 2015 levels is unrealistic. 90% is more reasonable. Agrees that 2020 is
too soon for first set of targets, but 2022 or 2023 (which ever lines up with the budget
cycle) should be the year
• Our intention is important - even if 100% is not realistic today. Not all carbon off-sets
are bad so we should consider using them to achieve our goals
• We should be pushing for the most aggressive targets possible
• Whatever our goals we need the political will and buy-in for it to succeed
• How about a mixed goal: 100% reduction but have only 80% reduction be legally
binding?
• We need to be aggressively realistic. Use 2015 as the baseline and make sure any targets
are in sync with the budget cycles
• 2015 should be the baseline, and budget cycles are important
• We're a small community who has a real opportunity to go carbon neutral by 2050
5. Timeline/ Open House
Hanks stated that he wanted to let the group see the most recent timeline. We currently have the
first open house slated for May 24t" at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Ashland Armory. Group
discussed whether they should meet on May 4"'. They determined it would be a good time to
discuss the logistics of the open house, including public outreach.
6. Next Meeting
The next meeting will be May 4 at 3:30 p.m.
7. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Shiplet, Executive Assistant
ASHLAND DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
April 6, 2016
CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 1175 East Main St.
Regular members present: Chair Dave Young, Pam Hammond (arrived at 3:37), Marie Donovan, Michael Dawkins,
John Williams (arrived at 3:38), Joe Graf, John Fields, and Joe Collonge
Regular members absent: Lisa Beam, Emile Amarotico, Cynthia Rider, and Lynn Thompson
Ex officio (non-voting) members present: Katharine Cato (left at 5:07), Michael Faught, Sandra Slattery, and Pam
Marsh (arrived at 4:48)
Ex officio (non-voting) members absent: Lee Tuneberg, Bill Molnar, Mike Gardiner, and Rich Rosenthal
City of Ashland Staff members present: Tami De Mille-Campos
ANNOUCEMENTS
Chair Young shared this committee has been meeting for over two years. Most of those two years were spent work-
ing on a draft parking plan and for the last two months the committee has been working on the multi-modal piece of
the plan. He referred to a newspaper article published over the weekend and shared nothing has been decided as of
this point. This meeting is a continuation of the March meeting in which the multi-modal piece was discussed.
Faught explained this committee will not be voting on the plan during this meeting. There is still a public process
piece to this that will occur before the committee is expected to vote on the plan.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of March 2, 2016
Minutes are approved as presented.
PUBLIC FORUM
Julia Sommer, resides at 1158 Village Square Drive
She said after reading about this in the newspaper she was so excited to read that a bike lane through downtown
may be a reality. She expressed her support of the proposed bike lane and shared that on her way to the meeting
she was walking along the sidewalk on Main Street and she had to get out of the way of three young boys who were
riding their bikes on the sidewalk because there is no bike lane for them.
She also shared that she has lived here for twelve years and has never had a problem parking downtown perhaps
because she doesn't expect to find a parking spot directly in front of her destination. She doesn't understand the idea
there is a problem with parking downtown. Although the safety of drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and delivery trucks
does. She thinks it is great that the plan is going to incorporate a plan for the delivery trucks to not block traffic be-
cause that poses safety concerns.
Judi Honore, owns Shakespeare Books and Antiques located at 163 East Main Street
Judi read a series of questions to the committee (see handout). She also noted she had interviewed about 20 people
before coming to the meeting. The responses she got regarding how people would feel if there was only 1 lane of
traffic were: "frustrating, horrible, painful, terrible, bad idea, as bad as the homeless situation, come here to get out of
traffic, and parking problems".
Robert Bestor, resides at 2689 Takelma Way and owns Travel Essentials located at 252 East Main Street
He rides a bike about 7 months out of the year from the south end of town to the shop. He is a bike advocate and an
advocate of having bike lanes through downtown as well. He is also an advocate of traffic calming along Main Street.
However, his fear is that losing 21 parking spaces will have a negative effect on his business and other downtown
businesses. He hopes the committee can figure out a way to save those parking spaces.
Karen Chapman, resides at 112 Almond Street and owns Bloomsbury books located at 290 East Main Street
She informed the committee that she was told businesses in the downtown were notified about this when it was first
ASHLAND DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 6, 2016
Page 1 of 7
discussed and the businesses seemed to like the idea. She spent the day interviewing everyone she could on Main
Street and everyone said it was a terrible idea! She added that we need to deal with a parking crisis not eliminate 21
parking spaces. If 21 parking spaces were lost it would be devastating to business and some may not be able to
keep their doors open much longer if that were to happen. She said this is a town made up of elderly people and in a
perfect world everyone would love to bicycle and be healthy enough to do that up and down our streets and through
town but that likely isn't going to happen. Ashland isn't made up that way. She also has questions about where the
money is going to come from, what about congestion, and what about the impact it will have on the businesses while
the construction is taking place. She feels this is a premature conversation and she doesn't think you can talk about
this until the parking crisis is solved.
George Kramer, resides at 386 N Laurel
In reading through the draft plan he noticed the parking bays for truck loading is laid out to extend to 4:00 pm. He
thinks this should be reconsidered because he feels they are going to be attractive places to illegally park and unless
the City is thinking about ticketing, he thinks the trucks are going to use those but they are going to sit vacant most of
the time in an exacerbated parking situation. It is going to cause issues for police, business owners and for the shop-
pers too. He also added that it seems like the City continues to tinker endlessly with the community. Sometimes that
works out well and sometimes it has unintended consequences. He added most know that he is not a huge fan of the
"road diet". He thinks it is a nice idea in the middle of nothing. He understands this is an attempt to extend the con-
cept of a "road diet" through downtown but as "Jane Jacobs would tell you, these are incredibly complicated places
and messing with any one part of it has all sorts of unintended consequences". He encourages the committee to con-
sider the possibility of just leaving it alone.
Julie Teitelbaum, resides at 237 Almond Street
She has lived here since 1977. She owns the retail store called 250 Main, as well as property on part of that block,
which includes the Columbia Hotel, as well as 7 retail spaces downtown. She has been told by everyone that this has
been going on for 3 years and she didn't know anything about it until yesterday when she saw the newspaper article.
She came here in 1977 when the downtown was primarily boarded up and there was no real downtown, with no suc-
cessful businesses. Downtown Ashland has now become a viable part of the tourist industry, which keeps the town
alive. She thinks taking any parking spaces away from the businesses would sabotage this town. The demographics
for this town and OSF patrons are predominantly older and many of them are not bicyclists. Although she is a propo-
nent of being a bike rider and at 75 she rides a bike, she knows that as a business person when someone comes to
her store and they say they wanted to come yesterday but they couldn't find a parking place, for many people that
means they are going to turn to online retailers who offer quick shipping. If we make it impossible or difficult for them
to park, we are going to lose a lot of the downtown and it is going to be boarded back up again. OSF keeps the
downtown stores/restaurants going and the downtown stores/restaurants keep OSF going. She feels it is ill-advised
to change the downtown and she thinks it would be a tragedy for this town. Submitted written comment for the rec-
ord.
Paul Neiermeyer, resides at 1497 Windsor Street
He is a native Oregonian and moved to Ashland in 2001. He feels trying to remove 21 parking spaces is going to cre-
ate more problems than it is going to solve. He had read in the newspaper about the parking fine increase and he
isn't sure if that is in response to try to increase turnover but he questions why the increase. He stated he hasn't had
problems parking downtown but then again he doesn't always park directly in front of where he needs to go.
Alice McGee, owns a kids clothing store at 264 East Main Street
She has owned the store for about 25 years. She said there wasn't too much for her to add except she lives in Jack-
sonville and she drives through Phoenix every morning to get to work. Since the "road diet" was put in Phoenix it is
very slow moving and sometimes there are even automobiles driving in the bike lane and she has yet to see one sin-
gle bicycle during the morning or night. She has noticed that nobody tends to ride on the right side of the street be-
cause they don't know they can cross the bicycle lane to do so. She wonders if 3 lanes can't handle the traffic how
can 2 lanes? She also wonders how long the construction would take and how many of those businesses won't be
able to survive.
Jenna Stanke Marmon, Jackson County Parks department, Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Manager
ASHLAND DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 6, 2016
Page 2 of 7
Jenna submitted a letter to the committee members. As she mentioned in the letter, this isn't an official position by
Jackson County, she just wanted to offer dome resources and food for thought as the decision is made. She is the
current chair of the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and she has been watching communities
throughout the state work towards improving their pedestrian atmosphere (nontraditional players like Tigard, Red-
mond, Klamath Falls). Nationally there are communities like Oklahoma City who is decoupling their couplets and re-
ally working on their pedestrian environment. Indianapolis built the cultural trail which is a 50 million dollar project
which has reinvigorated their downtown. She encouraged the committee as they are deliberating on these controver-
sial aspects of the plan to think about what we want to leave the future generation. Do we want to leave them great
places to drive or do we want to leave them great places to be? She thinks Jane Jacobs would say the later, that we
want to have great places to be. She offered up any resources she can to help the committee make these decisions.
Leigh Nanmann, resides at 320'/2 Bridge Street
He shared he graduated from SOU with a degree in environmental science. He is a member of the Jackson County
Bike Committee. He was also involved in a collision resulting from traffic congestion. He rides through town fre-
quently and has had to deal with the dangers of maneuvering around vehicles that are parked and unloading. This is
a real safety hazard for bicyclists and drivers as well. He is here to encourage the committee to move forward with
this proposal because from what he has studied by promoting bicycle friendly places and encouraging mobility
through town it helps to create a greater foundation for the citizenry of Ashland as a whole. He also pointed out per-
sonally he gets a little grumpy when he gets stuck in traffic but he doesn't see the parking crisis stopping no matter
what we do. Ashland is a growing community and is going to continue to grow. What we really need to do is encour-
age pedestrians and bicyclists and creating an atmosphere where people can get around easily. He also encourages
the committee to look at moving pedestrian traffic across the streets in a quicker fashion and think about other things
that can be done such as maybe a trolley or a tram system that will help create a community atmosphere.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Faught encouraged everyone who came, to stick around and listen to the entire meeting. He pointed out that one of
the most important things that he would like to share that he has heard from this committee through the entire pro-
cess is they would not be on board with a plan that would eliminate 21 (it is actually 18) parking spaces. The plan
would have to include a way to come up with a way to replace those parking spots before this committee would move
forward. He wanted the people in the audience to know that the committee has seen that as an issue all along and
we have some ideas on how to do that. He offered to come to smaller business groups to talk in more detail about
the entire plan which includes the 3 lane to 2 lane but it also includes the parking side of things and how we can im-
prove parking long-term.
Dawkins shared that he had spent the last few months studying the downtown '62 plan (included in meeting packet).
He found it interesting in that the issues that they were dealing with then mirror the issues of today. The 1967 news-
paper article explains the outcry regarding everything that was ramrodded through. He shared that many influential
people, including his father worked on that plan, and there are many elements of that plan that he thinks are amaz-
ing. All of that aside, the reason he sent these documents in is because most of that plan never happened because
people were afraid about the same comments that were made today. For 2 1/2 years this committee, made up of di-
verse opinions, has been trying to find some sort of consensus.
Slattery shared she feels the newspaper article was very poorly done and when she read it she was very concerned
because she didn't think there was factual comments that were in there. She doesn't know why that happened or why
the article appeared the way it did because it made it sound as if this plan had been approved by this committee. And
those committee members that have sat in on these meetings and had some really important points brought out, this
article doesn't mention. She shared that the committee has talked about many of the points that were brought up dur-
ing public forum (cost, public input process, disruption to businesses etc.). She is very disappointed in the article and
she feels it was a huge injustice to the real important considerations and conversations this committee has had and
the article gave an unrealistic impression to the downtown businesses. She added there has been some pretty spir-
ited conversations in the past 2 1/2 years with making sure the voices of the downtown businesses are heard.
Chair Young felt moved to respond because his name was in the newspaper article. He sees that the article points
ASHLAND DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 6, 2016
Page 3 of 7
out that it is a proposal, he isn't sure where it gives the impression that it is a done deal. He was asked by the re-
porter "what if things don't work", to which he referred to the road diet and that there were things that got tweaked.
When it references him as saying "it would be implemented on a temporary basis" he said he didn't say that and it is
not in quotes. The lesson he took away is you can never be too careful with the media, they try to stir up passion and
controversy. He read the article many times and he never saw the article present it as a done deal and he did not do
that. He got called by KOBI to do an article today and he turned it to Faught.
Faught said as we move forward in the public process many of the committee members might be approached by the
media to get opinions and he thinks staff should be the ones working with the media. In terms of messaging it, it may
be much easier for staff to do that. He would like to make that recommendation to this committee. He spoke to the
City Attorney today about it and the committee's assignment from the Mayor was to work through this process, not to
do the media side of it, although there is no hard rule that says that you can't. There may be subject maters that
come up where he does want someone else to provide input but he would like the committee to run these through
him to make sure we get the right message out to the public.
Slattery said she wished that Faught had been involved in the article.
Donovan feels the other damage that was done by this article is that this committee has been working for 2 112 years
on trying to solve the parking problem in the downtown and this is now dovetailing into the this committee for it to be
a full package. There are so many questions about costs and where that money will come from, how to not just find
those 18 parking spaces but how to find additional parking etc. She wants to be sure nobody loses track of those im-
portant questions.
REVIEW FINAL DRAFT
Kim Parducci, Southern Oregon Transportation Engineering
Parducci said she is back this month to talk some more about some of the multi-modal projects that the committee
has been discussing. After listening to the public testimony, she wanted to say that she feels it is wonderful to have
people voice their concerns because there hasn't been a lot of that up to this point and it's good to hear and to know
what those concerns are. A lot of the concerns are the same concerns that the committee has had and has kept in
mind when trying to develop this plan and she feels good about that. The big picture is these projects that are being
proposed create the multi-modal aspect of this plan and that may have come in at the last moment but it's a very im-
portant part of the plan. She mentioned as Rick Williams pointed out previously, we are at that point now where it is
hard to find parking and its likely going to get worse. So you have a couple of simple options; create more parking
with parking garages, shared parking, or you can beef up the multi-modal aspects and that is exactly what this part of
the plan does. It creates the connections that do not currently exist for pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders. By doing
that, you open up spaces in the downtown for the customers who drive their cars. This part of the plan balances that;
you make the spaces that you do have in inventory stretch further and she feels that is a really important part that is
sometimes forgotten when looking at the details of the plan. This plan is really simple in that the multi-modal aspect
was taken from the TSP pieces that relate to the downtown area and the bicycle projects, sidewalk projects, transit
routes, and the pedestrian projects are in a big effort to connect people to the downtown. People who are capable of
using these modes of transportation may choose another mode besides driving and that is the importance of this
multi-modal aspect. So the TSP projects are a part of the proposal, as well as additional projects that have come
from feedback received since this committee formed. She stressed the 3 lane to 2 lane conversion is not an effort to
stretch the road diet into the downtown area. They are trying to find a way to connect all of the users to the downtown
and preserve the parking.
Parducci stepped through the 3 lane to 2 lane presentation from the March meeting. She said by creating the narrow
section as you come into the downtown, you are channelizing the traffic and flow. The proposal includes removing
the signal at Helman and necking it down to 1 lane so that way you are already transitioned and you don't have the
back and forth fighting for transitioning. The proposal is also to neck it down into 1 lane in the southbound direction
coming into the plaza so that it makes it easier on traffic at Helman to make that left turn movement into the down-
town (without the signal). It also makes it easier when you are coming around the loop road by Church Street be-
cause now the majority of traffic is going to be in 1 lane and they can pull into the inside lane without having to fight
that traffic. It should allow the traffic to flow much better and the pedestrians who aren't having to cross a signal,
ASHLAND DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 6, 2016
Page 4 of 7
would only have to cross 12 feet to get into the island and then cross another 12 feet to get across to the sidewalk on
the other side. She said she knows everyone is worried about congestion but when you have signalized intersections
you increase congestion. With the signal the congestion typically backs up to Bush Street but by removing the signal
you allow the cars to free flow.
There was discussion regarding the center refuge that would be created near Bards Inn. Slattery mentioned this
would allow someone who was coming from the north to safely turn left into the Bards Inn parking lot which she re-
cently had mentioned to Faught.
Parducci described how the plan would split the traffic northbound on Lithia, the left lane would be dedicated for the
loop road and the right lane would be dedicated for through traffic onto Main Street. Dawkins shared trucks park and
unload right in front of Bards in near Heiman. He thinks someone should discuss this with Bards Inn.
Parducci went on to explain there has been concerns regarding the safety on Water Street. She said by closing the
beaver slide to vehicular traffic a good portion of traffic is eliminated on Water Street which is then having to make
that turn at the Plaza. She explained in the section between the loop road and Water Street there are 3 parking
spaces being eliminated in front of Patricia Sprague and Brothers Restaurant. In the section between Water Street
and Oak Street there are no parking spaces being eliminated but they are incorporating a bus stop, a bike lane that
connects all the way into the Plaza which currently doesn't exist, and bulb outs so that pedestrians don't have to
cross as far of a distance at the intersections and disrupt traffic for as long. Oak/Main is a failing intersection, by hav-
ing it signalized it creates better coordination for the vehicle all the way through town and it protects the movement
for the pedestrians to cross when it is their turn. On the other side of Oak Street, at Lithia, there is also a signal being
recommended, which was a TSP project. Collonge asked about putting a signal at First Street. Faught
said in a recent discussion with ODOT, they were actually recommending that as well (to assist with pedestrians
crossing) and it is something they will continue to look at that.
Parducci explained that by creating the loading zones it actually provides 2 lanes for through traffic which currently
there are times when you have a truck loading on both sides creating only 1 lane to through traffic. The perception
might be that we are trying to reduce the lanes but the plan really calls for better utilization of the 2 lanes than what
we are currently doing with the 3 lanes. Faught said he has spoken to Diamond Parking and the Ashland Police re-
garding enforcement of the loading zones because that is a critical piece. Several people were curious to know what
the fine would be for impeding traffic. Faught said he would check with Officer MacLennan on that.
Parducci said there were some operational questions at the last meeting so she went back and ran the model and
the model showed that southbound on Main Street from Heiman to 3rd Street, at 16 mph (which is the average speed
in the model) in the existing year it takes 82.5 seconds. Going down to 2 lanes it takes 89 seconds, so under a 7 sec-
ond increase in the model. She pointed out that the model doesn't factor in trucks being parked in the road so the
model is assuming there isn't that problem. In the opposite direction (northbound) it was 78 seconds in the current
year and 88.5 seconds in the future year.
Chair Young asked how Parducci feels about the validity of the modeling and is it accurate. Parducci said she feels it
is valid and accurate. You calibrate the modeling, set them up using input factors, watch the modeling run and then
you go out into the field and you watch how it is operating in the real world. Then you make further adjustments to the
modeling if necessary. She said if you can get your base model to look like your real world situation then when you
make changes to that base model it should reflect what is going to happen when those changes are implemented.
The hard part is getting your base model to look how it really is.
Donovan said one thing the modeling can't do is predict how this will impact the businesses during the period of time
in which construction is taking place and what congestion is going to look like during that time. That unknown is the
most daunting for her. She said change is inevitable and its a great thing but she has seen communities that have
done major projects based on the assumption that it is going to change behavior in people and that doesn't always
work. Faught said he has Jaime Jordan from OBEC working on the cost and construction aspect of this plan. She is
in attendance to listen to the feedback and look at the proposals. From a construction perspective the plan is to pro-
ceed with minimal impact to the downtown area (night construction, begin with sidewalks first, one lane at a time etc).
ASHLAND DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 6, 2016
Page 5 of 7
Hammond asked about the parking spot that is near the Wells Fargo driveway. She said it appears in the map that it
is no longer there and she wanted to know if that loss was accounted for in the 18 parking spaces. Faught said he
would look into that because it is hard to tell from the presentation.
Graf said in the design there has been a lot of talk about streetscape and expanding the sidewalks and he was won-
dering it that is incorporated into these diagrams? Parducci wasn't sure but Faught said Jaime has looked at that and
he could have her bring her drawings to a future meeting. He also asked about the X's that are in between every two
parking spaces, he was wondering if eliminating those would gain additional parking spaces. Faught said he had that
conversation early on with the University of Oregon group and he will go back and pull that information but he doesn't
recall it netting any increase. Graf asked how much of this is the current committee being asked to approve and how
much of it is being left for the future committee. Faught said it is a little bit different than the parking strategies and
what he heard at the last meeting was there are some clear things this current committee needs to see on this 3 lane
to 2 lane proposal before they are going to let this go. Dawkins feels the pricing and time stays which have yet to be
decided also play a factor. Graf is confused as to what the group is supposed to worry about and what is going to be
passed off to the next committee. Dawkins said he agrees but there has to be something tangible that goes to City
Council without drilling down into every detail. Faught said he would like to get to a point where everyone is comforta-
ble with the plan. He informed the committee that he has hired an architect to come up with some conceptual draw-
ings to show what the downtown might look like with these multi-modal projects.
Fields said when these projects are undertaken we need to make sure we take into consideration improvements to
utilities and take a good look at what utilities are currently existing.
Parducci said she would like to know from the committee what they would like to see in order to be comfortable with
proceeding with this. Hammond said costs are still a big question for her and how are those costs going to be paid
for. Faught said the cost is around 6 million dollars. Hammond and Slattery asked if that includes upgrading to the
new light standards and adding flowers etc. Dawkins said that is a part of the scope of the downtown beatification
committee. Jaime Jordan said that figure of 6 million included upgrading the aged utilities, putting in new trees up to
the new tree standards, putting in 2 new signals etc.
Slattery mentioned needing to discuss the disruption that this will cause for the downtown and what does that really
mean to the businesses. She also asked if the signal is added at First Street how will that "increased congestion" ad-
dress the climate action plan. Chair Young feels that by making the multi-modal connectivity happen you are going to
do a lot for the climate action plan by encouraging and making it safer for people to travel as pedestrians and bicy-
clists. He also added that future trends are showing that younger people are driving less and want to be more active.
Donovan said she has an issue with the assumption that if you build it people are going to use it. She doesn't think
you are going to see that many people changing their behavior. Slattery thought maybe her question was misunder-
stood. She said several years ago there was a pedestrian death at the intersection of Main and First Street so she
isn't opposed to having a signal at that intersection. She was curious because she knows we are committed to a cli-
mate action plan. She wonders if it is actually a better solution to have that intersection signalized since every block
prior to that is going to have one. Parducci said ODOT thinks so and we are going to model it. Dawkins said an ex-
ample is on Central Avenue in Medford near Rogue Community College (RCC). The traffic seems to move through
there and they certainly have a huge amount of pedestrian traffic with the library and RCC.
Dawkins said one other thing that Fields made him think about is how tight the bridge over Water Street is. Whenever
he has ridden his bike there, it is very tight. He isn't sure that is going to feel comfortable for the average bike rider.
Faught said they looked at standard widths all the way through but they will take a look again. He also pointed out
that during a recent conversation with Rick Williams he pointed out that all of our bike racks in town are full even with-
out having many bicycle facilities and for him that is a strong indication the desire is there.
Graf pointed out he thinks the plan itself needs to change. It looks like the multi-modal portion of the plan is an add
on and was thrown in at the last minute. There is nothing that talks about the vision for redesigning Main Street ex-
cept the maps. It also doesn't include the requirements to this committee being able to support the plan (making the
18 spaces whole, not disrupting the businesses etc.). The charge to the Parking Advisory Committee and the charge
ASHLAND DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 6, 2016
Page 6 of 7
to the Parking Manager have nothing to do with the construction of multi-modal projects so it is unclear where all of
this goes. Faught said this is a draft plan and they tried to pull what they could together in time for this meeting. Also,
he made it very clear to the Council at this week's study session that the multi-modal piece will go through the Trans-
portation Commission. Graf thinks it should all be spelled out within the plan before they are asked to support it.
Slattery said she appreciated Graf's comments. She feels like the plan needs an overarching statement for their ef-
forts of what they are doing and what the intention is. She had people in her office for 2 hours yesterday and she
feels it is critical to have a statement of what the mission is and that we want public input. She encouraged others to
send their suggestions to Faught and he said he would appreciate the feedback. He added we will continue to tweak
the document and make it flow better. He doesn't think we can get it done in time to get it out to the public before
summertime so rather than try to do it during the summer when people are gone, at this stage maybe the committee
might go a few months without meeting.
Faught said the City Administrator wanted him to point out the section that talks about the Downtown Parking Coordi-
nator position needs to include "the structure of the parking management program is subject to the City Administra-
tor's discretion". He needs to decide where that plan goes. He is saying he is ok with the Parking Coordinator position
but if this plan is approved he will decide where that position goes.
Chair Young wanted to share he has caught an undercurrent that people feel he pushed the narrative that ended up
in the newspaper and if that is true he wants to dispel that. He said he got called by the reporter and assumed Faught
had told them to talk to him as the Chair. Donovan said the reporter had called her too but she didn't return her
phone call. She had also received a phone call from another reporter and she said she wasn't qualified to answer
those questions and she gave him the name of Faught. Young said he was very careful about how he framed his
statements. Faught said it sounds like we have that figured out for the future.
NEXT STEPS
The next meeting will be held on May 4, 2016 at 3:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Tami De Mille-Campos, Administrative Supervisor
ASHLAND DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 6, 2016
Page 7 of 7
1 A- we all agree that the inability to
find a parking space has a direct affect
on businesses?
2. Would it be important for a city such
as Ashland to attempt to match parking
supply with demand?
3. We live in a community of elderly people,,
Many have disabilities that do not allow them
to walk long distances?
4. From my observations the majority of
people who attend the plays are older (with
the exception of those who come from schools
in buses). Do we really want those elderly
people to get frustrated and not come to the
plays or in our businesses anymore?
SUBMITTED AT MEETING
SPEAKER #2
;a I have experienced on many occassions what
it is like to have one lane of traffic when road
work is being done and people get frustrated
trying to deal with one Ian e*, cut in in front of
you, honk, and "feel the pain". Da we want that
for our tourists?
6. Has anyone dare a study of haw long
trucks come into our community and stay
to unload and how long those individual
spaces for truck unloaded would sat vacant
from 8:30AM - 5-0:00PM? I imagine they
would be vacant a lot which would even
frustrate those who were looking for a
parking space even more than if we didn't
have.those?
7. If we are going to put the customer first
then it is necessary to start before they
reach the front doors- of our stores and that
is by finding a parking place?
8. One of the reasons more people are
buying onnne is because of convenience
and one of the maPn reasons is travel@°rng to
the store and then finding parking. Why
would we want toi'nconvenience them
even more 0 VP -~A)
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April 6, 2016
Letter to the Editor;
I feel it is important to add my comments to the committee who is looking at the downtown of Ashland
traffic patterns.
it is beyond my comprehension how taking 21 parking places away from the downtown area that is
already struggling with parking during the year would help anyone who lives or shops in this town . As a
retail merchant in this town and real estate owner I find it incredible that you would even consider
taking a lane out of the town for driving, parking or deliveries when the town already struggles to stay
alive and viable.
I am a bike rider and enjoy the bike path and feel there is plenty of room to safely bike downtown.
If I am not shopping on my bike i prefer to bike on the bike path and if shopping on my bike find it is safe
and easy to ride through the downtown area. However I am more concerned with the general
demographic of this town which has a majority of older citizens in this area. I also know that the
majority of travelers who come into town to enjoy our shops, theatre and restaurants are also older. We
need to keep it easy for them to park and shop in this town. Even parking 3 blocks away can change a
person from an in store shopper to an online shopper.
Changing patterns of parking and traffic would destroy this town and we would soon look like so many
downtown areas including Medford which cannot keep its downtown from struggling and empty. Being
in retail business is already very difficult in a small town and if you cannot easily park and walk into a
shop you will use your phone or computer and shop on line.
I strongly urge everyone who is interested in the viability of our charming downtown area to write, go to
meeting about this huge possible change for Ashland. When I first moved here in 1977 lots of store
fronts were boarded up and there was not a strong downtown, few shops, few good restaurants. If we
are not very careful NOW we could again go that way.
JUIi Teitelbaum
SUBMITTED AT MEETING
SPEAKER #6
Roads & Parks
Jenne Stankc Marmon
13irvelelpedertrian Program Manager
ACKSON COUNTY 7520 Table Rack Road
J Centrat Point, OR 97502
,r Phone: 541.774.6231
P6 T, hs t=aCell: 541.41.6224
x: 541.774,6295
s to nk ej s ~j a ckson co u nty.o rg
www.jecksoncaunty,org
April 6, 2016
Ashland Downtown Parking & Multi-Modal Circulation Committee
RE: Proposed multi-modal improvements
Dear Chair Young and Members of the Committee:
I have reviewed the Multimodal Downtown Projects portion of the Ashland Strategic Parking
Management Plan and would like to offer information that could be helpful as you review the proposal.
I would first like to clarify that Jackson County is not taking an official position on this topic and my
comments do not in any way reflect otherwise.
I have been involved in application processes for several different transportation funding programs as an
applicant and also as a reviewer as part of my experience serving on the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee. It nnay be helpful for the Committee to think about these considerations/criteria
themes that are included in programs such as the Connect. Oregon and STIP Enhance in relationship to
the downtown proposal:
w Connectivity
• Safety and Public Health
• Accessibility and Mobility
• Economic Benefits
System Efficiency and Utilization
Environmental Stewardship
I would specifically like to elaborate on a few of these topics: economic benefits, safety and
connectivity,
Economic Benefits: A quick Google search on "economic impacts of bike lanes" will lead you to pages
and pages of articles, case studies and research on the economic benefits of better infrastructure for
people to walk and bike. Sure, many of these are from Portland, New York City, San Francisco, etc. but
there are examples from smaller neighborhoods within those cities, as well as studies in places that
aren't typically considered "bikey" like Fort Worth, Memphis and Iowa.
Good infrastructure for people to walk, bike and take transit helps communities attract the talented
workforce that business owners need to be successful and helps them save money on healtbea3re-their
employees can build activities into their daily routine, which is critical for Iona term. sustainable health.
SUBMITTED AT MEETING
RLPFAKFR ##A
Proposed multi-modal improvements
April 6, 2016
Page 2 of 2
Tourism provides another economic opportunity---Jackson County, in partnership with the Ashland
VCB, Ashland Packs, Siskiyou Velo, and others, will be holding an inaugural Up and Down Bike Ride
which will highlight the recently designated Cascade Siskiyou Scenic Bikeway. Our goals are to tap
into and increase the $400 million amiual economic impact from bicycle tourisin in Oregon.
Whether the economic benefits come from people who arrive on foot or by bike visiting local businesses
more often and spending more money over time, or from attracting visitors who want to bike around the
cotnniunity or wander on wido, comfortable sidewalks, building better infrastmeture results in better
business.
Connectivity: ackson County successfully proposed a Region Active Transportation Plan with suppoil
and fending from the Rogue Valloy Area Metropolitar Planning'Organization. This plan will focus on
connecting regional destinations with low stress, high com oil -facilities for people to bike and walk,
witb an emphasis on connections to transit. Regional destinations will include city centers, employment'.
health care, shopping *and other critical cornniunity resources. Coiurecting people to and through
downtowns will be a goal, and projects like this proposal will likely be identified as important to our
Region.
Safer chi Health: Over 3 )0,000 people die on our roadways every year in this country. The trends are
not good, Oregon saw a 27% increase in fatalities 2015, and pedestrian deaths surged nationally by an
estimated 10%.
Reducing vehicle speeds and pedestrian crossing distance and improving pedestrian visibility by adding
bulb outs can save lives and is a proven safety countermeasure, and adding bike lanes where there are
currently none is also a proven safety cotmtermeasure per the Federal Highway Administration.
In addition, there are many people who are reluctant or hesitant to walk or bike because they don't-feel
safe, and making these kinds of improvements will capture a wider number of community members who
will be willing to navigate around traffic if there is a designated space.
I hope you will consider these factors as you snake this very important decision for Ashland and for our
region as a wholo. Please do not hesitate to contact ine for reference material or for .more information, I
am happy to be a resource.
Sincerely,
Jenna Stanke Marmon
Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Manager
SUBMITTED AT MEE I INU
rrziz1141
26,4 EAST MAIN STREET
ASHLAND, OR 97520
www.prizeshoppe.com
5,41-282-A970
April 6, 2016
ATTN: Mayor John Stromberg
City of Ashland Public Works
Downtown Parking Mgmt. and Circulation Ad Hoc Transportation Committee
Committee Chairman David Young
My name is Jennifer Streit and 1 am a downtown small business merchant. My shop PRIZE
at 26,4 East Main between First and Second Avenues has been open for 11 years. I was
born and raised in this beautiful town and am proud to now own a downtown retail
business here.
So much of what is special about Ashland is the unique and varied shops downtown.
I strongly feel this current proposal to eliminate parking in favor of a bike path and a
loading zone would definitely affect downtown merchants, especially in the zone that
would lose parking spots. I already hear from many of my local customers and repeat
tourists that they couldn't find nearby parking. And, this is not just in the busy summer
season. I can't imagine the fallout of losing 21 parking spots as well as the time and
length of construction to implement this proposal.
There is already an existing bike path that covers that section of town that could be further
promoted to divert bicycles from the downtown area.
I hope you will hear the voices of the merchants that will be most effected by this proposal.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Streit 5,41-282,4970
-r uPuseu vuwnEOwn fill SUBMITTED AT MEETING
Subject: Proposed Downtown Bike Lane 'Diet'
From: Cripple Creek <cripplecreekmusic@gmail. corn>
Date: 4/6/2016 1:03 PM
To: <mike.fought@ashland.or.us>
Mike,
This idea, though well intentioned, would be a disaster for downtown businesses.
There are not enough parking spaces as it is. Taking away 21 more would make it
almost impossible to shop downtown.
The biggest change in Ashland the past 30 years is not population (which reached
about 20,000 in 1980, and has more or less stayed around that figure since) but car
traffic. For 25 years after World War TT, there was basically one car per family.
Now virtually everyone of driving age has a car, leading to an explosion in car
traffic.
Anyone who tries to shop downtown, or attend the bars, restaurants, Shakespeare,
Varsity Theater or Oregon Cabaret Theatre, can never count on finding a spot NOW,
let alone with 21 fewer spaces.
The diets on East Main, North Main, and Siskiyou Blvd have been a great blessing for
everyone, but especially the bikers. And it did not affect the parking for the
businesses in those areas. But downtown is truly different - it would decisively
impact the businesses here.
This is simply a disaster. The negative impact on local businesses would far
outweigh the benefits for bikers. Please reject this idea.
Ed Wight
Office Manager
Cripple Creek Music
P.S. One quick anecdote. 20 years ago, my mother was in her 70s and walked with a
cane. She loved to buy Hallmark greeting cards at Ashland's only outlet for them,
the Ashland Drug Store on when it was still on Main Street. She couldn't walk very
far from her car - and she could rarely find a parking space close to the Drug Store
THEN. And again, that was 20 years ago.
So she started driving to the Hallmark Store in Medford, depriving another Ashland
merchant of her business solely because she couldn't find a parking space. She died
in 2004, showing you how long Ashland has had a parking problem downtown.
Please don't make it worse.
)F 1 4/6/2016 7.20 PM
SUBMITTED AT MEETING
Tamil Campos
From: Stuart Green <sgreen@ashlandfood.coop>
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 2:54 PM
To: Tami Campos
Subject: Comment on proposal to realign East Main St.
Greetings Tami,
I am the Sustainability Coordinator at the Ashland Food Co--op. I'm sending this comment in support
the proposal to create dedicated bike lanes, reduce the number of vehicle lanes, add traffic control
signals,and improving pedestrian infrastructure.
I interface often with community members and visitors; in my experience most folks are supportive of
developing alternatives to conventional transportation. Having a town that is pedestrian and bike
friendly is key to our Ashland identity and experience, and directly bolsters our tourism-heavy
economy. In addition, developing lower-carbon, multi--modal transportation options will be an
important strategy as Ashland begins forming the City's Climate and Energy Action Plan.
Thank you,
Stuart Green
Stuart Green
Sustainabitity Coordinator
Ashland Food Co-op
(541) 482-2237
i
ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
April 6, 2016
Community Development/Engineering Services Building - 51 Winburn Way - Siskiyou Room
CALL TO ORDER:
Commission Chair, Mr. Skibby called the meeting to order at 6:03pm in the Siskiyou Room at the Community
Development and Engineering Offices located at 51 Winburn Way, Ashland OR 97520.
Commissioners Present: Council Liaison:
Mr. Skibby Carol Voisin
Mr. Shostrom
Mr. Giordano Staff Present:
Mr. Ladygo Mark Schexnayder; Staff Liaison
Mr. Swink Regan Trapp; Secretary
Mr. Emery
Commissioners Absent: Ms. Kencairn (U)
Mr. Whitford (E)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Shostrom motioned to approve minutes from March 2, 2016. Swink seconded. Giordano and Ladygo abstained.
PUBLIC FORUM:
There was no one in the audience wishing to speak.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT:
Voisin gave the Council Liaison report. Items discussed were:
• Mayor Stromberg to give his report on findings to the Public Arts Commission process on April 18tH
• A report from Public Works from the Multi-module committee was submitted in regards to the parking
plan.
• The proposal to close a lane on N. Main to allow, for a bike lane and loading zones (Road Diet) will go
out to the public for vote. Voisin to ask Mr. Faught for a finalized report and presentation to go before
the Historic Commission.
• Cost of parking tickets to increase to 22.00.
• Polluted soil in RR district to be taken out by rail. Approximately 7 acres will removed with new soil put
in starting in the fall of 2016.
• The winter shelter for the homeless at Pioneer Hall to continue for another year. The contract is being
reviewed for updates.
• Aggressive panhandling ordinance has been updated.
• Water bills will see an 8 % increase. The funds will go towards a new water treatment plant.
Skibby asked Voisin for an update on Iron Mike. Voisin stated that there will be a celebration on or around July
411 and would like the Historic Commission to be involved.
Skibby asked that discussion items be moved to the top of the agenda so that Dan Merrill may speak first.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
0 Historic Markers project update - Golden Spike historic marker
Dan Merrill spoke about the Golden Spike historic marker in RR Park. Mr. Merrill went into detail about the
circular plaque that will be mounted on a rock near the historic site. The total cost for the plaque will be about
$600.00 and most of the plants around the site will be donated at no cost. He would like any one that has any
input on this project to please contact him directly. There will be a dedication and ribbon cutting later this year.
Skibby read aloud the procedure for public hearings.
PLANNING ACTION REVIEW:
PLANNING ACTION: PA-2016-00387
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 95 N. Main St.
OWNER: Dan Durant
APPLICANT: Kistler Small and White, LLC
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review approval for exterior changes to a contributing
property in the Downtown Historic District. The proposal is to make changes to the front fagade of the building
facing N. Main St. incorporating some of the features from the original historic structure and to make changes
to the rear fagade to allow for the addition of an accessible restroom in Brother's Restaurant.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Commercial - Downtown; ZONING: C-1-D; ASSESSOR'S MAP:
39 1 E 09BB; TAX LOT: 5700
There was no conflict of interest or ex-parte contact with the applicants. Swink mentioned he spoke with Mr.
Small on the street but there was no information exchanged regarding the project.
Schexnayder gave the staff report for PA-2016-00387.
Skibby opened the public hearing to the applicant.
Mr. Matt Small of Kistler, Small and White addressed the Commission regarding PA-2016-00387. Mr. Small
spoke in depth about phase 2 of the project.
Skibby closed the public hearing and opened to the Commission for discussion.
The Commission discussed things such as structural upgrades, door and window changes, and the loss of
residential units.
Mr. Small asked for rebuttal time and it was granted. During his rebuttal time he referenced the fact that the
condo will help pay for the building project. He went on to say that the window frame material should not be
the one thing to hold up this project.
Mr. Dan Durant, owner of Brother's Restaurant wanted it stated on record that the windows will be changed
to wood.
• Ladygo motioned to approve PA-2016-00387 with below recommendation. Swink seconded. No one
opposed.
o That painted or finished wood windows be used.
NEW ITEMS:
• Review board schedule
• Project assignments for planning actions
• Historic Preservation Week winner selections and description blurbs.
• Election of new officers
Historic Preservation Week winner selections were made and below are the recipients and Commissioner's
assigned to each project:
• 100 Sixth Street, Historically Compatible Residential Addition - SWINK
• 270 N. First, Historically Compatible Single Family Residence - EMERY
• 30 S. First, Historically Compatible Commercial Building - SHOSTROM
• Chautauqua Walkway, Civic Award - LADYGO
• Richard Hay, Individual Award - WHITFORD
It was discussed that all blurb and photos be turned into Trapp by April 29th to ensure the packet be made on
time.
Election of new officers for Historic Commission were completed. Giordano motioned to elect Shostrom as
Chair and Skibby as Vice-Chair. No one opposed.
OLD BUSINES:
• City Council presentation - April 19, 2016
Ladygo to present at the City Council meeting on April 19, 2016.
COMMISSION ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:
There were no items to discuss.
Review Board Schedule
April 141h Terry, Kerry, Andrew
Aril 21St Terry, Sam, Bill
Aril 281h Terry, Tom, Dale
May 511 Terry, Keith, Bill
Project Assignments for Planning Actions
PA-2014-01956 Lithia & First All
PA-2014-00710/711 143/135 Nutley Swink & Whitford
PA-2014-01283 172 Skidmore Shostrom
PA-2014-02206 485 A Street Need Re-assigned
PA-2015-00178 156 Van Ness Ave Kencairn
PA -2015-00374 160 Lithia Way Emery
PA-2015-00878 35 S. Pioneer Ladygo
PA-2015-01496 35 S. Second-Winchester Inn Shostrom
PA-2015-01695 399 Beach Skibby
PA-2015-01769 860 C Ladygo
PA-2015-01517 209 Oak Shostrom _
PA-2015-02203 868 A Street _ Whitford
PA-2016-00073 151 Pioneer Swink
PA-2016-00275 574 Allison Emery
PA-2016-00387 95 N. Main Shostrom
ANNOUNCEMENTS & INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
Next meeting is scheduled May 4, 2016 at 6:00 pm.
There being no other items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:35pm
Respectfully submitted by Regan Trapp
CITY OF
-ASH LAN D
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
APRIL 12, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Melanie Mindlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 East Main
Street.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Troy J. Brown, Jr. Bill Molnar, Community Development Director
Michael Dawkins Derek Severson, Associate Planner
Debbie Miller April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Melanie Mindlin
Haywood Norton
Roger Pearce
Lynn Thompson
Absent Members: Council Liaison:
None Greg Lemhouse, absent
ANNOUCEMENTS
Community Development Director Bill Molnar announced the commission's May meeting will include two Type II
public hearings. He also stated the City Council has initiated three new items that will come before the commission in
the next few months: 1) an amendment to the comprehensive plan to remove the Citizen's Planning Advisory
Committee, 2) amending a condition regarding the cleanup of the railroad property, and 3) a proposed zone change
for a parcel on Pioneer Street.
AD-HOC COMMITTEE UPDATES
Commissioner Dawkins provided a brief update on the Downtown Parking Management & Circulation Committee and
noted the City Council held a study session on the recommendations. He added a recent article in the Daily Tidings
has set off a firestorm of comments from downtown business owners.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes.
1. March 8, 2016 Regular Meeting.
Commissioners Miller/Brown m/s to approve the Consent Agenda. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed 6-0.
Commissioner Thompson abstained.
PUBLIC FORUM
No one came forward to speak.
TYPE III PUBLIC HEARING
A. PLANNING ACTION: PA-2016-00229
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 87 W. Nevada St., 811 Heiman St. & 127 Almeda Dr.
OWNERS: Wilma, LLC (Greg & Valri Williams)
APPLICANTS: Verde Village Development, LLCIKDA Homes, LLC
Ashland Planning Commission
April 12, 2016
Page 1 of 6
DESCRIPTION: A request for modification of the Outline Plan approval and Development Agreement,
and Final Plan approval for the Verde Village Subdivision located at 87 West Nevada Street, 811 Heiman
Street and 127 Almeda Dr. The modifications proposed involve changes to the property lines; building
envelopes; the number of detached and attached units; the approved landscaping plan; and the
approved public/private space plan for Phase ll, the single family portion of the Verde Village
Subdivision. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Suburban Residential & Single Family Residential;
ZONING: R-1-3.5, R-1-5 and R-1-7.5; ASSESSOR'S MAP: 391E 0413; TAX LOTS: 1100, 1400,1418 and
1419.
Commissioner Mindlin read aloud the public hearing procedures for land use hearings.
Ex Parte Contact
Commissioners Norton, Thompson, Pearce, and Brown conducted site visits. No ex parte contact was reported.
Staff Report
Associate Planner Derek Severson provided the background information on this project. He stated in 2007 the City
did a land exchange, annexation, Comprehensive Plan map and zoning map change, and a number of other
approvals for this 68-unit residential development. The 15 affordable unit development called Rice Park has been
completed and is occupied; Phase 1 is the cottages and the applicants are in the process of installing civil
improvements; and the current request is to modify the outline plan approval for Phase 2 which is the single family
portion of the development.
Mr. Severson provided an overview to the requested changes, which would modify the existing approval to:
• Add property lines around 25 of the 28 single family lots.
• Add building envelopes in the new property lines.
• Detach 4 of the 6 previously attached units.
• Set a maximum house size for the proposed homes.
• Modify the open space treatment.
• Clarify the solar access for the proposed homes.
Mr. Severson commented on the project's original approval and asked the commission to consider whether the
changes to the open space would alter the fundamental character of the original subdivision approval. He stated staff
has some concerns that maximizing the building envelopes and having the potential to move the buildings closer
together has the potential to enclose the open space and lose a lot of that character. He added other issues the
commission may wish to discuss are: 1) Are the standard setbacks appropriate or is more openness necessary? 2)
Are the pathways and open space landscaping treatment acceptable? 3) Is a 4 ft. fence height along the open space
appropriate? 4) Is the "Millpond Standard" for solar access acceptable? 5) Does the allocation of coverage from open
space keep with the purpose and intent of the Performance Standards?
Questions of Staff
Commissioner Mindlin stated she is unclear on what the applicants are proposing for setbacks. Mr. Severson clarified
they are proposing 10 feet, which is the standard requirement, but they have not stated whether this will be 10 feet
per story for 2-story homes.
Mr. Molnar commented on the Millpond solar standard which limits shadows to not more than 4 ft. on buildings to the
north, but stated if there is no building to the north this could lead to greater shading of yard areas that could
otherwise be used for garden space.
Mr. Severson commented on the original approval and explained the initial plan had conceptual footprints and it was
understood that these would need to be fine-tuned at final plan. However the area between the structures is changing
by more than 10% which is why the applicants are needing a modification. He noted there were a variety of building
Ashland Planning Commission
April 12, 2016
Page 2 of 6
sizes shown on the original approval and the applicants are seeking flexibility, but questioned the impact if every new
home pushes the limit and builds up to the 2,500 sq.ft. proposed max.
Mr. Severson clarified staff s primary concern is that the proposed changes could change the way the open space
functions within the development. If the buildings are much closer to it and there is fencing along the back and a
pathway down the middle, it changes this from a place to gather to a thoroughfare.
Applicant's Presentation
Greg and Valri Williams/744 Heiman/Stated they are proud of this project and believe it is the future of what
housing should be. Mr. Williams stated they want to attract a wide variety of residents and have an engaging
neighborhood that shares in a vision for sustainability. Mr. Williams commented on the open space that will be
provided, but stated they also want people to have private space and the ability to grow their own food or raise
chickens. Ms. Williams stated Phase 2 is the single family portion and these have always been envisioned as
traditional lots. The homes will be energy efficient and they want to make sure the housing placement will accomplish
their goals. Ms. Williams stated this is a great project a long time in the making and asked for the commission's
support.
Mark Knox/604 Fair Oaks/Reviewed some of the elements of the project and stated any reference to this project
losing its creativity is incorrect. Mr. Knox stated they are proposing to improve on Phase 2 and commented on the
orientation of the proposed houses. He stated it is preferred to orient them to the public realm, and not just the front
but the back as well. He clarified they are proposing property lines and building envelopes that will give them the
flexibility to work with a buyer who may wish to alter the footprint slightly. He noted because of the original agreement
any minor modification such as a one or two foot adjustment from one side to the other would require hearings in
front of the Planning Commission and City Council. He stated the building envelopes proposed serve as a
placeholder and allow for that flexibility. Mr. Knox clarified the setbacks will be 10 feet per story, and commented on
the landscaping plan for the open space. Mr. Knox stated this development will have a solar reserve area, all homes
will be photovoltaic ready, and there will be vehicle charging stations in every garage. He noted they are committed
to Earth Advantage Platinum and believes their proposal improves on an application that was already impressive to
start with. He stated they meet all the criteria and asked for the commission's approval.
Questions of the Applicant
Commissioner Brown commented that the original concept was undoable and unrealistic and asked why that was
originally presented. Mr. Williams stated it is not that is was unfeasible, but rather this is a big project and there were
items that were not taken into account at that stage.
Mr. Williams commented on the building envelopes and stated they would like the flexibility to put a smaller home
there, but they will never be bigger than shown. He stated they were surprised to find out a lot of people wish to
downsize and they would like to provide this flexibility.
Commissioner Mindlin asked what will be included in the development's CC&Rs. Mr. Knox stated the treatment of
fences, the responsibility of the open space, as well as any conditions of approval placed by the City will be included.
Mindlin also asked what the applicants are proposing for the garage size. Mr. Knox acknowledged that this had not
been clarified and stated a 540 sq.ft. limit would be appropriate.
Mr. Knox clarified the proposed building envelopes provide flexibility to make the houses smaller or shift them from
one side to another. Mr. Knox was asked if it would be possible to place a 2,500 sq.ft. house with a 540 sq.ft garage
on each of the lots and he responded that a number of the lots are smaller and while it might be possible to have a
2,500 sq.ft. house it would have to be two-stories and they would still have to meet the solar requirements.
Ashland Planning Commission
April 12, 2016
Page 3 of 6
Public Testimony
Fred Gant/715 Sunrise/Stated he is a state licensed energy assessor and certifies Earth Advantage Homes and
stated he is in full support of this project. Mr. Gant stated it is very exciting to see what has been put together and
stated this would be the first Earth Advantage subdivision in southern Oregon. He stated the applicants are bringing a
lot of environmental and sustainable benefits by going from gold to platinum and stated this project is a great design
and will be good for the people and good for the city.
Shawn Schreiner/330 E Hersey/Stated he is the owner of True South Solar and gave his support for the project. Mr.
Schreiner stated it is very unique to have solar readiness and this is the exactly the sort of thing Ashland needs. He
noted that his company does a lot of retrofits and many clients aren't able to accomplish their goals, and stated this
development won't have any of those problems.
Applicant's Rebuttal
Mr. Knox stated this is a unique project and there has never before been a residential development in Ashland that
meets this level of effort. He stated they meet all the approval criteria and asked for the commission's support.
Deliberations & Decision
Commissioner Brown commented that the modifications are a large change from what was originally anticipated; the
changes are not right or wrong but they do change how this project was originally laid out. Commissioner Miller
stated this plan makes more sense than the previous one. Commissioner Pearce agreed and stated while this is a
big change he believes it meets the standards and criteria. Commissioner Norton commented that the houses will be
significantly bigger and have fences and stated the flow and feel that was originally approved is not there anymore.
Commissioner Thompson stated it does not fail to comply with the standards, but questioned if there was a quid pro
quo earlier in the process that it would be done differently. Commissioner Dawkins stated there is nothing undetailed
about this project and commented on the overall concept. He stated he does not have a problem realigning it but
there was a land trade, annexation, and a number of amendments that were made and believes this is a policy
decision that needs to be made by the City Council. Staff clarified the Planning Commission's role is to make a land
use decision based on the performance standards criteria with a recommendation on whether the City Council should
incorporate it into their final decision. The City Council will have to decide if the proposal is still true to the overall
annexation and development agreement. Commissioner Thompson stated they could find the proposal meets the
performance standards but they question whether it meets the implied or expressed assumptions and
understandings that were part of the development agreement; that is the purview of the City Council and they
encourage them to take a close look at this decide from a policy perspective if they are comfortable allowing these
changes. Commissioner Mindlin stated she does not recall the open space being a big part of the original decision, it
was more about energy efficiency, green building standards, solar capacity, green streets, etc. She stated it is
appropriate to highlight this change to the City Council, but does not believe it destroys the whole sense of the
project. Mindlin added she is not in favor of the allocation of open space coverage requested by the applicant and
stated this limitation will keep the home sizes down and reduce impervious surface.
Commissioners Pearce/Thompson m/s to approve the application for the modification of the outline approval
with the follow conditions: 1) to not approve the allocation of open space coverage to individual lots, 2) to
add a condition that they include in their CC&Rs for no solar blocking, 3) add a condition for a 540 sq.ft. limit
for garage space for each lot, 4) add a condition that the streetscapes be maintained by the homeowners
association, 5) add a condition that the applicant maintain solar standard A, and 6) all other conditions
recommended by staff. The Commission also recommends the City Council consider whether this meets the
Council's understanding and intent of the development agreement. DISCUSSION: Commissioners
Thompson, Brown, Dawkins, Pearce, Miller, and Mindlin, YES. Commissioner Norton, NO. Motion passed 6-1.
Ashland Planning Commission
April 12, 2016
Page 4 of 6
TYPE II PUBLIC HEARING
A. PLANNING ACTION: PA-2016-00410
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 475 University Way
OWNER/APPLICANT: State of Oregon/Southern Oregon University
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review, Conditional Use Permit and Tree Removal Permit
approvals to allow the renovation of 15,147 square feet of the existing Southern Oregon University (SOU)
Theater Building; a 13,238 square foot addition to the Theater Building to accommodate new teaching
facilities; and a 6,468 square foot addition to accommodate relocation of the Jefferson Public Radio
(JPR) program for the property located at 475 University Way on the SOU campus. A Conditional Use
Permit is required because the adopted SOU Master Plan currently identifies a different location on
campus for the JPR program, and a Tree Removal Permit is required because the request includes the
removal of 25 trees, including eight significant trees which are over 18-inches in diameter at breast
height (d.b.h.) and therefore require Tree Removal Permits. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:
Southern Oregon University; ZONING: SO; ASSESSOR'S MAP& TAX LOT: 391E 1000 Tax Lot #5700 and
391 E 09DD Tax Lot #7900.
Ex Parte Contact
Commissioners Dawkins, Miller, Brown, Mindlin, Pearce, Thompson, and Norton declared site visits. No ex parte
contact was reported.
Commissioners Dawkins/Pearce m/s to extend meeting to IOp. in,
Staff Report
Associate Planner Derek Severson reviewed the proposal to add a 13,238 sq.ft. addition to accommodate new
teaching facilities for the university and add a 6,468 addition to accommodate the relocation of Jefferson Public
Radio. He stated the application includes substantial regarding of the parking area to address ADA and displayed the
applicant's renderings and drawings. Mr. Severson reviewed the tree removal and planting plan and stated both staff
and the Tree Commission are recommending against the removal of the redwood tree located in the parking lot
island, and staff would like to see the cedar tree retained as well. He stated staff is recommending approval with the
conditions as listed, which includes the recommendation from the Tree Commission.
Applicant's Presentation
Mandy Butler, TVA Architects/Kerry KenCairn, KenCairn Landscaping/Ms. Butler stated this project increases
the capacity for theater education on SOU's campus and she is very happy to be a part of this project. Ms. KenCairn
stated the main issue seems to be the trees and explained the intent is to have visual connectivity from Mountain
Street to the new building and the three evergreens blocked that. She stated they will retain one redwood, but the
other redwood with the split trunk will only last 5-10 more years and the cedar must be removed because it is located
in the path of the driveway. Ms. Butler explained that changing the island creates a gateway and invokes the public
into that space. She added the building's design allows activity on the inside to be visible outside and will engage the
public in a way that does not currently exist. Ms. Butler clarified the renderings in the application did not include the
trees because it blocked the view of the building, however the large evergreen will still be there as well as the other
trees listed on the planting plan. She clarified their proposal is to remove one evergreen and one cedar and keep the
other redwood. The redwood with the split trunk will be removed and this will allow the other tree room to grow.
Commissioner Mindlin closed the hearing and the public record at 9.,50 p. m.
Questions of Staff
Mr. Severson commented on the recent visit from James Urban who provided a presentation on Urban Trees in
Ashland and concurred with the applicant's statement. Mr. Urban found that Ashland has too many trees planted
close together and we should be giving them more room to grow.
Ashland Planning Commission
April 12, 2016
Page 5 of 6
Deliberations & Decision
Commissioners Dawkins/Thompson m/s to approve PA-2016-00410 and remove condition #4 which accepts
the Tree Commission's recommendation. Roll Call Vote: Commissioners Miller, Dawkins, Thompson, Brown,
Norton, Pearce, and Mindlin, YES. Motion passed 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Submitted by,
April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Ashland Planning Commission
April 12, 2016
Page 6 of 6
CITY of
ASHLAND
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
STUDY SESSION
MINUTES
APRIL 26, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Melanie Mindlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Troy J. Brown, Jr. Bill Molnar, Community Development Director
Michael Dawkins Maria Harris, Planning Manager
Melanie Mindlin April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Haywood Norton
Roger Pearce
Lynn Thompson
Absent Members: Council Liaison:
Debbie Miller Greg Lemhouse, absent
ANNOUCEMENTS
Community Development Director Bill Molnar stated the City Council passed first reading of the airport code amendments and
announced there will be two public hearings at the May meeting. He highlighted the 25th anniversary of the city's housing
program and stated the City Council held a study session to discuss permanent strategies for the housing trust fund. Mr.
Molnar also announced the wildfire ordinance discussion has been postponed in order for more outreach to occur with the
other commission chairs and to evaluate if there are opportunities aside from a regulatory approach.
PRESENTATION
A. Tiny Home Presentation by Andrew Morrison.
Community Development Director Bill Molnar introduced Andrew Morrison and provided some background information on the
tiny house movement.
The commissioners and staff left the council chambers to take a short tour of a tiny house model parked outside.
Mr. Andrew Morrison gave a presentation on tiny houses. He explained a tiny house is a self-contained dwelling unit that has
electrical, plumbing, and hvac systems and can be hooked up to standard sanitation systems. Tiny houses are being used by
college students, first time home buyers, couples, families, retirees, caretakers, disabled home owners, and for transitional
housing. Mr. Morrison stated the existing problems in the housing sector has created a disparity between what people can
afford and what is out there. He stated tiny houses can have fine details and fine craftsmanship and can be a beautiful
addition to neighborhoods. He stated health and safety standards can be met, at least in intent, and there is a movement to
change the building codes at the national level. He stated tiny homes minimize the need to expand urban growth boundaries
and are a good way to deal with lots that are odd shaped or difficult to build on. Tiny houses also protect view corridors, limit
solar shading, reduce permanent lot impacts, and are perfect for Will development.
Commissioner Questions
• How do you envision tiny houses being utilized in Ashland? Mr. Morrison stated they could be used as accessory
dwelling units on existing home sites, utilized to increase density, or used by faith based organizations to provide
transitional housing.
• Why would someone build/purchase a tiny home instead of building a standard ADU on their lot? Mr. Morrison stated
the big difference is that tiny houses give people the flexibility to move or relocate the tiny home in the future.
Ashland Planning Commission
April 26, 2016
Page 1 of 3
• Other than design, how are tiny houses different from a mobile home or RV? Mr. Morrison explained that RVs are not
designed for full-time living and tiny houses are built and insulated the same as a stick frame house. They are
different from manufactured housing in size and are too small to be considered by HUD, and you are required to
purchase manufactured homes from a facility, you cannot build one yourself.
• What about the building code minimum space requirements? Mr. Morrison stated the space requirements can be
satisfied and noted the code has been revised to establish a minimum room size of 70 sq.ft. which can include
everything but the bathroom.
• How important is it that they have wheels, is this critical to the whole concept? Mr. Morrison stated it depends on who
you ask. Some people want that flexibility and others just want a home they can afford.
• What types of modifications would be needed to our existing code? Mr. Morrison stated there are some
construction/building code issues that pose challenges and then there is the bigger issue of zoning. How do you deal
with the fact that it is not technically permanent? How do you tax it? Do you charge SDCs and how does that impact
the concept of affordable housing? Mr. Molnar explained tiny houses are not currently permissible and are
considered recreational vehicles. They can be parked in a mobile home park but they need to be on a foundation and
hooked up to sewer and water. He added these issues can be addressed, but there are a number of conflicts that
would need to be worked through.
Public Input
David Ludwig/480 Gate 5 Rd, #122, Sebastopol, CA/Stated he is an architect and has lived in a tiny house for the last 10
years. Mr. Ludwig stated affordable housing often quickly becomes unaffordable and the advantage of tiny houses is that in
most cases they are owner occupied and the only real cost is the creation of the pad. He stated the city has an opportunity to
be visionary and support this movement and stated the types of individuals he has encountered are very inspirational and are
the type of people you want in your neighborhood. Mr. Ludwig stated the city could create tiny house villages or use them as
infill and allow secondary dwelling units on properties. He added that he encourages his clients to have wheels but also be
able to attach the tiny house to foundations until they know where they will settle, that way they can convert from wheels to
foundation and stay compliant with the rules of wherever they locate.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Cottage Housing Standards.
Planning Manager Maria Harris stated the revised land use ordinance has been in effect for 13 months but before the City
Council adopted it they pulled out the part about cottage housing and referred it back to the Planning Commission for
additional discussion. Council's concerns included the size of the units, the design standards and height, and the separation
requirements. Ms. Harris explained cottage housing developments can already be done in R-2 and R-3 zones under the
performance standards options, and outlined possible standards the city could adopt for the R-1 single family zone.
Commissioner Mindlin stated it is hard to picture where there is enough land to make one of these developments feasible in
Ashland. Mr. Molnar commented on cottage housing possibilities on a 10,000 sq.ft. lot and the commission discussed the
need to develop a strategy that results in cottage housing actually being built. Mr. Molnar stated if this is something the city
wants to encourage and provide opportunities for they might have to reexamine the density table and create a unique table for
cottage housing. He added this type of development won't be for everyone, but the city can do its part by providing as many
options in the toolbox as they can.
Sue Crader12957 Barbara/Stated she is the former director of Ashland Supportive Housing & Community Outreach and is
interested in cottage housing to provide housing to adults with developmental disabilities. Ms. Crader stated the individuals
she works with want to live in their own home, but this is very difficult for anyone who is low income and especially difficult for
people who need assistance. She shared her vision for a cottage housing development with several small homes and a
communal space that houses a staff person during the day, laundry facilities, etc. She encouraged the city to allow this type of
development and noted a 1.5 or 2-story height requirement may pose difficulties for anyone with mobility issues.
Gil Livni12532 Old Mill Hwy/Stated he owns several acres of property in Ashland and is interested in this concept. He
suggested an 800 sq.ft. cottage house would be a very nice 2-bedroom one story unit, and they could go smaller for one-
bedroom units. Mr. Livni stated something small could be very high quality and energy efficient, although he cautioned that if
the houses are too small people start living outside (couches and furniture outside, etc). He stated he is looking forward to the
Ashland Planning Commission
April 26, 2016
Page 2 of 3
city creating clear regulations on this type of development and stated he is one of the people in town who has the space to do
this.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Submitted by,
April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Ashland Planning Commission
April 26, 2096
Page 3 of 3
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
May 17, 2016, Business Meeting
Ambulance Operator's License Renewal
FROM:
John Karns, Fire Chief, Ashland Fire & Rescue karns' a~ashland.or.us
SUMMARY
The Ashland Municipal Code requires that all ambulance service providers in the City obtain an
ambulance operator's license. This is the Fire Department's request for the renewal by Council of the
Fire Department's Ambulance Operator's License per AMC 6.40.110.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Ashland Municipal Code (AMC) Chapter 6.40.110 requires ambulance service providers operating
within the City of Ashland to apply annually for an ambulance operator's license. The Fire Department
has provided emergency services in Ashland since 1885. From 1926 to 1936, the Fire Department
operated the ambulance service in Ashland. In 1936 the ambulance service was sold to Litwiller
Funeral Home. The Fire Department obtained its first medical response vehicle (Rescue 9) through
community donations in 1973 and began providing first response emergency medical services to the
community. In January 1996, the City of Ashland purchased the Ashland Life Support Ambulance
Company and Ashland Fire & Rescue began providing ambulance services within a 650 sq mile
ambulance service area in south Jackson County, known as ASA III. Ambulance services in Oregon
are regulated by county governments and within the City of Ashland they are required to obtain an
ambulance operator's license. This license is renewed on an annual basis.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The license fee is $300 plus $100 per ambulance, for a total of $800. This amount has been budgeted
in the emergency medical services budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION:
Staff recommends renewal of the Ambulance Operator's License for Ashland Fire & Rescue.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I move approval of the application for an Ambulance Operator's License for Ashland Fire & Rescue.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ambulance license renewal application
Page l of 11
CITY OF ASHLAND
APPLICATION FOR AMBULANCE OPERATOR LICENSE
AMC Ch. 6. 6.40
2016
Applicant's Name: CITY OF ASHLAND
Trade Name, if any: ASHLAND FIRE & RESCUE
Address: 455 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland OR 97520
Telephone number: (541) 482-2770
Ambulance descriptions Manufacturer Vin # License #
1. 2002 Ford LIFELINE 1 FDXF47F63EA10341 EXEMPT
2. 2016 Ford _ HORTON 1 FDUF4HTXGEA67381 EXEMPT
3. 2011 Ford LIFELINE 1 FDUF4HTOBEC53861 EXEMPT
4. 2006 FORD LIFELINE 1 FDXF47F06ED06467 EXEMPT
5. 2008 FORD LIFELINE 1 FDXF47R48ED90832 EXEMPT
❑ Attach information showing that every proposed driver, attendant and driver-
attendant is qualified as required in Ashland Municipal Code Chapter 6.40 and as
required by the laws of the State of Oregon.
❑ Enclose with the application, the initial license fee of $300 plus $100 per ambulance.
❑ Enclose a performance bond in the amount of $500,000.
❑ Enclose an insurance policy meeting the requirements of AMC §6.40.110.7. Attach
additional pages as necessary. Explain any box not checked.
Submit your application and required enclosures to Barbara Christensen, City Recorder,
City Hall, 20 East Main Street, Ashland, Oregon 97520.
1 certify that each ambulance listed above is adequate and safe for the purposes for
which it is to be used and that it is equipped as required by Ashland Municipal Code
Chapter 6.40 and the laws of the State of Oregon.
Signature:
Print name: Kimberley Summers
Title: Administrative Assistant
Date: 05-17-2016
C:\Users\shipletd\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet
Files\Content.Outlook\2TDMPMB7\2015 Lic renewal.doc
April 10, 2009
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
May 17, 2016, Business Meeting
Resolution Referring to the Voters of Ashland the question of Urging the Oregon
Legislature to Refer to Voters a Measure Creating a Publicly Funded Health Care
System in Oregon
FROM:
Dave Kanner, city administrator, dave.kannergashland.or.us
SUMMARY
Councilor Voisin has requested a resolution to place on the November 2016 ballot a measure to urge
the 2017 Oregon Legislature to refer to a state-wide ballot a measure creating a publicly funded health
care system in Oregon.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Councilor Voisin was contacted by the citizen organization, Health Care for All Oregonians,
requesting a resolution be placed on. the November 2016 ballot by the Ashland City Council to request
that the Oregon Legislature refer to a future ballot a measure creating a publicly funded health care
system in Oregon. Per AMC 2.04.030, "Any Councilor may place any item on the Council's business
meeting agenda provided that preparing the matter for Council consideration does not require more
than two hours of staff time, including policy research and document drafting. The addition proposed
by a Councilor for the agenda of a particular upcoming business meeting must be delivered to the City
Administrator no later than noon of the Wednesday prior to that Council meeting. The City
Administrator shall determine the order of business of the item. The Mayor may defer the item until a
later meeting if the agenda of a particular meeting is already lengthy or if, in the Mayor's sole
judgment, the matter is not time-sensitive, but in no case shall the Mayor defer the item to an agenda
that is more than three months beyond the date requested by the Councilor submitting the item.
Council members will endeavor to have subjects and any materials they wish considered submitted
prior to finalization of the Council packet."
COUNCIL GOALS SUPPORTED:
1. Leverage our regional and state relationships to increase effectiveness in relevant policy arenas
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I move approval of the resolution titled, "A resolution of the City of Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon,
Page , of 2
!LA11
CITY OF
^ASH LAN D
to submit to Ashland electors at the November 8, 2016 General Election an advisory question on
instructing the 2017 Oregon Legislature to create a transparent public process to design a system that
provides timely access to affordable comprehensive health care for all Oregon residents, ensures
choice of provider, has effective cost controls, equitable access, and a focus on preventative care"
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft resolution
Page 2 oi'2
~r
RESOLUTION NO 2016 -
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND, JACKSON COUNTY,
OREGON, TO SUBMIT TO ASHLAND ELECTORS AT THE NOVEMBER
89 2016 GENERAL ELECTION AN ADVISORY QUESTION ON
INSTRUCTING THE 2017 OREGON LEGISLATURE TO CREATE A
TRANSPARENT PUBLIC PROCESS TO DESIGN A SYSTEM THAT
PROVIDES TIMELY ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE COMPREHENSIVE
HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OREGON RESIDENTS, ENSURES CHOICE
OF PROVIDER, HAS EFFECTIVE COST CONTROLS, EQUITABLE
ACCESS, AND A FOCUS ON PREVENTATIVE CARE
RECITALS:
A. The City Council of the City of Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon (the "City") has the
authority to submit to electors at duly scheduled elections advisory questions on matters of
interest to the City regardless of whether they are beyond the scope of the City's power to enact
legislation.
B. Ashland residents are directly affected by Oregon laws regarding the provision and financing
of health care to Oregonians.
C. The Oregon Legislature in chapter 712, Oregon laws 2013, required the Oregon Health
Authority to conduct a study in accordance with certain criteria set forth in the legislation, and
then recommend the best option for financing health care in the state. The study was funded by
HB2828 in the 2015 session and is to be completed in time for the 2017 session.
D. The City Council wishes to afford the voters of Ashland the opportunity to decide whether to
encourage the 2017 Oregon Legislature to create a transparent public process that builds upon
the recommendations of the study authorized in the 2013 and 2015 sessions in order to design a
system that provides timely access to comprehensive health care for all Oregon residents. This
healthcare system would ensure choice of provider; have effective cost controls, equitable
access, and a focus on preventive care; meet the criteria described in chapter 712, Oregon laws
2013; and be affordable for families, businesses, and society.
THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. At the November 8, 2016 election, the advisory question in the ballot title in the
attached Exhibit A shall be submitted to the electors of Ashland for their "yes" or "no" vote.
SECTION 2. The City Recorder shall cause to be delivered to the Elections Officer of Jackson
County, Oregon, not later than 61 days prior to the November 8, 2016 election notice of the
City's referral of the advisory ballot question and all that is required to ensure that the ballot title
as shown in Exhibit A complies with County and State requirements for submittal to Ashland
electors in the November 8, 2016 election.
Resolution No. 2015- Page 1 of 3
SECTION 3. The City Recorder shall give notice of receipt of the ballot title and notice of
electors' right to petition for review of the ballot title as provided in the laws of the State of
Oregon and the charter and ordinances of the City of Ashland.
SECTION 4. The City Attorney is authorized to modify the text of the ballot title and
explanatory statement shown in Exhibit A to comply with any rules, procedures or practices of
the Elections Officer of Jackson County to implement the requirements of Oregon law.
This resolution is effective upon signing by the Mayor.
PASSED and ADOPTED this day of
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
SIGNED and APPROVED this day of , 2016.
John Stromberg, Mayor
Reviewed as to form:
David Lohman, City Attorney
Resolution No. 2015- Page 2 of 3
EXHIBIT "A"
City of Ashland Ballot Measure
November 8, 2016 General Election:
Advisory Question on
Implementation of Oregon Health Care Study
Caption:
Question on design of comprehensive health care system.
Total 8 words (10 words permitted per ORS 250.035)
Question:
Shall Ashland voters instruct the 2017 Oregon Legislature to design a comprehensive health care
system for Oregon?
Total 17 words (20 words permitted per ORS 250.035 20)
Summary:
The Ashland City Council has placed this advisory question on the ballot to determine whether a
majority of Ashland voters wish to encourage the 2017 Oregon Legislature to create a
transparent public process that will build upon the recommendations of the study authorized in
2013 and 2015 sessions in order to design a system that provides timely access to comprehensive
health care for all Oregon residents. This healthcare system would ensure choice of provider;
have effective cost controls, equitable access, and a focus on preventive care; meet the criteria
described in chapter 712, Oregon laws 2013; and be affordable for families, businesses, and
society.
The outcome of the election on this advisory question will not be binding; it will, instead, serve
to inform the Oregon Legislature of the views of a majority of Ashland voters on the
implementation of the financing study authorized in the 2013 Legislative Session.
Total 148 words (175 words permitted per ORS 250.035)
Explanatory Statement:
The Oregon Legislature in 2013 directed the Oregon Health Authority to conduct a study and
then recommend the best option for financing health care in the state. The study was funded by
HB2828 in the 2015 session and is to be completed in time for the 2017 session.
A "yes" vote on the advisory question would encourage the 2017 Legislature to utilize the results
of the study authorized in 2013 and 2015 to design a system that provides timely access to
comprehensive health care for all Oregon residents, ensures choice of provider, and has effective
cost controls, equitable access, and a focus on preventative care.
A "no" vote would instruct the 2017 legislature not to design a system that provides timely
access to comprehensive health care for all Oregon residents, thereby retaining the current mixed
employer/Affordable Care Act system which provides for health care coverage through health
insurance policies paid for by employers, individuals and the government.
Total 157 words (500 words permitted per ORS 246.150, 251.305 & 251
Resolution No. 2015- Page 3 of 3
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
May 17, 2016, Business Meeting
Public Hearing to Consider Redistribution and Increasing Water rates and
Increasing Wastewater, Transportation, and Storm Drain Utility Rates
FROM:
Michael R. Faught, Public Works Director, Public Works Department, faughtm@ashland.or.us
SUMMARY:
This is a public hearing to consider rate increases for water, sewer, street and storm drain fees. Per the
Cost of Service Study there is a re-distribution of costs in the water rate structure which includes a net
overall 8% increase (5% residential). In addition, the proposed increases include an 8% wastewater
rate increase across-the-board, a 2.7% transportation utility fee increase, and a 2.7% storm drain fee
increase. If adopted these increases would cost a typical residence an additional $5.83 per month:
$2.63 for water, $2.85 for wastewater, $.23 for transportation and $.12 for storm drain. The system
fees collected would be used to support maintenance, operations and capital expenditures in order to
maintain regulatory compliance. If approved, the new rates will become effective July 1, 2016.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Redistribution of costs among customer classes and rate increases to the water fund are recommended
based on the recently adopted Water Cost of Service Study. A summary of changes to the water fund
are as follows:
• Two separate base fees that will be reflected on the bill as one charge;
• One-inch meter services will be set to equal 3/4 inch services for those households required to
upsize for fire suppression sprinkler systems;
Commercial customers are separated into commercial, institutional, and potable water irrigation
customers;
• All potable irrigation customers, both commercial and residential, billed the flat base fee year
round;
• Larger meter sizes will pay relatively more than under the current rate structure as meter ratios
are changed to reflect American Water Works Association standards;
)4- Residential rates will increase by 5%; and
Talent Irrigation District (TID) non-potable customer rates will be reduced from $.0055 to
$.0022 per cubic foot on the metered accounts, and non-metered accounts will be increased
from $170.01 to $183.11 per acre per year.
Page 1 of 5
ILAII
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Figure 2
Typical Monthly Bill for Single Family Home
$68 Cost of Service Study Master Flan Projection
$65.52
$ 66
$63.60
$64 $63.28
$61.78
$61.4
$62 k
$59.87 $59.79
s
$60 c
$58.17 k
$58.11. - ,
f
14
$58 $56.4 `
$ 56.07
$ 56
4
$54..3 € ' (
V E 3 f b
$54
$51.96
$51.72
$52 €
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
This recommended rate increase is for the second year of the biennium budget. If approved, the new
rates will become effective July 1, 2016.
Adopting the proposed water rate increase ensures adequate revenue streams to fund the capital
projects and day-to-day operations as outlined in the adopted Water Rate Cost of Service Study. Some
examples of water capital projects include; a new 2.5 million gallon per day treatment plant; new water
storage tank; piping of the Talent Irrigation District (TID) ditch; increased pumping capacity of the
regional emergency Talent/Ashland/Phoenix (TAP) line; and replacement of aging pipes, etc.
Comparisons of the current and proposed rates for a residential .75 inch meter using 1,000 cubic feet
are as follows:
Page 2 of 5
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
Table 29
Calculated Typical Home Bill for 1,000 Cubic Feet
Fiscal Year Ending
Residential Charges 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
current 1 2 3 4 5 6
Flat Charges
Customer Charge $11.74 $12.19 $12.54 $12.89 $13.25 $13.64
Service Charge $23.50 $13.75 $14.27 $14.68 $15.10 $15.52 $15.98
Total Flat Charges $23.50 $25.48 $26.46 $27.21 $27.99 $28.78 $29.61
Use Charges
Tier 1 per cu. ft. $0.0243 $0.0246 $0.0256 $0.0263 $0.0271 $0.0278 $0.0287
Tier 2 per cu. ft. $0.0299 $0.0307 $0.0319 $0.0329 $0.0338 $0.0348 $0.0358
Tier 1 Charges (300 cu ft) $7.29 $7.37 $7.67 $7.89 $8.12 $8.35 $8.60
Tier 2 Charges (700 cu ft) $20.93 $21.50 $22.36 $23.01 $23.68 $24.35 $25.07
Total Use Charges $28.22 $28.87 $30.02 $30.89 $31.80 $32.70 $33.67
Bill for 3/4" using 1,000 cu. ft. $51.72 $54.35 $56.48 $58.11 $59.79 $61.48 $63.28
Percentage Increase 5% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3%
Source: HEC.
Wastewater Fu ..P.x ate Increase
The propo,6d 8% wastew e increase is less than projected in the adopted Wastewater Master
Plan. This c-range is a result of increased Food and Beverage Tax revenues and I% loan fees for a
large portion of planned capital projects. The plan outlines $10.8 million in high priority capital
projects to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and meet Ashland's current and future
wastewater system demands.
Wastewater Fund
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
Recommended Rates in Master Plan 10% 10% 5% 5%
Actual Proposed Rates 8% 5% 4% 3%
If approved, the proposed 8% wastewater rate increase will be effective July 1, 2016.
Adopting the proposed wastewater rate increase ensures adequate revenue streams to fund the capital
projects and day-to-day operations as outlined in the plan. Some examples of the wastewater capital
projects include; effluent outfall relocation and Bear Creek shading; a new oxidation ditch at the
treatment plant; new sewer capacity pipes that parallel Bear Creek; and pipe replacement projects.
A comparison of the current residential rates and the proposed rates are as follows:
Page 3 of 5
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
Single Family Residential
July 2015 July 2016
Monthly Service Charge $27.41 $29.60
Quantity Charge per cf $0.04089 $0.04416
Transportation Utili Fee
Staff recommends the transportation utility fee be increased y 2.7% for cover th increasing costs of
future capital improvements. The proposed increase is inflationary, however a financial consultant is
in the process of determining long-term funding needs for the program. It is important to note that staff
has identified $13 million in backlogged street maintenance projects on Collector and Neighborhood
Collector streets. If approved, this proposed street utility fee increase would be effective July 1, 2016.
Revenues for the street maintenance fund include; state gas taxes; transportation utility fees; state and
federal grants; system development charges (SDCs); and franchise fees. The state gas tax and
transportation utility fees are primarily used to fund the day-to-day operations, debt service and a
portion of the capital projects (sidewalk replacement, slurry seals, non-grant funded overlays, etc.).
The State gas tax is not indexed, so inflation causes the purchasing power of this revenue source to
decline over time. Since rates have not been increased with the rate of inflation, the overall revenue has
not kept pace with operational needs.
The comparison of the current to the proposed transportation utility rates with a 2.7% increase is as
follows:
Transportation Fee
July 2015 July 2016 Unit
Single Family $8.60 $8.83 Per month
Storm Drain Fee
Staff is recommending"a 2.7%iflat~ionary rate increase in the storm drain fund effective July 1, 2016.
Funding for this prog~omes from the storm drain fee and SDCs. In this case, the storm drain fee
does not cover the costs necessary to meet funding requirements. This means the Street Fund is
subsidizing the storm water program. To that end, the new storm water master plan will include a
financial component recommending a rate structure that pays for the program.
The following provides a cost comparison between the existing storm drain fee and the proposed 2.7%
rate increase.
Storm Drain Fee
July 2015 July 2016 Unit
Single Family $4.52 $4.64 Per month
Page 4 of 5
1.
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The proposed rate increases are built into the proposed FY2016/17 budget. The proposed water re-
distribution and subsequent rate increase is based on the adopted Water Cost of Service Study, the
wastewater increase is based on the finance department's evaluation of the fund needs resulting from
increased food and beverage revenues, and both the transportation and the storm water fees reflect
inflation costs.
Fund % Change Monthly Increase
Water 5% $2.63
Wastewater 8% $2.85
Transportation Utility Fee 2.7% $0.23
Storm Drain Fee 2.7% $0.12
Total $5.83
STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION:
Staff recommends Council approve the attached resolutions reallocating and raising water rates as
recommended in the adopted Water Cost of Service Study, an 8% wastewater rate increase and a 2.7%
increase in both the street utility fee and the storm water fee effective July 1, 2016.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move approval of resolutions titled,
"A resolution adopting a transportation utility fee schedule pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code
Section 4.26 and repealing Resolution 2015-12"
and
"A resolution adopting a storm drain utility fee schedule pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code Section
4.27.050 and repealing Resolution 2015-11"
and
"A resolution revising rates for water service pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code Section 14.04.030
and repealing Resolution 2015-09"
and
"A resolution revising rates for wastewater (sewer) service pursuant to Ashland Municipal Code
Section 14.08.035 and repealing Resolution 2015-10."
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution regarding Transportation Utility Fee
Resolution regarding Storm Drain Fee
Resolution regarding Water Rates
Resolution regarding Wastewater Rates
Additional Links:
1. Adopted Water Cost of Service Study may be viewed online Master Plan documents may be
viewed online at: http://www.ashland.or.us/SIB/files/2012°/`20CWMP-Carollo(l).pdf
2. The adopted Wastewater Master Plan may be viewed online at:
http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=14696
Page 5 of 5
IrLVI
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A TRANSPORTATION UTILITY FEE
SCHEDULE PURSUANT TO ASHLAND MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
4.26 AND REPEALING RESOLUTION 2015-12
THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION L The "Transportation Utility Rate Schedule," marked "Exhibit A" and attached to
this Resolution, is adopted as the transportation utility fee incorporating a 2.7% rate increase
effective July 1, 2016.
SECTION 2. One copy of this Resolution and "Exhibit A" shall be maintained in the office of
the City Recorder and shall be available for public inspection during regular business hours.
SECTION 3. The fees adopted pursuant to this Resolution shall be effective July 1, 2016.
SECTION 4. Resolution 2015-12 is repealed on the effective date of this Resolution.
SECTION 5. The fees imposed by this Resolution are classified as not subject to the limits of
Section I 1 b of Article XI of the Oregon Constitution (Ballot Measure No. 5).
This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal Code §2.04.090
duly PASSED and ADOPTED this day of , 2016.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
SIGNED and APPROVED this day of , 2016.
John Stromberg, Mayor
Reviewed as to form:
David Lohman, City Attorney
Page 1 of 1
Exhibit A
City of Ashland
TRANSPORTATION UTILITY FEES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS
RESOLUTION 2016
Effective Date, July 1, 2016
2.8% rate increase 2.7% rate increase
Transportation Fee effective 7/1/2015 effective 7/112016 Unit
A. Single Family $ 8.60 $ 8.83 Per month
B. Multiple Family 6.56 6.73 Per month per unit
C. Retail Store 1.16 1.19 Per month per 100 sq ft.
D. Wholesale Use 0.66 0.67 Per month per 100 sq ft.
E. Office Use 0.77 0.79 Per month per 100 sq ft.
F. Medical/Dental Use 1.03 1.05 Per month per 100 sq ft.
G. Service Use 1.03 1.05 Per month per 100 sq ft.
H. Restaurant/Bar Use 3.07 3.15 Per month per 100 sq ft.
1. Manufacturing Use 0.66 0.67 Per month per 100 sq ft.
J. Warehousing Use 0.38 0.39 Per month per 100 sq ft.
K. Hotel/Motel Use 3.07 3.15 Per month per guest room
L. Institutional and all other accounts not 3.07 3.15 Per month per required parking spaces
classified above. Including nursing as specified in Chapter 18.92.
homes and retirement homes
M. Churches and places of Worship Exempt Exempt
NOTE: Users with in the Downtown Overlay District shall be charged on the same basis as elsewhere within the
city. The minimum fee per month for any commercial account is:
$ 8.60 $ 8.83
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A STORM DRAIN UTILITY FEE
SCHEDULE PURSUANT TO ASHLAND MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
4.27.050 AND REPEALING RESOLUTION 2015-11.
THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The "Storm Drain Utility Fee Schedule.," marked "Exhibit A" and attached to this
Resolution, is adopted as the Storm Drain Utility fee incorporating a 2.7% rate increase effective
July 1, 2016.
SECTION 2. One copy of this Resolution and "Exhibit A" shall be maintained in the office of
the City Recorder and shall be available for public inspection during regular business hours.
SECTION 3. The Fees adopted pursuant to this Resolution shall be effective July 1, 2016.
SECTION 4. Resolution 2015-11 is repealed on the effective date of this Resolution.
SECTION 5. The fees imposed by this Resolution are classified as not subject to the limits of
Section I lb of Article XI of the Oregon Constitution (Ballot Measure No. 5).
This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal Code §2.04.090
duly PASSED and ADOPTED this day of , 2016.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
SIGNED and APPROVED this day of , 2016.
;fohn Stromberg, Mayor
Reviewed as to form:
David Lohman, City Attorney
Page 1 of 1
Exhibit A
City of Ashland
STORM DRAINAGE UTILITY FEES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS
RESOLUTION 2016-
Effective Date, July 1, 2016
2.8% rate increase 2.7% rate increase
Storm Drainage Fee effective 7101115 effective 7101116 Unit
A. Single Family $ 4.52 $ 4.64 Per month
B. Condominium, 1-9 Units 1.94 1.99 Per month per unit
C. Multi-Family, 1-9 Units 1.94 1.99 Per month per unit
D. Mobile Home & Trailer, 1-9 Units 1.94 1.99 Per month per unit
E. All other uses not classified above 1.50 1.54 Per 1,000 square feet impervious area
F. Minimum charge per account 4.52 4.64 Per month
NOTE: Users with in the Downtown Overlay District shall be charged on the same basis as elsewhere within the
city. The minimum fee per month for any commercial account is:
$ 4.52 $ 4.64
RESOLUTION NO. 12016-
A RESOLUTION REVISING RATES FOR WATER SERVICE PURSUANT
TO ASHLAND MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 14.04.030 AND
REPEALING RESOLUTION 2015-09.
THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The water rate charges and rates as shown on the water rate schedule attached as
Exhibit "A" shall be effective for actual or estimated consumption on or after July 1, 2016.
Prorated calculations are permitted for any bills prepared for a partial month or billing period
that overlaps the effective date of this Resolution.
Miscellaneous Charges and Connection Fees established by previous resolutions remain in effect
until revised by separate Council Action.
SECTION 2. Copies of this resolution shall be maintained in the Office of the City Recorder.
SECTION 3. Classification of the fee. The fees specified in Section 1 and Section 2 of this
resolution are classified as not subject to the limits of Section 1 lb of Article XI of the Oregon
Constitution (Ballot Measure 5).
SECTION 4. Resolution 2015-09 is repealed.
This resolution was duly PASSED and ADOPTED this day of , 2016, and the
effective date is July 1, 201;(upon signing by the Mayor.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
SIGNED and APPROVED this day of , 2016.
John Stromberg, Mayor
Reviewed as to form:
David Lohman, City Attorney
Page 1 of l
City of Ashland, Oregon
Water Service
All water service provided by the City of Ashland shall be in accordance with Chapter 14.04 of the Ashland
Municipal Code.
Billing:
The minimum monthly charge shall be the sum of the Customer Charge; Meter Charge; plus Quantity
Charge, if applicable; and Miscellaneous Charges, if applicable. Billing shall occur monthly with charges
due and payable upon receipt.
Customer Charge:
A single customer charge is applied to each water account regardless of the number of metered water
services.
Customer Charge, per account July 2015 July 2016
Per month $11.74
Meter Charge:
The meter charge applies to all metered water services and does not include any water consumption.
Meter Charge, per meter July 2015 July 2016
0.75" and Fire Guard meters $23.50 $13.75
1" meter $46.99 $14.34
1.5" meter $66.99 $65.61
2" meter $88.24 $104.27
3" meter $184.50 $209.08
4" meter $282.07 $331.60
6" meter $528.92 $652.47
8" meter $881.49 $1,034.38
Quantity Charge:
All customers will be charged the following rates per cubic foot of water used.
Residential, per dwelling unit July 2015 July 2016
October - May
0-300 cf per cycle $0.0243 $0.0246
301 to 1,000 cf per cycle $0.0299 $0.0307
1,001 to 2,500 cf per cycle $0.0400 $0.0415
Over 2,500 cf per cycle $0.0517 $0.0537
Residential, per dwelling unit
June - September
0-300 cf per cycle $0.0243 $0.0246
301 to 1,000 cf per cycle $0.0299 $0.0307
1,001 to 2,500 cf per cycle $0.0400 $0.0415
2,501 to 3,600 cf per cycle $0.0517 $0.0537
Over 3,600 cf per cycle $0.0673 $0.0691
City of Ashland, Oregon
Water Service
- - -
Residential irrigation July 2015 July 2016
October - May
0 to 1,000 cf per cycle $0.0307
1,001 to 2,500 cf per cycle $0.0415
Over 2,500 cf per cycle $0.0537
Residential irrigation
June - September
0 to 1,000 cf per cycle $0.0307
1,001 to 2,500 cf per cycle $0.0415
2,501 to 3,600 cf per cycle $0.0537
Over 3,600 cf per cycle $0.0691
Commercial, less than 2" meter July 2015 July 2016
0-2,500 cf per cycle $0.0307
> 2,500 cf per cycle $0.0415
Commercial, 2" or larger meter
0-15,000 cf per cycle $0.0307
> 15,000 cf per cycle $0.0415
Institutional (governmental and municipal) July 2015 July 2016
Per cubic foot $0.0294
Commercial and institutional Irrigation July 2015 July 2016
October to May $0.0331
June to September $0.0449
Miscellaneous Charges:
TID Irrigation:
TID, unmetered service July 2015 July 2016
Per season, per acre or portion of acre $170.01 $183.11
TID, metered service
Meter Replacement Charge*, by meter size
0.75" meter $1.18
1" meter $1.77
1.5" meter $2.79
2" meter $3.76
3" meter $8.06
4" meter $17.51
6" meter $24.28
8" meter $29.27
Quantity Charge $0.0055 $0.0022
*Meter replacement charge is assessed each month, regardless of consumption.
City of Ashland, Oregon
Water Service
-
Fire Protection Service:
Fire Protection Service July 2015 July 2016
Customer Charge, if applicable $11.74
Meter Replacement Charge $1.18
Meter Charge $23.50 $13.75
Quantity Charge $0.0338
Unmetered Fire Protection Service $23.50 $13.75
Bulk Water:
For water provided on a temporary basis through a bulk meter on a fire hydrant, the following charges
apply:
Bulk Water July 2015 July 2016
Deposit* _$1,859.28 $1,859.28
Basic Fee $234.77 $234.77
Quantity Charge $0.0338
*Deposit is refundable less basic fee, quantity charge, and any damage to the city meter, valve, wrench,
and/or hydrant.
Outside City Limits:
All rates and charges for water service provided outside the city limits will be 1.5 times the rates for
water service provided within the city limits.
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-
A RESOLUTION REVISING RATES FOR WASTEWATER (SEWER)
SERVICE PURSUANT TO ASHLAND MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
14.08.035 AND REPEALING RESOLUTION 2015-10.
THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The wastewater (sewer) rate charges and rates as shown on the wastewater (sewer)
rate schedule attached as Exhibit "A" shall be effective for actual or estimated consumption on
or after July 1, 2016.
Prorated calculations are permitted for any bills prepared for a partial month or billing period
that overlaps the effective date of this Resolution.
Miscellaneous Charges and Connection Fees established by previous resolutions remain in effect
until revised by separate Council Action.
SECTION 2. Copies of this resolution shall be maintained in the Office of the City Recorder.
SECTION 3. Classification of the fee. The fees specified in Section I and Section 2 of this
resolution are classified as not subject to the limits of Section 1 Ib of Article XI of the Oregon
Constitution (Ballot Measure 5).
SECTION 4. Resolution 2015-10 is repealed.
This resolution was duly PASSED and ADOPTED this day of , 2016, and the
effective date is July 1, 2016 upon signing by the Mayor.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
SIGNED and APPROVED this day of , 2016.
John Stromberg, Mayor
Reviewed as to form:
David Lohman, City Attorney
Page 1 of I
City of Ashland, Oregon
Sewer Service
- - -
All sewer service provided by the City of Ashland shall be in accordance with Chapter 14.08 of the Ashland
Municipal Code.
Sewer quantity charges shall be adjusted annually in April based on the winter water consumption for the
months of January, February, and March for all customers whose quantity charge is not determined by
actual consumption.
No exception from these rates will be allowed for unoccupied units.
Billing:
The minimum monthly charge shall be the sum of the Monthly Service Charge and Quantity Charge. Billing
shall occur monthly with charges due and payable upon receipt.
Service Charge:
Residential July 2015 July 2016
Monthly Service Charge, per unit $27.41 $29.60
Quantity Charge, per cf $0.04089 $0.04416
Quantity charge is based on winter water average in excess of 400 cubic feet, per unit
Quantity Charge for single family residential water accounts with no consumption during the months of January,
February and March will be based on 700 cubic feet.
Multi-family residential accounts are all accounts in which more than one residential dwelling is attached to the
same water service and shall be assessed a Monthly Service Charge for each unit. Quantity Charge for multi-family
residential water accounts with no consumption during the months of January, February and March will be based
on 500 cubic feet per unit.
Commercial, Industrial, and Governmental July 2015 July 2016
Monthly Service Charge $28.61 $30.89
Quantity Charge, per cf $0.04540 $0.04903
Quantity charge is based on actual monthly consumption
Mixed residential and commercial accounts will be billed as commercial.
For commercial, industrial or governmental users where monthly water consumption is not measured
through City water meters, the sewer rate will be established as follows: The annual water consumption
will be estimated utilizing water consumption records of similar users or water consumption record of
past use, if available. Quantity Charge is based on the twelve month average estimated water
consumption. This rate shall be effective beginning in the month after the rate is determined until the
rate schedule is amended by resolution of the City Council. Water consumption determined in this manner
shall be lowered if the user can demonstrate through the use of a meter approved by the City that the
actual consumption of the user is less than the estimate.
City of Ashland, Oregon
Sewer Service
Special cases:
Greenhouses, Churches, and Schools (K-12) July 2015 July 2016
operating on a nine month school year
Monthly Service Charge $28.61 $30.89
Quantity Charge, per cf $0.04540 $0.04903
Quantity charge is based on winter water average in excess of 400 cubic feet
Bed and Breakfasts and Ashland Parks July 2015 July 2016
Bathrooms
Monthly Service Charge $28.61 $30.89
Quantity Charge, per cf $0.04540 $0.04903
Quantity charge is based on the sum of the winter water consumption
Exemptions to commercial and industrial sewer rates:
A. If a commercial, industrial, or governmental user, can demonstrate that the volume of sewage
discharged by the user is less than 50% of the water consumed, the City Administrator may adjust
the quantity charge accordingly.
B. Water sold through an irrigation meter is exempt from sewer charge.
Sewer rates outside the city limits:
A. The sewer user charge shall apply to those sewer users permitted under Section 14.08.030 of the
Ashland Municipal Code.
B. The sewer rates for users outside the city limits shall be two times the sewer charges for inside
the city limits.
C. Quantity charge for metered residential accounts is based on the average winter water
consumption in excess of 400 cubic feet, per unit, per month and shall be adjusted annually in
April.
D. Quantity charge for unmetered residential accounts will be calculated on an average winter water
usage of 700 cubic feet for single family residences, and 500 cubic feet, per unit, for multi-family
residences.
E. Quantity charge for commercial, industrial, and governmental accounts will be based on actual
monthly water consumption.
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
May 17, 2016, Business Meeting
Request from the Public Art Commission for approval of mural concepts on Calle
Guanajuato
FROM:
Ann Seltzer, management analyst, seltzera@ashland.or.iis
SUMMARY
The Public Art Commission requests the City Council approve both concepts for a mural to be painted
adjacent to Calle Guanajuato. In addition, staff requests the City Council waive the planning
application fee for the site design review. Sandy Friend, vice chair of the Public Art Commission will
present this report.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
In December, 2015, Kathryn and Barry Thalden presented a completed mural application to the Public
Art Commission (PAC). They proposed to hire an artist from Guanajuato to paint a mural on the wall
of the Sesame Kitchen restaurant facing Calle Guanajuato. Property owner Bruce Roberts has
expressed his support for the project. In addition, the Thaldens will engage Denise Baxter, the artist
who painted the mural at the Ashland Food Bank, to oversee the technical components of the project,
including ensuring the artist adheres to the approved design and color pallete, proper wall preparation
and managing the SOU students who will assist the artist. The PAC expressed preliminary support for
the project pending a final review of artist's concept and artist qualifications.
At the April 16 PAC meeting, Mr. and Mrs. Thalden presented the proposed mural concept by
Guanajuato artist Laura Rangel Villasenor, known professionally as Loreta (see attached). Denise
Baxter presented the color palette for the concept and explained her involvement in the project. The
PAC approved the proposed concept at that meeting and voted to forward its recommendation to the
City Council for final approval. In addition, the PAC contacted the Parks and Recreation Commission
about its decision and concerns related to the visibility of the finished mural (see attached). The PAC
also sent an email to the Historic Commission with the proposed mural (see attached).
Why two concepts?
The PAC approved the original mural concept at its meeting on April 16. The artist subsequently
submitted a revised concept. The PAC will vote to approve or reject the revised concept at its meeting
on May 20, thus the PAC is asking the Council to approve both concepts at this time and to defer the
final selection to the PAC. The artist has explained that she prefers to paint the second concept
because it brings the cathedral, the most prominent feature in Guanajuato, to the forefront.
The following additional steps have been taken for this project:
Parks and Recreation
Page 1 of 3
OW
CITY OF
ASHLAND
The mural was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on April 25 (see attached). The
Lithia Artisan Guild annually rents space on the Calle for the weekend Lithia Artisan Market. The
Thaldens along with the Parks and Recreation staff met with the manager of the Lithia Artisan Guild to
address scheduling during the period the artist is painting so as not to interfere with the Artisan Market
or other Calle operations.
Historic Commission and Community Development Department
The Public Art Commission sent an email to the Historic Commission about the project (see attached).
Because the wall is on a contributing property in the Downtown Historic District, the proposed change
to the exterior wall triggered a Type 1 (administrative decision) site design review (AMC 18.5.2.020
A4). The Thaldens have been working with the Planning Division on this project to complete the
planning application review process which includes a fee. The planning action fee of $1,012 is in
place so that applicants pay for the staff time necessary to shepherd their project though the process.
This is not a private development project, it is a significant donation to the City for the benefit of the
public. For this reason, staff requests the Council waive the $1,012 planning application fee which at
this point has not been paid pending Council direction.
The project was noticed on April 22, the Historic Commission reviewed and approved the project on
May 4 based on the criteria outlined in a staff report from Community Development Director Bill
Molnar (see attached). Mr. Molnar has approved the mural and mailed the `Notice of Decision' (see
attached) which takes effect on May 17.
The revised concept is not a departure from the original concept and the alteration to the historical
resource is nearly identical to the original concept, therefore staff does not feel it is necessary to re-
notice the project.
Clarification
The Council is not being asked to approve a land use decision but is being asked to approve the mural
concepts and allow the Public Art Commission to make a final decision at its meeting on May 20.
Either path, approval or denial of the mural concepts and the Public Art Commission's May 20"'
decision, must occur in order to move forward (or not) with the mural's installation. Additionally, the
Council's direction regarding the waiver of the planning action fee is necessary in order to complete
the land use process.
Timeline
The intent is to complete the mural by the July 4 weekend so a ribbon cutting ceremony can occur
while the Guanajuato Sister City officials are in town for the July 4 festivities. To meet this timeline
the artist will need to begin her work prior to the first Council meeting in June.
Because of this accelerated timeline and the time requirements in the land use process, and the recent
concept revision which has not yet been reviewed and approved by the PAC the Council is being asked
to approve both mural concepts tonight.
If the approved mural concept is painted following PAC guidelines (adherence to the design concept,
wall preparation, color palette, UV protection, etc.) the mural becomes part of the City's public art
Page 2 of 3
CITY OF
ASHLAND
collection and the City and the property owner will enter into a mutually acceptable agreement for city
ownership of the mural wall for as long as the mural is in place. Either party can opt out of the
agreement after a period of five years.
AMC 2.29 addresses the process for the acquisition and placement of public art. Art that is donated to
and accepted by the City becomes part of the City's public art collection and the City is responsible for
the maintenance of the art. The PAC reviewed the original proposal and believes it will enhance the
visual landscape of the selected site, will be relatively maintenance free, and meets the guidelines for
recommendation as stated in AMC 2.29.130.
COUNCIL GOALS SUPPORTED:
N/A
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve both mural concepts and defer the final selection to the
Public Art Commission. Staff also recommends that the City Council waive the fee associated with the
site design review process.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
1. I move approval of both mural concepts and defer the final selection to the Public Art
Commission.
2. 1 move to waive the fee associated with the site design review process for the Calle Guanajuato
mural.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Original and revised mural concepts
2) Artist proposal and background
3) Parks and Recreation Commission approval and email from PAC
4) PAC email to HC
5) Molnar memo to the Historic Commission
6) Notice of Decision
Page 3 -of
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Loreta
Laura Rangel Villasenor
Guanajuato, Gto. Mexico
phone: +52 473 73 34844
+52 1 473 100 6181
e-mail: lorelart@hotmail.com
www.loreta.com.mx
- -
PROPOSAL PROJECT
CALLS GUANAJUATO MURAL
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ASHLAND OREGON
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BRIEF
Guanajuato is a unique city, among many things due to its
magnificent mountains and its colorful houses laying
under a beautiful sky of different blue shades. Through
my personal style, which simplifies forms and gives special
attention to the color, I focus on showing the joy and
vibrant essence of not the superficial but rather the inner
character of my city.
PROPOSAL CONCEPT
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Specifications:
- This proposal design was made using soft pastels, the mural will be painted with acrylic and exteriors
paints, sample pictures of the final appearance are listed below.
- Design and colors subject to changes due to interaction with the Wall
- Details will be added to buildings and other elements according to the style.
LORETA
Laura Rangel Villasenor
Cerrada Mineral de Valenciana # 12 Altos.
Col. Marfil.
36020 Guanajuato, Guanajuato.
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Commentary from Loreta
I have the pleasure of serving the art of painting with my whole being. In my paintings,
inherited memories abound, passing beyond what I have lived and what I have touched. My
work leads the viewer to discoveries within scenes, people, and landscapes. Things are
simple where they are, there... beyond the human order.
Each painting is an invitation to look beyond to look deeply into the lands that only art succeeds in
touching. There is where my themes coexist stars tied to strings are resting on a chair, trees, pieces
of sky, or chairs themselves (or watermelons)... These are the themes that make up the central part
of my work and my magical Guanajuato, dear little pieces of the marvelous place where I have lived
for more than 25 years.
The paths of creation are different for each artist. Day after day the spirit of painting keeps me
company. For me, art is the place where I find myself with my memories, my loves, my obsessions,
and my profound desire to change things so that the mystery of human life, that deepest part of our
being, opens and is shared.
From this moment, I will keep walking the road I've chosen.
Background
Loretta was born in the city of Silao, Mexico. She has lived in various cities in Mexico, but
her life brought her to the city of her ancestors, Guanajuato, Mexico, where she has lived for
25 years. 15 years ago she began to express herself by means of painting, and with much
dedication she started on a path of self-learning with much perseverance and dedication.
1999 she participated in an important competition at the Olga Costa Museum of Guanajuato.
In 2003 she attended a course of "painting techniques" taught by Master Luis Nishisawa. In 2007 she
was awarded a scholarship by Vermont Studio Center in the USA, and was in residence there to
advance her professional development. From 2009 to 2010, she painted the murals of the entire
Catalog Building in the City of Guanajuato.
Individual Exhibitions
• 2012 - "Around the Universe"
Location: State Congress of Guanajuato
• 2010 - Exhibition of works of Loreta.
Location: The Sun and the Moon. Austin TX, United States.
• 2008 - Exhibition of works of Loreta.
Location: Gallery Hearts. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
..20.0-7_._-.._Exhib.iti.on-of wor.ks__of_Loreta.._ .
Location: Museum Jose and Tomas Chavez Morado. Silao, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2004 - Exhibition of works of Loreta.
Location: Gallery Q. Monterrey, N.L. Mexico.
• 2002 - Exhibition of works of Loreta.
Location: Cultural Week in Mexican Alliance Franco. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2001 - "International Tourism Day".
Location: Mint. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
Group Exhibitions
• 2012 - Selected "IV Shows Women Artists of Guanajuato
Location: Congress Dieguino Museum, Guanajuato, GT4 Mexico
• 2012 - Selected "Collective Unconscious"
Location: Urban Transport of Leon, Gto. Mexico
• 2011 - "Pictures of Guanajuato"
Location: Naval Historical Museum, Puerto Vallarta, Jal. Mexico
• 2011 - "FIDM International Festival of the Day of the Dead"
Location: Mexico Plaza Hotel, Leon, Gto, Mexico
• 2011 - "FIDM International Festival of the Day of the Dead"
Location: Jesuit Former Convent, University of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, Mexico
• 2011 - "FIDM International Festival of the Day of the Dead"
Location: Palace of the Emir, Cairo, Egupt
• 2011 - "FIDM International Festival of the Day of the Dead"
Location: La Mairie ou 9 eme, Paris, France
• 2010 - "Day of the Dead ACADAC".
Location: Fox Centro Leon, Guanajuato.. Mexico.
• 2010 - "4 Mujeres 4 Vertientes".
Location: Dieguino Museum. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2009 - "Hands Painters".
Location: House of Culture. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2008 - "Parallel Realities".
Location: Gallery Duarte. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2008 - "International Women's Day."
Location: House of Culture. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2008 - "Second Shows Women Artists".
Location: Gallery Hearts. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2008 - "Hands Painters".
Location: House of Culture. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2007 - "First Exhibition Women Artists".
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Location: Gallery Hearts. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2006 - Exhibition of works of Loreta.
Location: General Archive. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2006 - ALDIM.
Location: Poliforum, Leon, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2005 - Art Fair. The American School Foundation,
;
Location: Mexico City, DF Mexico.
• 2004 - "Friends of Animals".
Location: Museum Gene Byron. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
2003_---Art-Fair.- Location: The American School Foundation,___
Location: Mexico City, DF. Mexico.
• 2003 - Exhibition of works of Loreta.
Location: Museum Gene Byron. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico.
• 2002 - Art Fair. The American School Foundation, Cd. De Mexico, DF Mexico.
• 2002 - "Rescuing Roots" VII FAI. Save the Children Mexico.
Location: Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez The Necromancer (Fine Arts).
San Miguel de Allende. Mexico.
• 2001 - "Rescuing Roots" VI FAI Save the Children Mexico.
Location: Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez The Necromancer (Fine Arts).
San Miguel de Allende. Mexico.
• 2001 - Art Fair. Location: The American School Foundation, {
Location: Mexico City, DF. Mexico.
• 2001 - "Artists Unite for Children".
Location: San Agustin Convent 1 House of Culture. Salamanca, Gto. Mexico.
• 2000 - Exposure to students of the School of Fine Arts.
Location: Faculty of Law of the University of Guanajuato. Guanajuato, Guanajuato. Mexico
SAMPLE PICTURES OF ACRYLIC PAINTINGS AND MURAL WORKS
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Sample of Murat works conducted in Casa Capitolio, Guanajuato.
Mural on Calle Guanajuato - Ashland, Oregon
Since 1969, the City of Ashland has celebrated a relationship with its sister city,
Cuattajuato, Mexico. Both cities have a lot in common, including being centers of
culture with well-recognized till iversitics.
Tourists flock to each cite, drawn by their beautiful natural settings, picturesque
downtowns, and historical, cultural and reca•caationaal :attractions.
Both Guanajuato and Ashland have a strong relationship with art. Guanaajuato is
home to many artists and museums. It is the birthplace ill 1886 of Diego Rivera, the
muralist that single-handedly changed the course of his country's art.
Iit honor of its sister city, Ashland has named an important walkway along Ashland
Creek "Caalle Cuaanaajuato," located behind the downtown plaza buildings. It is
enhanced by restaurant seating and an artist's market of) weekends.
This inuraal, "Streets of Guanajuato," will be located on the west side of tlae Sesame
Restaurant building at the south entrance to the tulle. It will honor our sister city
and provide an appropriate and spectacular gateway to the Calle. It depicts views of
various buildings and landntarhs, reflecting tine beaatty and history of the City of
Cruanajuato.
'File artist, Laura "Loreta" Rangel Villaasenor, an experienced natural painter front
the City of Guanajuato, will be in residence in Ashland while painting the neural. Tat
addition, selected -art students front Southern Oregon University will be involved,
assisting the artist in the project. This will brim recognition to our university and
tite talents of our students, while providing them with a truly unique international
experience in mural painting. For technical support, we have secured the help of
local Ashland artist and muralist, Denise Baxter, who coincidently speaks fluent
Spanish.
The project will be more than just a ntaaral. Its creation will generate a anonth-long
unique event while Loretaa is painting the work, and will be all on-going tourist
attraction.
The final ribbon canting will be an international occasion celebrating and enhancing
Ashland's relationship with Guanajuato. Hopefully this celebration could take
place during the July 01 weekend when officials front Guanajuato titre Planning to
be hare.
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m:
From: Rachel Dials
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 11:09 AM
To: Ann Seltzer
Subject: Recommendations-Mural Wall
Hi Ann-
Attached are the recommendations from the Parks Commission from last night's meeting.
Motion was:
I move to make a recommendation to the City Council for approval of the Calle Mural Project
under the following conditions:
1. Prohibit artisans from hanging their wares on the completed mural wall.
2. Relocate the Fire lane sign that currently hangs on the mural wall to the opposite side
of the Calle.
3. Work by the artist on the mural should be scheduled so as not to interfere with the
Artisans Market or any other Calle Operations
4. Any associate alterations, repairs or costs related to the mural project will not be the
responsibility of the Lithia Artisans Market or Ashland Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Email send to Parks Commission on April 14, 2016
April 18, 2016
Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners and Parks and Recreation Director Michael Black,
The Public Art Commission has voted to approve the proposed mural for Calle Guanajuato and
forward our recommendation to the City Council for their final approval at their meeting on May
17, 2016.
We understand there are several moving parts to this project and know that the first step is final
approval of the proposed mural design. Attached is a document from the artist that you may find
useful.
If approved by the City Council, the proposed mural will cover the entire side of the Sesame
Kitchen building. Currently, that wall is obscured by the sun shade, by artisans hanging their
products and paintings on that wall, by the swinging gate at the entrance to the Calle and a city
sign. The PAC wants to ensure that if approved and executed, the mural can be viewed in its
entirety.
Thus, the Public Art Commission respectfully asks you to consider four modifications to the
current set up of that area:
1
I ) Prohibit artisans from hanging their wares on that wall as has been done in the past. See
the attached photo. We understand that artisan booths will continue to be situated in front of the
wall but we ask that nothing is attached to the wall once painted.
2) Reconfigure the sun shade. We recognize that the area can get very hot and shade helps
keep the temperature more tolerable for both the artisans and shoppers. Is it possible to provide
shade for that location using a different technique rather than connecting the sun shade to a bolt
in the mural wall? Perhaps cantilevered from the railing opposite the wall? See the attached two
photos.
3) Currently the gate swings into the Calle against the mural wall and appears to be open most
of the time, thus obscuring the mural. Is it possible to have the gate mounted on the opposite
side ft•om the wall and swing towards the railing so that when open it rests along the decorative
fence opposite the wall?
4) Finally, we have asked staff to relocate the Fire Lane sign that currently hangs on the mural
wall to the opposite side of the Calle.
Many thanks for your considerations. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Margaret Garrington, chair Public Art Commission
Ann Seltzer, Management Analyst
City of Ashland
20 East Main Street, Ashland OR 97520
(541) 552-2106 or (541) 488-6002, TTY 800-735-2900
FAX: (541) 488-5311
f~1O"IIC': This email transmission is official business of the City of Ashland, and is subiect to
the Oregon Public lZecords I_,aw for d1SClosul'e and rctcntion. iftiou have received this message
in error. please contact me at 541-552-2316. ]hank 1,/0u.
2
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Ann Seltzer
From: Ann Seltzer E
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 7:42 AM
To: bill@ashlandhome.net; tomarch@chartc~r.net; Kerry KenCarin; allad@ashlandhome.net; Dale
Shostrom; terryskibby321@msn.com; kswink@mind.net; skwhippet@mind.net I
Cc: Brandon Goldman; Mark Schexnayder; Barry Thalden
Subject: proposed mural on Calle Guanajuato l
Attachments: 04 15 16 artist proposal Calle.pdf
3
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a
Dear Historic Commissioners,
1
This email is to keep you in the loop on the proposed i-nural on Calle. Guanajuato.
The Public Art Commission has voted to approve the proposed mural for Calle Guanajuato and forward our
recommendation to the City Council for their final approval at their meeting on May 17, 2016.
\ A/c understand there are several moving parts to this project and know that the first step is final approval of the proposed
mural design. Attached is a document from the artist that you may find useful.
If approved by the City Council, the proposed mural will cover the wall of the Sesame Kitchen facing the Calle.
Brandon Goldman, senior planner in the Community Development Department is guiding this project through the site
design and use process which I understand will come to you for your review at an upcoming Historic Commission
meeting.
As noted in a previous email from Ann Seltzer, the hope is that the artist can begin painting in early June in order to
complete the project by the July 4 weekend.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Margaret Garrington, chair Public Art Commission
Ann Seltzer, Management Analyst
City of Ashland
20 East Main Street, Ashland OR 97520
(541) 552-2106 or (54l) 488-6002, TTY 800-735-2900
FAX: (541) 488-5311
NOTICE: This email transnnission is official business of the City of Ashland, and is subject to the Oregon Public Records Law for
disclosure and retention. If you have received this message in error, please contact ine at 541-552-2316. Thank you.
1
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
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DATE: 5/2/2016
TO: Ashland Historic Commission
FROM: Bill Mohnar, Community Development Director
RE: Site Design Review for the placement of public art on a contributing historic structure.
Mural art is considered one of the oldest methods of artistic expression. Murals bring art to the public
space, and add visual and aesthetic value. When appropriately executed, murals can enhance the
character of an area.
Based upon legislative history, the purpose of site design review for the placement of public art upon a
contributing historic structure is to ensure that the physical. character of the historic district is preserved
through additional public oversight, while still supporting artistic and creative expression found in
public art. In this case, specific City site design standards should be referenced when evaluating
potential impacts to the contributing historic structure, Wictzel's (Parkview) Department Store, from
painting a mural upon the building's west-facing facade.
Several of Ashland's site development and design standards are cited below. These standards highlight
the architectural features that are prominent in the make-up and character of the downtown. In reviewing
the proposal, staff recornmends the Historic Commission focus on assessing the degree to which the
mural covers or detracts from significant or character-defining architectural features of the building.
Staff comments provided in italics below each standard are intended to assist the Historic Commission
in formulating advice and a recommendation on the proposal, while still recognizing the merit of
maintaining minimal intrusion into the artistic expression and content of the artwork.
Selected Ashland Site Development and Design Standards
1.8.4.2.060 CA. Openings
a: Ground level elevations facing a street shall maintain a consistent proportion of transparency (i.e.,
windows) compatible with the pattern found in the downtown area.
b. Scale and proportion of altered or added building elements, such as the size and relationship of new
windows, doors, entrances, column, and other building features shall be visually compatible with the
original architectural character of the building.
c. Upper floor windows orientation shall primarily be vertical (height greater than width).
d. Except for transom windows, windows shall not break the front plane of the building.
Department of Community Development Tel: 541-488-5305
51 Winburn Way Fax: 541-552-2050
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900
www.ashland.or.us
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e. Ground level entry doors shall be primarily transparent.
f. Windows and other features of interest to pedestrians such as decorative columns or decorative
corbelling shall be provided adjacent to the sidewalk. Blank walls adjacent to a public sidewalk are
prohibited.
.facing wall. The proposed mural ivill
Strcff Comment: Several original ivindoivs are located on the iwest-
not conceal the ii4ndows. Additionally, the pattern of openings provided by these upper story lvindolvs
does not appear to be obscured by the proposal, as the ivindoivs are retained in clear Weiv, occupying
space al the very top of the m(ral's skyline.
18.4.2.060 C. S. Horizontal Rhythms
a. Prominent horizontal lines at similar levels along the street's street front shall be maintained.
b. A clear visual division shall be maintained between ground level floor and upper floors,
c. Buildings shall provide a foundation or base, typically from ground to the bottom of the lower
window sills, with changes in volume or material, in order to give the building a sense of strength.
Staff Comment: The vest facing wall, is clearly subordinate to the building's M)o street, facing facades
and lacks distinct architecttn•al features and treatntenis that create "horizontal rhythms such as a
clear division bett-veen the ground level floor and upper levels above as well as a change in materials at
the building base. In staff's judgment, the location of a mural on the ivest building facade does not
appear to cover or detract fr°om character-defining architectural features that establish an existing
horizontal orientation.
18.4.2.060 C. 6. Vertical Rhythms
a. New construction or storefront remodels shall reflect a vertical orientation, either through actual
volumes or the use of surface details to divide large walls, so as to reflect the underlying historic
property lines.
Staff Comment: As stated above, the west facing wall is clearly subordinate to the building's hvo street
facing facades and lacks distinct architectural features and treatments that create "vertical rhythms"
through the use of szn face, details, such as columns, posts or pilasters, to divide large tivalls into distinct
vohnnes. Consequently, the location of a moral on the i-vest bztilding facade does not appear to cover or
detract firom character--defining architectural features that establish an existing vertical orientation.
18.42.060 C. 2. Setback
b. Ground level entries should be recessed from the public right-of-way and have detailing and
materials that create a sense of entry.
Staff Comment: The placement of murals on a primary building facade is often discouraged. A primary
building facade generally refers to a building wall i0th a main public entrjnvay. The proposed inural
hill be applied to the west wall which does not contain a building entrance. Primary building entrances
are located on both the east and south sides, neither ivhich will be effected by the proposal.
Department of Community Development Tel: 541-488-5305
51 Winburn Way Fax: 541-552-2050
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900
wivvv.ashIand.or.us
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18.42.050 C. 10. Other.
a. Non-street or alley facing elevations are less significant than street facing elevations. Rear and
sidewalls of buildings should therefore be fairly simple (e.g., wood, block, brick, stucco, cast stone,
masonry clad, with or without windows).
b. Visual integrity of the original building shall be maintailned when altering or adding building
elements. This shall include such. features as the vertical lines of columns, piers, the horizontal definition
of spandrels and cornices, and other primary structural and decorative elements.
Staff Comment: The inural is proposed to be painted on the r-vest building wall facing Calle
Guano 'ialo. In comparison to the south and east- acing building lwalls, the west building 1, all is
relatively unadorned, absent of building dooriways and the larger ground floor displat) ii,indor,t~s found
on the east and tivest walls, described cis key elements of the original department store. In staffs opinion,
the proposed location of the mural on the rued building i-mall is niore appropriate given the subordinate
status of'the 1-vest wall tiivhen coinpared to the more proinineni nature of the Wietzel building's North
Main and Winburn Wgj street frontages.
18.42.060 C. 8. Materials.
a. Exterior building materials shall consist of traditional building materials found in the downtown area
including block, brick, painted wood, smooth stucco, or natural stone.
Staff Comment: An established point of viei-v underscores the importance of avoiding the application of
painted murals over original exterior building inaterials, especially unpainted brick or stone. In this
case, the mural tivill not cover traditional brick or stone, but i-vill be applied to the ivest facing concrete
rtvall that has been painted several times througho tit the history of the building.
Attachment:
• ID# 20.0 - Wietzel's [Parkview] Dept Store - Primary Contributing, National Register of
Historic Places Continuation Sheet.
® Selected illustrations from Ashland's Downtown Design Standards
® Letter dated April 22, 2009, frorn Ashland Historic Commission Chair to Mayor and City
Council
Department of Community Development Tel: 541-488-5305
51 Winburn Way Fax: 541-552-2050
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900
www.ashland.or.ns
KIPS Form 10-900-A OMB Approval No. 1024-0010 (8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Parr Service
NationW Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section Number: 7 Page: 23 Ashland Downtown Historic District, Ashland, OR
As originally constructed, the Crocker Building was of exposed brick exterior with an
elaborately detailed cornice. Today, the exposed brick of the east elevation remains,
however the front elevation has been stuccoed, probably as a part. of the 1945-46
remodeling. The storefront, while also remodeled and rebuilt with aluminum sash, retains
general compatibility and does not seriously detract from the overall character of the
building. A specific element of note is the painted wall graphic of the east elevation,
"Ashland's Noted Second Hand," probably painted in the late 19t' or very early 20t'
century.
Occupied by Brother's Restaurant for more than 20 years, the Josephine Crocker Building
retains high integrity and effectively relates its development history during the period of
significance.
ID# 19.0
SABATINO'S RESTAURANT BLDG 1970c
75 MAIN ST N 391E09BB 6000
Modern Period: Late 20th C Historic Period Non-Compatible, Non-Historic, Non-Contributing
Historically this prominent corner site was occupied by a brick building similar to the
Josephine Crocker Building, located to the west.
The two-story brick building at the corner of Granite and N Main St is being
demolished by the owner, Lloyd Selby-the building known to many Ashlanders as
the "old Dennis McCarthy building" was built in the early 1900s by the first
Southern Pacific engineer to pull a train into Ashland. (Tidings, 17-Aug-1962, 1:5)
This present single story masonry building, designed in a vaguely Pueblo-inspired style with
stepped parapet detailing and projecting "vigas" or rafter tails, was apparently constructed
sometime in the late 1960s or early 1970s and housed a series of predominately Italian
restaurants, most notably "Sabatino's" along with "The Vintage Inn," a popular folk music
night club in Ashland during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In the 1990s the building was
divided into its present configuration of multiple office and restaurant spaces. Minimally
compatible with its zero setback, the overall design and use of materials of the Sabitino's
Restaurant Building is incompatible with the historic architecture of the downtown
1D# 20.0 Survey #272
WIETZEL'S [PARKVIEW] DEPT STORE 1947
115 MAIN ST N (5 North Main) 391E09BB 7600
Architect: Perrin, Howard R. Builder: Borg, C. E.
Early Modern: Art Moderne/Streamlined Primary Contributing
Built on the site of Emil Peil's blacksmith and implement shop and the 1906 addition that
was built in connection with the Bank of Ashland Extension,16 the Weitzel/Park View
16 See Sites 22.0 and 23.0.
{
DPS Form 10-900-A OMB Approval No. 1 024-001 8 (5-66)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic P_Nces
Continuation Sheet
Section Dumber: 7 Page: 24 Ashland Downtown Historic District, Ashland, OR
Department is a two-story concrete volume that opened in June 1947. Designed in the
streamlined Moderne style by noted Klamath Falls architect Howard R. Perrin and built by
Ashland contractor C.E. Borg, Weitzel's was considered Ashland's first "modern"
department store operation, 17 Perrin, born and educated in Rhode Island, graduated from
Brown University and relocated to Klamath Falls in 1922. In Jackson County he designed
the "Yardstick" model home and the Crater Lake Ford [Winetrout] Building in Medford, a
major addition to Lincoln School in Ashland, and worked on the designs of Camp White.
Responsible for a majority of the commercial buildings in downtown Klamath Falls, his
most notable projects in that county include the Willard Hotel, the Klamath County Jail
and city halls for Doris and Lakeview. (Who's Who, 1942:331)
Corner show windows are finished in rounded plate glass with tranquil green Carrara
glass trim, making display space unique and modernistic... Eleven of the most
modern apartments in Ashland have been constructed in the second floor of
Weitzel's Department store ...the entrance at 15 Winburn way is attractively
finished in glass brick with [a] wide green linoleum covered stairway trimmed in
chrome. Rounded corners add a modernistic touch to the hall ways. (Tidings, 26-
June-1947, 3:1-5)
By 1955 the operation was renamed the "Park View Department Store," and remained in
operation under that name through the late 1970. Converted to office and retail use, the
streamlined exterior was wrapped in the present Tudor-inspired surface detail and the
standing seam metal roof was added. Today two recessed storefronts face the Plaza and an
additional two storefronts are located on the south elevation while second floor remains in
apartment use. Although remodeled, the Weitzel Department Store Building retains
essential integrity to its 1947 design beneath these alterations and so adequately relates its
original development during the WWII portion of the period of significance.
ID# 21.0
CALLE GUANAJUATO, NORTH ENTRY
0 MAIN ST N 391E09BB 9500
No Style Vacant: Park/Recreation
Historically this tax lot was the site of a masonry building but now is a city-owned property
that provides access the alley between the row of buildings on the west side of the Plaza
and the channel of Ashland Creek. Named "Calle Guanajuato" after Ashland's sister city
in Mexico, this corridor serves as both a service access for these Plaza merchants and as
public park, with regularly scheduled festivals, crafts fairs and similar uses. Calle
Guanajuato terminates at the southern end of the Plaza, joining the bridge over the Creek
at the entrance to Lithia Park on Winburn Way, behind the Weitzel Department Store
Building. (Site 20.0)
17 See Tidings, 26-June-1947.
clear vertical well defined cornice or "cap"
and clear visual
prominent horizontal rhythms an diviolon at
d Mr ,Ion between otreet level and upper floors property (in windows do
r -
not break
primarily
vertical - the front
plane of the
windows
building
marquees are OK i
t
to cross pila5tero -
leaves mezzanine
windows exp sed ( r ' I G
~I
pedestrian - r i r ~
ohelterf,
maintain
horizontal
rhythmo
reccessed entries createILLU15TRATION 5
a "5emec of or inviting entry' RECOMMENDED
decorative parapet multiple
Slightly Surface
466imilar } details add
roof intereet
height
clear "visual" division
residential _ of ground level floor
or commercial d upper floor
uses above
firE5t floor
awnings
1EI
break at
' i ~ 1 r pilasters
t r ~
wirtdaw>
and doors
change are trancparent
of material (glass)
at bo!5
ILLUSTRATION 1
KECOMMENDED
vertically porportioned
windows at second and
third floors
maintained architectLjraL well
detail and mezzanine
defined
windows - cornice
or "cap"
maintained storefront transparency (glass) - -
added
pedestrian
' shelter
before after
RECOMMENDED ILLUSTRATION 6
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CITY OF
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ASHLAND
April 22, 2009
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Honorable Members of the City Council and Mayor
City of Ashland
20 East Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
The Historic Commission has reviewed in depth the proposed changes to the Sign Code and wishes to extend our support for
the inclusion of the amendment of the following section:
SECTION 18.72.030 Applicability.
g. Any exterior change to a structure which ,
and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or to a contributing
property within an Historic District on the National Register of Historic
Places that neyulres a building permit, or includes the installation of
Public Art.
The primary role of the Historic Commission is the protection of architectural and cultural resources in the city. Historic and
historic contributing structures within the four national register districts in the city deserve the highest level of citizen review
that we can provide to ensure that the stewardship of these resources is maintained.
While we share in the concerns of the Public Arts Commission that public art be separated from the Sign Code and afforded
special consideration-that consideration must be subject to reasonable and prudent citizen review. The Historic Commission
seeks solely to maintain our ability to protect the historic resources of the districts. We do not seek to be the arbitrator of what
is or is not public art.
We do however, take seriously the responsibility of carefully reviewing any alteration or modification of historic or historic-
contributing structures. This would include the proposed application or installation of public art projects directly to these
structures. Historic structures are recognized public resources, arguably a form of public art in themselves, directly enhancing
our community, its value, and its overall sense of place. Altering or otherwise changing the building by adjoining or
mounting an additional piece of art to these structures has tremendous implications. If the project is not carefully reviewed,
we risk the possibility of impacting the architectural features of the building as well as actually damaging the physical
structure of the building. This level of review is a recognized standard within national historic register districts, and it is our
responsibility to ensure that we maintain that standard.
The Historic Commission continues to be committed to working closely with the Public Arts Commission in partnership to
ensure that they can fulfill their responsibilities to the citizens of Ashland with regard to the selection and placement of public
art. We look forward to continuing in our ability to be strong advocates for these very public resources. Your adoption of this
amendment will be of great assistance towards that end.
Sincere y,
Dale Shostrom, Chairman
Ashland Historic Commission
DEPT. OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Tel: 541488-5305
20 E. Main Street Fax: 541-552.2050
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: M735.2900
www.ashland.ows
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CITY OF
ASHLAN"
May 5, 2016
Notice of Final Decision
On May 5, 2016, the Community Development Director approved the request for the following:
Planning Action: PA--201.6-00763
Subject Property: 5 North Main Sheet
Owner: Parkview Plaza LLC
Applicant: Batty and Kathleen Thalden
)Description: A request for Site Design Review approval for the installation of Public Art at 5
North Main Street. The application involves the painti ig of a mural upon the entirety of the south wall
facing Calle Guanajuato. COMPREELFN•STWi PLAN DESIGNATION: Commercial Downtown;
ZONING: C-1--D; ASSESSOR'S MAP: 39 IE 09 BB; TAX LOT: 50003.
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The Community Development Director's decision becomes final and is effective on the 12' day after the
Notice of Final Decision-is mailed. Approval is valid for a period of 18 months and all conditions of
approval identified on the attached Findings are required to be inet prior to project completions.
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The application, all associated documents and evidence submitted, and the applicable criteria are
available for review at the Ashland Community Development Department, located at 51 Winbuz-11 Way.
Copies of file documents can be requested and are charged based on the City of Ashland copy fee
schedule.
Prior to the final decision date, anyone who was mailed this Notice of Final Decision may request a
reeonsideratio tz of the action as set forth in the Ashland Land Use Ordinance (AL.UO) 18.5.1.050(F)
and/or file ail appeal to the Ashland Planning Commission as provided in ALUO 18.5. 1,050(G).The
ALUO sections cov: ring reconsideration and appeal procedures are attached. The appeal may not be
made directly to the Oregon Laud Use Board of Appeals.
If you have any questions regarding this decision, please contact Maria Hail-is in the Community
Development Department at (541) 488-5305.
cc: Pa.rkAliew Plaza LLC;
Parties of record and property owners within 200 ft.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Tel: 541-488-5305
51 Winbum Way Fax: 541-552-2050
Ashland, oregan 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900
www.ashlaud.onus
SECTION 1.8.5.1.050 Type I Procedure (Administrative Decision with Notice)
E. Effective Date of Decision. Unless the conditions of approval specify otherwise or the decision is appealed pursuant to
subsection 18.5.1.050.G, a Type I decision becomes effective 12 days after the City mails the notice of decision.
1. Reconsideration. The Staff Advisor may reconsider a Type I decision as set forth below.
1. Any party entitled to notice of the planning action, or any City department may request reconsideration of the action
after the decision has been made by providing evidence to the Staff Advisor that a factual error occuured through no
fault of the party asking for reconsideration, which in the opinion of the Staff Advisor, might affect the decision.
Reconsideration requests are limited to factual errors and not the failure of an issue to be raised by letter or evidence
during the opportunity to provide public input on the application sufficient to afford the Staff Advisor an opportunity
to respond to the issue prior to making a decisions.
2. Reconsideration requests shall be received within five days of mailing the notice of decision. The Staff Advisor shall
decide within three days whether to reconsider the matter.
3. If the Staff Advisor is satisfied that an error occurred crucial to the decision, the Staff Advisor shall withdraw the
decision for purposes of reconsideration. The Staff Advisor shall decide within tern days to affmu, modify, or reverse
the original decision. The City shall send notice of the reconsideration decision to affirm, modify, or reverse to any,
party entitled to notice of the planning action.
4. If the Staff Advisor is not satisfied that an error occurred crucial to the decision, the Staff Advisor shall deny the
reconsideration request. Notice of denial shall be sent to those parties that requested reconsideration.
G. Appeal of Type 1 Decision. A Type I decision may be appealed to the Planning Commission, pursuant to the following:
1. Afho May Appeal. The following persons have standing to appeal a Type I decision.
a. The applicant or owner of the subject property.
b. Any person who is entitled to written notice of the Type 1 decision pursuant to subsection
18.5.1.050.13.
c. Any other person who participated in the proceeding by submitting written comments on the application to the
City by the specified deadline.
2. Appeal Filing Procedure.
a, _ Notice of Appeal. Any person with standing to appeal, as provided in subsection 18.5.1.050.G.1, above, may
appeal a Type I decision by fling a notice of appeal and paying the appeal fee according to the procedures of P
this subsection. The fee required in this section shall not apply to appeals made by neighborhood or community
organizations recognized by the City and whose boundaries include the site. H an appellant prevails at the
hearing or upon subsequent appeal, the fee for the initial hearing shall be refunded.
b. Tune for Filing. A notice of appeal shall be filed with the Staff Advisor within 12 days of the date the notice of % decision is mailed. - I
c. Content of Notice of Appeal. The notice of appeat shall be accompanied by the required filing fee and shall
contain,
i. Air identification, of the decision being appealed, including the date of the decision.
ii. A statement demonstrating the person filing the notice of appeal has standing to appeal.
iii. A statement explaining the specific issues being; raised on appeal. j
iv. A statement demonstrating that the appeal issues were raised during the public comment period.
d. The appeal requirements of this section must be fully met or the appeal will be considered by the City as a
jurisdictional defect and will not be heard or considered.
3. Scope of Appeal. Appeal hearings on Type I decisions made by the Staff Advisor shall be de novo hearings before
the Planning Commission. The appeal shall not be limited to the application materials, evidence and other
documentation, and specific issues raised izn the review leading up to the Type 1. decision, but may include other
relevant evidence and arguments. The Commission may allow additional evidence, testimony, or argument
concerning any relevant ordinance provision.
4. Appeal Hearing Procedure. Hearings on appeals of Type I decisions follow the Type 11 public hearing procedures,
pursuant to section 18.5.1.060, subsections A - E, except that the decision of the Planning Commission is the final
decision of the City on an appeal of a Type I decision. A decision on an appeal is final the date the City mails the
adopted and signed decision. Appeals of Commission decisions must be filed with the State Land Use Board of
Appeals, pursuant to ORS 197.805 197.860.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Tel: 541-488-5305
51 Winbam Way Pax: 541-552-2050
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900
www.ashland.or.us
ASHLAND PLANNING DIVISION
FINDINGS & ORDERS ,
PLANNING ACTION: PA-2016--00763
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 5 N. Main St.
APPLICANT/OWNER: Bany and Kathleen Thalden
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review approval for the installation of public art for
the property located at 5 N. Main. St. The application involves the painting of a mural upon the west -wall of
the building lacing Cane rruanajuato.
COMPREIUNSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Commercial; ZONING: C-1-D; ASSESSOR'S NW-:
39 1E 09 BB; TAX LOTS: 50003
April 14, 2016
SUBMITTAL DATE.
DEEMED COMPLETE DATE: April 22, 2016
STAFF APPROVAL DATE: May 5, 201.6
APPEAL DEADLINE (4:30 P.M.) May 175 2016
FINAL DECISION DArI`E: May 18, 2016
APPROVAL EXPIRATION DATE: November 18, 2017
DECISION
The proposal is a request for Site Design Review approval for the installation of a mural on the west wall of
the building located at 5 N. Main. St. The property is located in the Detail Site Review and Historic District
overlays. The proposed mural will cover the entire west wall..
The subject property is located at the transition of N. Main St. to Winbu n Way with the front of the building ,
facing N. Main St. and the downtown plaza, the side of the building facing Winburn Way, and the back of '
the building facing Calle fflanajuato. The subject property and the surrounding area are zoned Conunercial.
Downtown (C-1-D).
The National Register of historic Places doc u-nentation for the Ashland Downtown District identifies the
building as a historic primes-y contributing structure. The building opened as Weitzel's (Parkview)
Department Store in 1947 and was designed in the streamlined Modente. style by noted Klamath Falls
architect Howard R. Perrin.
The installation of public art on the exterior of a building that is identified as a contributing structure within
a historic district requires Site Design Review approval in accordance with 18.18.5.2.020.A.4. Based upon
legislative history, the purpose of site design review for the placement of public art upon. a contributing
historic structure is to ensure that the physical character of the historic district is preserved through
additional public oversight, while still supporting artistic and creative expression found in public art.
The site development and design standards in chapter 18.4.2 are used to evaluate potential impacts of
painting a mural upon the building's west-facing facade to the contributing historic structure, Wietzel's
PA #2016-00763
5 N. Mani St.lmh
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(Parkview) Department Store. Specifically, thle standards highlight the architectural features that are
prominent in the make-up and character of the downtown. In reviewing the proposal, staff focused on
assessing the degree to which the mural covers or detracts from significant or character- deCvung
architectural features of the building.
The following a site design and development standards are applicable to the proposed mural project. An
assessment of the application in relation to the standards follows each group of standards.
18.4.2.060 CA Openings
a. Ground level elevations facing a street shall maintain a consistent proportion of
transparency (i.e., windows) compatible with the pattern found in the downtown area.
b. Scale and proportion of altered or added building elements, such as the size and
relationship of new windows, doors, entrances, column, and other building features shall be
visually compatible with the original architectural character of the building.
c. Upper floor windows orientation shall primarily be vertical (height greater than width).
d. Except for transom windows, windows shall not break the front plane of the building,
e. Ground level entry doors shall be primarily transparent.
f. Windows and other features of interest to pedestrians such as decorative columns or
decorative corbelling shall be provided adjacent to the sidewalk. Blank walls adjacent to a
public sidewalk are prohibited.
Several original windows are located on the west-facing wall. The proposed mural will not conceal the
windows. Additionally, the pattern of openings provided by these upper story windows does not appear to be
obscured by the proposal, as the windows are retained in clear view, occupying space at the very top of the
mural's skyline.
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18.4.2.060 C..5. Horizontal Rhythms
k
a. Prominent horizontal lines at similar levels along the street's street front shall be
maintained.
b. A clear visual division shall be maintained between ground level floor and upper floors.
c. Buildings shall provide a foundation or base, typically from ground to the bottom of the
lower windowsills, with changes in volume or material, in order to give the building a
sense of strength.
The west--facing wall is clearly subordinate to the building's two street facing facades and lacks distinct
architectural features and treatments that create "horizontal rhyd-in-is", such as a clear division between
the ground level floor and tipper levels above as well as a change in materials at the building base. The
location of a mural on the west building fagade does not appear to cover or detract from character-
defining architectural features that establish an existing horizontal orientation.
18.4.2.060 C. 6. Vertical Rhythms
a. New construction or storefront remodels shall reflect a vertical orientation, either
through actual volumes or the use of surface details to divide large walls, so as to
reflect the underlying historic property lines.
PA 92016-00763
5 N. Main St./mh
Pace 2
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As stated above, the west-facing wall is clearly subordinate to the building's two street facing facades
and lacks distinct architectural features and treatments that create "vertical rhythms" through the use of 3
surface details, such as columns, posts or pilasters, to divide large walls into distinct volumes.
Consequently, the location of a mural on the west building facade does not appear to cover or detract
from character-defining architectural features that establish an existing vertical orientation.
18.42.060 C. 2. Setback
b. Ground level entries should be recessed from the public right--of--way and have detailing
and materials that create a sense of entry.
The placement of rrrurals on a primacy building facade is often discouraged. A primary building facade
generally refers to a building wall with a main public entryway. The proposed rural will be applied to
the west wall which does not contain a building entrance. Primary building entrances are located orl both
the east and south sides, neither which will be effected by the proposal.
18.42.050 C. 10. Other. i
a. Non-street or alley facing elevations are less significant than street facing elevations.
Rear and sidewalls of buildings should therefore be fairly simple (e.g., wood, block,
brick, stucco, cast stone, masonry clad, with or without windows).
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b. Visual integrity of the original building shall be maintained when altering or adding
building elements. This shall include such features as the vertical lines of columns,
piers, the horizontal definition of spandrels and cornices, and other primary structural
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and decorative elements. i
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The mural is proposed to be painted on the west building wall facing Calle Guanajuato. In comparison to
the south and east-facing building walls, the west--facing wail is relatively unadorned. The west-facing
wall does not include building doorways and the larger ground floor display windows found on the cast
and west walls, which are described as key elements of the original department stone. In staff's opinion,
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the proposed location of the mural on the west-facing wall is more appropriate given the subordinate
status of the west wall when compared to the more prominent nature of the Wietzel building's N. Main
St. and Winburn Way street frontages.
18.42.060 C. 8. Materials.
a. Exterior building materials shall consist of traditional building materials found in the
downtown area including block, brick, painted wood, smooth stucco, or natural stone.
An established point of view underscores the importance of avoiding the application of painted murals
over original exterior building materials, especially unpainted brick or stone. In this case, the mural will
not cover traditional brick or stone, but will be applied to the west-facing concrete wall that has been
painted several times throughout the history of the building.
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PA #201600763
5 N. Main Sthila
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The Historic Conunission reviewedthe application at the May 4, 2016 meeting and recommended approval
of the application as submitted.
The approval criteria for Site Design Review are in AMC 18.5.2.050 as follows:
An application for Site Design Review shall be approved if the proposal meets the criteria in subsections
A, B, C, and D below. The approval authority may, in approving the application, impose conditions of
approval, consistent with the applicable criteria.
A. Underlying Zone. The proposal complies with all of the applicable provisions of the underlying zone
(part 18.2), including but not limited to: building and yard setbacks, lot area and dimensions, density
and floor area, lot coverage, building height, building orientation, architecture, and other applicable
standards.
3. Overlay Zones. The proposal comPlies_with- applicable overlay zone requirements (part 18.3).
C. Site Development and Design Standards. The proposal complies with the applicable Site
Development and Design Standards of part 18.4, except as provided by subsection E, below.
D. City Facilities. The proposal complies with the applicable standards in section 18.4.6 Public
Facilities and that adequate capacity of City facilities for water, sewer, electricity, urban storm
drainage, paved access to and throughout the property, and adequate transportation can and will be
provided to the subject property.
E. Exception to the Site Development and Design Standards. The approval authority may approve
exceptions to the Site Development and Design Standards of part 18.4 if the circumstances in either
subsection 1 or 2, below, are found to exist.
1. There is a demonstrable difficulty meeting the specific requirements of the Site Development
and Design Standards due to a unique or unusual aspect of an existing structure or the
proposed use of a site; and approval of the exception will not substantially negatively impact
adjacent properties; and approval of the exception is consistent with the stated purpose of
the Site Development and Design; and the exception requested is the minimum which would
alleviate the difficulty.; or
2. There is no demonstrable difficulty in meeting the specific requirements, but granting the
exception will result in a design that equally or better achieves the stated purpose of the Site
Development and Design Standards.
in staff's assessment of the application, the proposed mural meets the applicable site development and
design standards. The mural is proposed to be located on the west-facing building facade facing Calle
Guanajuato, which is clearly subordinate to the N. Main St. and Winb-urn Way building frontages. The west-
facing facade doesn't not include a primary entrance or storefront windows on the ground floor. The mural
doesn't conceal or interfere with the second story windows that are in place on the west side of the building.
In addition, the west-facing facade does not include ambitectural features that establish a horizontal rhythm
(e.g. clear divisioxl between ground and second floor, a building base) or vertical rhythm (e.g. columns,
pilasters). Finally, the mural will not cover traditional brick or stone, but will be applied to the west-facing
concrete wall that has been painted several times throughout the history of the building.
The application with the attached conditions complies with all applicable City ordinances. Planning Action
PA #2016-00763
5 N. Main St./mh
Page 4 1
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92016-00763 is approved with the following conditions. Further, if any one or more of the following
conditions are fo-and to be invalid for any reason whatsoever, then Platlliing Action #2016-00763 is denied.
The following conditions are attached to the approval.
1} That all proposals of the applicant shall be conditions of approval unless otherwise inodiftedherein.
~~it- - May 5 ,2016 13P-Molnar, irector Date
-dof COilm unity Development
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PA. 92016-00763
5 N. Main St.lmh
Page 5
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
May 17, 2016, Business Meeting
Adoption of 2016 Ashland Forest Plan
FROM:
Chris Chambers, Forest Division Chief, Fire Department, Chris. chambers (i~,ashland. or. us
SUMMARY
The Forest Lands Commission has drafted a major update to the 1992 Ashland Forest Plan. This
document guides management of more than 1,100 acres of City and Parks Commission property.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
The 1992 Ashland Forest Plan has served the community well for over two decades, leading to
decreased wildfire danger, increased recreation opportunity, and increased forest health and resiliency
in a transparent public process. This necessary update to the original document recounts work and
plans written to date and establishes an updated scientific basis for ongoing and future stewardship of
our City and Parks Commission lands. Small Parks and City parcels have been added from the original
plan and new GIS mapping technology has allowed an online tool (http://j4is.ashland.or.us/2016afp/)
that informs analysis and plans. A climate change chapter has been added to the 2016 Ashland Forest
Plan to address the pressing issue of climate effects on our local forest ownership. Recreation on City
forests has increased greatly in recent decades with increased population and need for trails that
separate bikes from pedestrian users and continue to provide quality opportunities to access public
lands at the edge of town. With addition of land not originally in this plan, over 1,100 acres of
municipal land falls under the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan.
COUNCIL GOALS SUPPORTED:
8. Protect the integrity and safety of the watershed.
9. Enhance and expand natural and recreational resources.
22. Prepare for the impact of climate change on the community.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Ashland Forest Plan does not obligate additional spending, only the current level already
dedicated to City and Parks forest management activities.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION:
Staff recommends the Council accept the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan for implementation and oversight
by the Forest Lands Commission and staff.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I move approval of the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan and authorize the Forest Lands Commission and staff
to implement policies, actions, and recommendations therein.
Page l of 2
1.
~r
CITY OF
ASHLAND
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2016 Ashland Forest Plan Summary
2. 2016 Ashland Forest Plan Parcel Overview Map
3. Full 2016 Ashland Forest Plan Document (link)
4. 2016 Ashland Forest Plan Map Package (link)
Page 2 of 2
1.
~r
2016 Ashland Forest Plan (AFP)
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Chapter I - Social, Educational, and Political Status
Chapter 2 - Water: Primacy and Practice
Chapter 3 - Recreation: Multiple Use Challenges and Opportunities
Chapter 4 - Wildlife in the Ashland Creek Watershed
Chapter 5- Climate Change: Global Yet Local
Chapter 6 - Invasive Plants: A Nuisance By Any Other Name
Chapter 7 - Infrastructure: The Ties That Bind
Chapter 8 - Inventory
Chapter 9 - Vegetation: Retrospective, Trends and Challenges
Chapter 10 - Monitoring: Plots and Protocols
Chapter I I - Forestlands Management: Goals and Guidelines
Appendices
References
Acknowledgements
Glossary
Maps
Executive Summary
Since Abel Helman built a small sawmill on the banks of Ashland Creek in 1852, the
surrounding Ashland Creek Watershed has been cherished and changed by local citizenry due to
its essential water producing potential, social, and economic values. Over time, its increasingly
fire-prone landscape became problematic. The suppression of pre-settlement frequent, low-
intensity fires that once maintained open forests, changed into a resulted in a forest susceptible to
high-intensity wildfires and other forest health issues. Several early 20t" century severe wildfires
in the Ashland Watershed catalyzed the City toward intensified protection and then, ultimately,
active stewardship of their water source.
In May of 1992, the City of Ashland adopted the first Ashland Forest Plan (AFP). It placed the
City and Parks forestlands under a management regime with the primary emphasis "to emulate
the historical role of fire in the ecosystem utilizing a carefully applied program of tree salvage,
thinning and prescribed fire". The lead organization charged with implementation of the AFP
was the Ashland Forest Lands Commission (AFLC), a citizens' advisory group that provided
recommendations for City forest management activities. In addition, the AFLC continued to
provide public education about complex forestry issues while fostering engagement and valuable
feedback from the Ashland community.
Throughout the first ten years of the AFP (1992-2002), citizens of Ashland were made more
aware of the issues involving protection of their water supply and the ecological complexity of
the surrounding Ashland Watershed. Through professionally developed planning documents and
citizen outreach, trust was established within the community. Through the careful thinning of
brush and small trees plus use of prescribed fire, initial restorative work proceeded. In October
2003, the City adopted the City Forest Lands Restoration Project Phase II, commonly known as
"Restoration I1". This project instituted a community-vetted strategy that included non-
commercial treatments, dead tree salvage, and harvest of commercially viable, yet primarily
small diameter trees. Restoration II was followed in April 2009 by Restoration III: silvicultural
treatments on the Winburn Parcel above Reeder Reservoir.
The AFLC is currently updating the 1992 AFP to better reflect current science and our
experiences with active forest management. The 2016 AFP is guided by the mounting volume of
credible data emerging from the monitoring protocols enacted on the City forestlands in 1995. In
order to continue desired disturbances that emulate natural processes in the watershed (tree and
brush thinning and prescribed fire regimes), restoration projects have been planned to embrace
ecosystem health. Experts in botany, fire ecology, fisheries, fuels, geology, hydrology,
silviculture, soils, and wildlife will continue to design these projects. A key element in the 2016
AFP is the inclusion of forestlands administered by the Ashland Parks and Recreation
Commission including Siskiyou Mountain Park and Oredson-Todd Woods (included in the
original plan) and nine additional parcels totaling 172 acres including undeveloped portions of
upper Lithia Park. This brings all undeveloped City forestlands under one management umbrella
resulting in improved budgeting, planning, and on-the-ground implementation.
Through the 2016 Ashland Fire Plan, the Ashland Forest Lands Commission is committed to the
care and further restoration of the City forestlands and the broader Ashland Watershed
employing ecologically-responsible stewardship principles within an open and transparent
community decision-making process.
Chapter 1- Social, Educational, and Political Status (Synopsis)
The City of Ashland has a long history of protecting our water-producing forestland resources in
the Ashland Watershed. However, a lack of comprehensive, active forestry management in
addition to outright resistance and mistrust of active intervention within these forestlands had
pushed them into serious degradation. The lack of natural disturbances, mainly caused by fire
suppression, had resulted in an over-burdened system that was increasingly prone to a large-
scale, high-intensity fire that would be both socially and economically intolerable. Through
thoughtful and persistent community education and active engagement of the Ashland citizenry
over a 25-year period, a more careful and coherent approach to forest and land management has
been implemented, first on private and municipal lands in the area, and ultimately on U.S. Forest
Service land in the Ashland Watershed. The transition of the community from one commonly
opposed to active intervention to one supportive of careful stewardship of the forest is a clear
example of how integrating ecological and social values can provide a unique and timely
response to issues of critical importance to a forestland dependent community. The 2016 AFP,
through continuing civic engagement via the Ashland Forest Lands Commission, will move our
community further in the direction of long-term, sustainable stewardship of the priceless social
and ecological values that we are charged with managing.
Chapter 2 - Water: Primacy and Practice (Synopsis)
City forestlands within the Ashland Watershed are managed primarily for the long-term
sustainability of the City of Ashland's water supply and the City has long been an advocate for
the same goal on federal land in the watershed. Ashland Creek, which drains much of the
northern flank of Mt. Ashland and flows through the center of the downtown, is the primary
source of municipal water. Several smaller, named creeks flow through Ashland including Clay,
Hamilton, and Paradise creeks. Above Reeder Reservoir, the West Fork of Ashland Creek and
Weasel Creek also flow through the City's Winburn Parcel and into Reeder Reservoir. All of
these waterways play a vital role in the health of City forestlands and the health of the forest and
creek habitats used by wildlife and aquatic animals. Stream flows in Ashland Creek are usually
adequate for fish production. Temperatures are within limits for spawning and rearing. Riparian
vegetation and shade structures that are important foi• keeping water temperatures within healthy
limits are adequate. Forestlands management within riparian areas require a specific set of
objectives and strategies. Ashland Ponds is a new area added to the 2016 AFP that has potential
for restoration of anadromous fish habitat..
Chapter 3 - Recreation: Multiple Use Challenges and Opportunities (Synopsis)
The forestlands around the city, of Ashland have been used for recreation by local citizens and
visitors for generations. The City offers several gateways via in-town trailheads to forestland
owned by the City and to the larger Forest Service ownership in the Ashland Watershed. At
various times in Ashland's history, initiatives have been explored and implemented by different
government and private entities on City forestlands to increase and enhance visitor use and
promote the city as a forested destination, while at the same time managing natural resources
including wildfire risk and forest management activities. It is expected that the use of City
forestland trails for running, hiking, equestrian use, and mountain biking will increase in the
future. The City is committed to collaborating with Federal, State, and local jurisdictions,
businesses, public and private schools, user groups, and individual citizens to provide trail users
with a safe and gratifying experience while protecting the array of natural resources that the
Ashland Watershed offers. In 2005, the Parks Commission created a Trails Master Plan (TMP)
to implement the vision of providing Ashland with "a diverse network of trails that connects
downtown, schools, neighborhoods, and surrounding areas." The 2005 TMP is an important
reference and planning document to incorporate into City forestlands management because it
uses the City's forest lands trail system as the connector from urban areas to the Forest Service
managed lands, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy lands, and other ownerships in the Ashland
Watershed. Below is a list of specific goals identified by Ashland Parks & Recreation
Commission for the future of the city's trail systems:
• Enhance trail connectivity within the city limits (by obtaining easements, additional trail
connections on right of ways, park areas, etc.)
• Develop additional sustainable and appropriate trail connections along or within several
designated corridors that are identified in the 2005 TMP (i.e. Ashland Creek Corridor,
Wrights Creek Corridor, Tolman Creek Corridor, TID Corridor, etc.)
• Increase sustainable and appropriate trail connections in the Wildland Urban Interface
(WUI)
• Work to accomplish regional trail connection goals including the Grizzly Peak Trail
Connection and expansion of the Greenway Trail out to Emigrant Lake
Chapter 4 - Wildlife in the Ashland Creek Watershed (Synopsis)
City of Ashland forestlands contain a variety of wildlife habitats ranging from the Riparian
Management Areas (RMA) This makes it sound like the only RMA is in the Ashland Ponds.
Delete., up through the drier lowlands, to the mature conifer forests. These diverse areas lie on
the northern slopes of the Siskiyou Mountains, a range known for its significant biodiversity. In
1974, a Southern Oregon State University survey listed 56 species of mammals, 103 bird species,
and 27 species of reptiles and amphibians. Not all of these species are to be found on City lands,
but it does provide an idea of the wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians found
in the area. The Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific Northwest have the highest densities of birds
of all coniferous forests in North America. The riparian habitats along Ashland Creek are
particularly rich in species diversity. City forestlands are not currently inhabited by any
threatened or endangered species and does not meet habitat requirements for the northern spotted
owl (,Strix occidentalis). The rare Pacific Fisher (Mantes pennanti pacifica) was not confirmed in
the Ashland Watershed until only recently. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
determined in April of 2016 not to list the Pacific Fisher as "threatened". Several common
wildlife species within Ashland are considered nuisance animals by some residents and staff,
including raccoons, deer, and turkeys. Sightings of black bears and mountain lions within city
limits result in special warning signs posted at nearby City parks and properties to help minimize
surprise encounters, although there is no record of any such encounters resulting in human
injury, excepting deer.
In a 2008, the City's Restoration III document guidelines spelled out wildlife goals including
maximizing biodiversity while maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat.
• Increase the structural diversity of forest stands
• Hardwoods, especially California black oak, will be retained and encouraged where
appropriate.
• Additional coarse woody material will be added to the forest floor, if a need has been
identified, to provide needed micro-habitats.
• Snags will be retained unless they pose a hazard or conflict with other management
objectives.
Chapter 5 - Climate Change: Global yet Local (Synopsis)
Given a high level of uncertainty about specific changes in the Ashland Watershed from
impending climate change, most frameworks for present and future management suggest flexible
approaches, ongoing monitoring, learning, and subsequent adaptive management. Important
changes in forest and resource management strategies will have to occur on a much larger spatial
and temporal scale than addressed in this 2016 Ashland Forest Plan (AFP). However, it is not a
responsible option to do nothing. The City forestlands and the conjoined Ashland Watershed are
uniquely positioned to test future impacts associated with climate change given the steep
environmental gradient and eco-system variation that exists in the eight linear miles from
downtown Ashland to the top of Mt. Ashland. The short-term focus for the City forestlands
managed under the 2016 AFP will continue to be on adaptive strategies that improve overall
ecosystem resistance and resilience from major perturbations, most notably from high-severity
wildfire. The management dilemma that consistently presents itself is the conflict between
strategies that reduce high-severity wildfire namely, reductions in vegetation and downed fuel,
and the climate-change mitigation strategy to sequester carbon because forests are widely
thought to be the most efficient terrestrial carbon accumulating system. Fortunately, management
objectives and implementation strategies initiated over 20 years ago on City lands will continue
to have climate-change relevance under the 2016 AFP. Simply improving overall forest health
will contribute to the larger landscape's ability to adjust to future variability in temperature and
precipitation and, hopefully, adjust to climate change.
Chapter 6 - Invasive Plants: A Nuisance By Any Other Name (Synopsis)
Invasive plants come in many varieties and sizes, from trees to vines to shrubs, and the damage
they can cause is just as varied. If left unchecked, many invasive plants can cause the eventual
demise of desired plant species, alter wildlife habitat or directly threaten animals, choke
waterways, or increase the intensity of a wildfire. On lands administered by the Ashland Parks
Commission, invasive plant populations will continue to be managed under the existing
Integrated Pest Management Policy (IPM) adopted by the Ashland Parks Commission. Ashland
Park's IPM policy is based on park planning and design, manual maintenance, ecological and
organic controls, and, as a last resort, use of chemical herbicides. The department works to
reduce or eliminate the use of herbicides and will conduct an annual review of invasive plant
management activities, which will include written suggestions to the Parks Commission for the
further reduction of herbicides and for alternatives to their use. On City forestlands under the
stewardship of the Ashland Forest Lands Commission (AFLC) the following guidelines are in
line with the City's historic management of noxious weeds without the use of chemical
herbicides, but with an added process for City Council involvement if a rare ecological threat is
identified. In general, chemical herbicides will not be used unless a special circumstance
strongly suggests that such application would be a "best practice". In such rare cases, City staff
would seek prior authorization from the AFLC and City Council with public input.
Chapter 7 - Infrastructure: The Ties That Bind (Synopsis)
Infrastructure may be impacted by City forest management activities, so a listing of
infrastructure by unit is included in the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan (AFP). Management of
infrastructure is not part of the 2016 AFP. For the 2016 AFP, the specific existing infrastructure
components fall into the category of publicly owned roadways, easements, wire, pipes and other
appurtenances used for provision of public services such as electrical power, drinking water,
irrigation water, sewage, overflow drainage and transportation. These structures owned and
managed by the City are either on or directly adjacent to City forestlands and they may be
impacted by forest management activities. Tables list the most significant of those structures,
with the structures inside the 2016 AFP managed lands shown. A map is provided in the
appendix showing the locations of these structures with respect to the most significant location-
specific natural hazards:
• landslide susceptibility,
Do we actually have these 3?
• 100 and 500 year probability flood boundaries,
• dam inundation boundaries,
• wildfire hazard zone boundaries.
Chapter 8 - Inventory (Synopsis)
This section of the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan (AFP) presents essential information in the form of
lists, data sets, GIS data and color schemes, and a specialized dictionary for interpreting data
sets.
Chapter 9 - Vegetation: Retrospective, Trends and Challenges (Synopsis)
The progression in the 20th century of increasing vegetation density, both horizontally and
vertically, has created conditions in the Ashland Watershed for a fire to rapidly escalate in
magnitude beyond historic baselines. Successful manipulation of vegetation on City forestlands
has been guided by a thorough understanding of the existing vegetation and its history. The
weakened trees resulting from increased forest density also increase the likelihood of insect-
related mortality and pathogenic damage. In a vicious cycle, this increased tree mortality has
tended to further increase the potential likelihood of a severe wildfire. Breaking this pattern and
restoring more benign fire regimes through active vegetation management has been the
underlying strategy on City and Parks lands over the past 20+ years. Shifting the vegetation to
achieve more fire-resistant and resilient landscapes achieves a primary objective: reduction in the
likelihood of high-severity fire on City lands and into the Ashland Watershed above. The
restoration of a natural, landscape-scale patched forest diversity and acceptable and effective fire
regimes close to developed property is an outcome few forestland managers have accomplished
on a watershed scale. Nevertheless, this end is being carefully pursued by the City with an
understanding that the current set of watershed conditions reflects an interruption of past
vegetation cycles and ecological interactions that are complex and not easily duplicated. What is
universally understood by all stakeholders who value our forestlands is that doing nothing other
than fire suppression is not an option.
Chapter 10 - Monitoring: Plots and Protocols (Synopsis)
Monitoring is an essential and ongoing part of the restoration of City forestlands. It provides the
basis for an adaptive management approach by regularly assessing conditions that can give
valuable feedback and initiate appropriate changes in management activities. Over time, there
will be changes in understory vegetation and tree growth. It is imperative that the effects of
stand-density reductions, prescribed fires, and other silvicultural treatments be monitored to
evaluate their effectiveness and inform future work. Monitoring provides information to help
determine if management actions are meeting the objectives of the AFP.
• Track ecosystem elements: tree vigor, ground layer vegetation, species composition, and
soil cover
• Compare effects of treatments at different locations
• Ensure that the desired effects are produced
• Provide feedback to apply adaptive management
The City has established 206 permanent monitoring plots and initiated data collection on both the
Lower Watershed Parcel (137 plots on 486 acres) and the Winburn Parcel (69 plots on 160 acres)
in 2000-2002. More data was collected in 2007-2009. Data collected at each plot included:
• Site data such as slope percent, aspect, GPS location;
• Stand exam tree data such as live/dead, species, dbh, height, crown ratio, dwarf mistletoe,
rating, radial growth, age, crown closure;
• Fuels by size class;
• Species, size, decay class of coarse woody material;
• Soil types such as bare soil, rock, litter, live vegetation, duff cover, duff/litter depth;
• Vegetation composition details such as layer, species, and percent cover;
• And photos.
A proficient monitoring process will continue to provide information to shape the improvement
of both planning and implementation of future work on City forestlands. These monitoring
protocols will offer an ongoing assessment of the 2016 AFP's overall effectiveness.
The newly created forest inventory for the 2016 AFP will provide current and future forest
managers with a standardized format applicable to all City forestlands.
Chapter 9 - Vegetation: Retrospective, Trends and Challenges (Synopsis)
The progression in the 20th century of higher vegetation densities, both horizontally and
vertically, has created conditions in the Ashland Watershed for a fire to rapidly escalate in
magnitude beyond historically healthy cycles. Successful manipulation of vegetation on City
forestlands has been guided by a thorough understanding of the existing vegetation and how it
came to be. The weakened trees resulting from these high stand-densities also increase the
likelihood of insect-related mortality and damage from other organisms such as dwarf mistletoe.
In a vicious cycle, this increased tree mortality has tended to further increase the potential
likelihood of a severe wildfire. Breaking this pattern and restoring more benign fire regimes
through active vegetation management has been the underlying strategy on City lands over the
past 20 years. Shifting the vegetation to achieve more fire-resistant and resilient tree stands and
landscapes, achieves a primary objective: reduction in the likelihood of high-severity fire on City
lands. The restoration of a natural, landscape-scale patched forest diversity and acceptable and
effective fire regimes close to a wildland urban interface (WUI) is an outcome few forestland
managers have accomplished on a watershed scale. Nevertheless, this end is being carefully
pursued by the City with an understanding that the current set of watershed conditions reflects an
interruption of ancient vegetation cycles and ecological interactions that are complex and not
easily duplicated. What is universally understood by all stakeholders who value our forestlands
is that doing nothing other than fire suppression is not an option.
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2016 Ashland Forest Plan
Ashland Forest Lands Commission
May 2016
1
2016 Ashland Forest Plan
Primary Contributors
Ashland Forest Lands Commission City of Ashland Staff
Jim Berge Chris Chambers
Frank Betlejewski Rickey Fite
Luke Brandy John Karns
David Brennan Jeff McFarland
Shannon Downey Jason Minica
Stephen Jensen Pieter Smeenk
Anthony Kerwin
Marty Main, Consulting Forester
Small Woodland Services, Inc.
Dan Maymar
Matt Miller
Stephanie Seffinger
John Williams
2
2016 Ashland Forest Plan
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Chapter 1 - Social, Educational, and Political Status
Chapter 2 - Water: Primacy and Practice
Chapter 3 - Recreation: Multiple Use Challenges and Opportunities
Chapter 4 - Wildlife in the Ashland Creek Watershed
Chapter 5 - Climate Change: Global Yet Local
Chapter 6 - Invasive Plants: A Nuisance By Any Other Name
Chapter 7 - Infrastructure: The Ties That Bind
Chapter 8 - Inventory
Chapter 9 - Vegetation: Retrospective, Trends and Challenges
Chapter 10 - Monitoring: Plots and Protocol
Chapter 11 - Forestlands Management: Goals and Guidelines
Appendices
References
Acknowledgements
Glossary
Maps
3
Executive Summary
Since Abel Helman built a small sawmill on the banks of Ashland Creek in 1852, the
surrounding Ashland Creek Watershed has been cherished by local citizenry due to its essential
water producing potential and other social and economic values. Over time, its increasingly fire-
prone landscape became problematic. The lack of the pre-settlement frequent, low-intensity fires
that had maintained low fuel content across the landscape had resulted in a forest susceptible to
high-intensity wildfires and other forest health issues. Several early 20th century catastrophic
fires in the Ashland Watershed catalyzed the City toward intensified management of their water
supply.
In May of 1992, the City of Ashland adopted the first Ashland Forest Plan (AFP). It placed the
City forestlands under a management regime with the primary emphasis "to emulate the
historical role of fire in the ecosystem utilizing a carefully applied program of tree salvage,
thinning and prescribed fire". The lead organization charged with implementation of the AFP
was the Ashland Forest Lands Commission (AFLC), a citizens' advisory group that provided
recommendations for City forest management activities. In addition, the AFLC continued to
provide public education about the complex issues of forest management while fostering
engagement and valuable feedback from the Ashland community
Throughout the first ten years of the AFP (1992-2002), citizens of Ashland were made more
aware of the issues involving protection of their water supply and the ecological complexity of
the surrounding Ashland Watershed. Through professionally developed planning documents and
citizen outreach, trust was established within the community. Through the careful thinning of
brush and small trees plus use of prescribed fire, initial restorative work proceeded. In October
2003, the City adopted the City Forest Lands Restoration Project Phase II, commonly known as
"Restoration II". This project instituted a community-vetted strategy that included non-
commercial treatments, dead tree salvage, and harvest of commercially viable, yet primarily
small diameter trees. Restoration 11 was followed in April 2009 by Restoration III: silvicultural
treatments on the Winburn Parcel above Reeder Reservoir.
The AFLC is currently updating the 1992 AFP to better reflect current science and our
experiences with active forest management. The 2016 AFP is guided by the mounting volume of
credible data emerging from the monitoring protocols enacted on the City forestlands in 1995. In
order to continue desired disturbances that emulate natural processes in the watershed (tree and
brush thinning and prescribed fire regimes), restoration projects have been planned to embrace
ecosystem health. A key element in the 2016 AFP is the inclusion of forestlands administered by
the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission including Siskiyou Mountain Park and Oredson-
Todd Woods (included in the original plan) and nine additional parcels totaling 172 acres
including undeveloped portions of upper Lithia Park. This brings all undeveloped City
forestlands under one management umbrella resulting in improved budgeting, planning, and on-
the-ground implementation.
Through the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan, the Ashland Forest Lands Commission is committed to
the care and further restoration of the City forestlands and the broader Ashland Watershed
employing ecologically responsible, stewardship principles within an open and transparent
community decision-making process.
4
Chapter 1
Social, Educational, and Political Status
Early History of Wildfire and Forest Management in the Ashland Watershed
Abel Helman built a small lumber mill on the banks of Ashland Creek in 1852. The water-
powered sawmill became the nucleus of the city of Ashland, but even before our small town was
established, humans manipulated the forest environment in the Ashland Watershed. Native
American tribes frequently used low-intensity fire as a tool to herd deer and gather grasshoppers
(Holt, 1946). These frequent low-intensity fires periodically reduced the fuel loading with the
result that high-intensity, stand-destroying fire was the exception. Native American fire
influence on the landscape diminished significantly beginning with the arrival of early settlers
(Lalande, 2010).
Several sawmills were built on Ashland Creek, upstream from the original Abel Helman
operation in the 1860s. These were small operations, utilizing minor amounts of easily harvested
timber from the lower reaches of Ashland Creek to supply the wooden buildings for the new
town of Ashland (Williams, 1952). During the period of 1850-1880, the Ashland Watershed was
a much more open forest due to the early indigenous fire regimes, "...denuded of forest growth
and covered with grass or brush." (McCormick, et al. 1992).
In 1892, the Ashland Board of Trade (now Chamber of Commerce) petitioned the federal
government to protect the City's water supply. The request was honored on September 23, 1893,
by President Cleveland (City of Ashland, 2014a). The Ashland Forest Reserve, which consisted
mostly of the Ashland Creek Watershed, was formally designated by executive proclamation.
Grazing of sheep or other livestock, a very common practice within the area, was forbidden.
There were no Federal employees available to oversee protection of the Reserve until the U.S.
Department of Interior began to hire rangers in 1899. Systematic fire suppression efforts began
soon after (McCormick, et al. 1992). W. G. Kroepke started duty on the Ashland Reserve in
spring of 1899 and remained as ranger until after the area's administrative transfer to the newly-
formed Forest Service in 1906.
In 1899, John Lieberg documented logging in all of the forested areas he surveyed, including the
East and West Forks of Ashland Creek (City of Ashland, 2004). Areas lower in the watershed
near Ashland (T39, R1E) had been logged more heavily due to the proximity of the Ashland
Creek sawmills as noted in Table 1.1.
5
Table 1-1: 1899 Forest Characteristics of the Ashland Watershed
Forested Stand Composition of trees > 4" ) by species
Forested Non Logged %
Township Forest Acres culled Ponderosa Sugar Do Madrone Incense White Noble
Acres Acres pine pine f ras- and Oak Cedar fir fir
T39S, 8,040 15,000 8,040 50 60 15 20 5 0 0 0
R1E
T40S, 18,540 4,500 500 0 23 10 30 5 2 5 30
R1E
Note: Original document has tree stocking in T40S, R I E at 105%. The meaning of the term "culled" used in this
table is somewhat unclear. Its meaning can be inferred from the following sentence: Originally of good proportion,
the forest has been culled during many years and stripped of its best timber, only a trace remaining (City of Ashland,
2004).
In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt created the Ashland National Forest which added most of
the Upper Applegate area into the Ashland Forest Reserve. The Ashland National Forest was
absorbed almost immediately into the Crater National Forest, with headquarters in Medford,
Oregon (Lalande, 1980). The early Forest Service built a number of roads, both in the original
Ashland section and in the larger addition to the west. One of the main purposes of road and trail
construction was to provide firefighting crews with access into the remote portions of the unit.
Due to this increased focus on suppression of fire in the National Forests, the ensuing fuels
buildup had set the stage for high-severity wildfires that had previously been unlikely.
One of the worst years for wildfire in the western United States was 1910. The summer was
extremely hot, dry and windy throughout the region. During August and September of 1910,
Ashland Creek experienced two fires totaling about 1280 acres. These conflagrations were
doubly serious not only because of forestland and timber destruction but because of the threat to
community watershed values. Crews composed of local civilians and U.S. Army troops helped
to control the two burns, but "the high winds prevailing... and the inexperience of the men in
handling the fires resulted in large areas being burned over". Fires occurred again in 1917 and
1924 but both of these were much smaller in size (Lalande, 1980).
The first national fire policy was introduced after several decades of severe fires throughout the
western United States between 1910 and 1935. In the context of the forest management theory
of the time, fire exclusion was believed to promote ecological stability. In addition, fire
exclusion could also reduce commodity damages and the resulting community economic losses.
In 1935, the Forest Service instituted the "10 AM Policy," wherein the objective was to prevent
all human-caused fires and contain any fire by 10 a.m. the following day (USDA FS and USDI
BLM, 2001).
The Forest Service was particularly apprehensive regarding the Ashland Watershed, with its
valuable multi-purpose forestland and large number of recreational users: "...it is important to
6
give the Ashland watershed special fire protection... campers are quite numerous in the
headwaters of streams, and some of them need careful watching in order to see that carelessness
is not exercised" (Erickson, 1913).
The issue of the Ashland Watershed's protection continued in 1928 when Hosler Dam was
constructed and the resulting Reeder Reservoir, a new water impoundment facility, was filled.
This resulted in a Cooperative Agreement between the City of Ashland and the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Cooperative Agreement gave the City of Ashland
standing as a partner in all aspects of Ashland Watershed management even on federally
administered lands and has been amended many times since. This legal foundation has allowed
for City involvement over the years that otherwise may not have been possible.
In August of 1959, the Ashland Watershed Fire engulfed nearly 5,000 acres of timber and brush
from Jackson Hot Springs to the slopes overlooking Lithia Park. The human-caused blaze
threatened to spread through the Ashland Watershed but was contained. The Forest Service
immediately began a program of grass seeding, tree planting, and construction of erosion control
ditches and check dams to mitigate the damage (Lalande, 1980).
The earliest Forest Service timber sale occurred in 1928 when Arthur Coggins purchased ten
million board feet in the upper Tolman Creek drainage. After the Depression struck in 1929,
Coggins' operation limped along for a few years, but byl933 only one million board feet had
been cut and the sale was cancelled (Mason, 1934). During the boom building period
immediately after World War II, the town of Ashland supported over a dozen small sawmills.
The attrition rate of these family-owned operations soared in the mid-1950s, following the arrival
of the large, diversified wood products manufacturers in Jackson County (Tedrow, 1954).
Between the years of 1965 and 1968, approximately 2,795 acres were logged (Table 1-2) and
about 45 miles of roads were built in the Ashland Watershed. (Acklin, 2015 personal
communication).
Table 1-2: Forest Service Harvest Types in the Ashland Watershed 1965-68
Harvest Type Acres Timber Volume (Board feet)
Partial Cut 2,300 17,390,000
Clearcut 495 16,170,000
Total 2,795 33,560,000
The Initiation of Ashland Forestland Management, 1990 - 1995
In 1990, the controversial sale of forestland immediately adjacent to the City of Ashland by
Southern Oregon University to Superior Lumber Company initiated a vigorous community
conversation focusing on how to protect forest values in the vicinity of town. To protect
important scenic values on what has now become known as Siskiyou Mountain Park, the City of
Ashland developed a plan to trade timber harvested on its ownership in exchange for a lighter
removal of timber on the Superior parcel and the post-harvest sale of the Superior parcel to the
City. This exchange opened the door for a closer examination of how the City should positively
interact with adjacent forestland owners. The outcome included promoting active forest
7
management on privately owned lands as well as laying a foundation for the 1992 Ashland
Forest Plan to be implemented on City owned lands within the Ashland Watershed and the
wildland urban interface (WUI).
In that same year, a Coordinated Resource Management Plan was initiated in the Hamilton Creek
watershed that included properties owned by the City, the Forest Service, the Southern Oregon
Land Conservancy (SOLO), and five private landowners. This more collaborative approach to
forest management across ownership boundaries with project oversight from the USDA Soil
Conservation Service, was the first of its kind for forestland in southern Oregon. This process
resulted in a number of important developments, including a plan for trail use in the area
(excluding private owners who did not want trails), watershed-level fire management, planning
across multiple ownerships, coordinating a timber sale with several owners, and a watershed-
level assessment of soil erosion and sediment transport into the hydrologic network. Outgrowths
of the project included the following:
• an innovative three-year program through the Job Council and Phoenix High School
where at-risk students worked on forest and land management projects in the watershed,
for 20 hours per week;
• a community-wide fundraising effort that led to the purchase of 120 acres that was added
to Siskiyou Mountain Park resulting in a conservation easement held by the SOLO in
1992 with an additional easement for the adjacent Oredson-Todd Woods completed in
1999; and
• a more educated and knowledgeable City staff in tune with the need for, and methods of,
implementing sensitive forest and resource management, particularly given the emerging
understanding of the high potential for wildfire in the Ashland WUI.
In 1992, Ashland Public Works put out a request for the preparation of an Ashland Forest Plan
(AFP) to provide specific management guidance for City forestlands. Ron McCormick and
Associates were hired and completed the plan for the City. In the AFP, the Ashland community
was described as environmentally aware, and sharing a similar environmental goals. Some of
these shared goals include the following:
• preservation of the scenic beauty and mountain backdrop to the City;
• protection of the watershed from catastrophic wildfire, especially originating from within
the urban interface (developed area); and
• protection of residents and property from wildfire.
Keith Woodley, hired in 1990 as the new City of Ashland Fire Chief, was handed the duties of
overseeing the management of City of Ashland forestlands and administering the new AFP.
8
The AFP recommended that the City Council establish a Forest Lands Commission to oversee
City forest management direction. Chief Woodley began initial implementation of forest and
resource management activities on City-owned lands by hiring Small Woodland Services, Inc. in
1995 to provide consulting and contracting services. It has been a highly successful management
relationship for over twenty years with invaluable professional forest management services
applied to the City of Ashland forest ownership. Simultaneously, the Ashland Department of
Parks and Recreation began more active forest, fuel, and trail management activities on City park
lands through efforts led by Jeff McFarland (Central Division Manager, Ashland Department of
Parks and Recreation). This active management was initiated first in response to the widespread,
insect-related demise of large Douglas-fir in the upland portions of Lithia Park causing a
significant increase in wildfire potential as the trees died and fell to the ground. Additional
forest management on Ashland Parks and Recreation forestland throughout the City also began,
most notably in Siskiyou Mountain Park.
The City of Ashland continued to be innovative in developing ecologically sound strategies for
managing forestlands and increasing public acceptance for active forest management throughout
the early 1990s. This approach was not yet common in southern Oregon because, during the
1980s and 1990s, loggers and conservationists squared off on opposite sides of the "'timber wars"
that erupted across the Pacific Northwest over efforts to save the northern spotted owl under the
Endangered Species Act and the creation of the Northwest Forest Plan on federal agency land in
1994.
The Active Management of Ashland Watershed Forestlands, 1995 - 2015
Beginning in 1995 with the hiring of Small Woodland Services Inc. and the advisory oversight of
the Ashland Forest Lands Commission, the City of Ashland began active management of their
forestlands with three primary objectives:
• Protection and promotion of the City's water supply
• Maintenance and promotion of forest health
• Reduction in the fire prone nature of the forestland through active management of
vegetation and fuels
The City ownership was divided into working management units based on existing stand
conditions, past management history, and the management objectives as outlined by the City.
Silvicultural prescriptions were developed for key areas in the ownership and non-commercial
work was begun to achieve those management objectives. Over two-hundred permanent plots
were installed that provided baseline data for existing conditions including stand exam and tree
data, stocking survey, canopy closure, snags, coarse woody material, soils, fuels, and vegetation
composition. The entire ownership was mapped for slope stability and geologic sensitivity.
These comprehensive data sets provided an ongoing source for project implementation and
effectiveness monitoring. The use of a recognized scientific methodology with the support of
actual data was beginning to build citizen acceptance of active forest management.
9
The 1990s also ushered in the beginnings of collaboration across property boundaries on public
and private ownerships. In 1997, the coordinated cross-boundary prescribed burn between the
Forest Service and the City was believed to be the first project undertaken using the newly-
created Wyden Amendment which allowed the Forest Service to conduct needed management
activities on adjacent private lands. This initial collaboration between the two primary owners in
the Ashland Watershed has blossomed into the positive outcomes currently being produced
under the Ashland Forest Resiliency Project (AFR).
In 1994, Fire Chief Keith Woodley and civic supporters created a funding source for City
forestland management from the Water Fund, which is derived from the sale of water to citizens.
These dedicated funds have allowed for active vegetation management projects and focused on
non-commercial thinning, brushing, as well as piling and burning as recommended in the
silvicultural prescriptions. Approximately 300 acres were successfully managed on the City of
Ashland ownership, reducing wildfire risk. Other work included
• conifer planting in select locations to shift long term species composition,
• native grass seeding in specific locations,
• invasive plants inventory and management/eradication plans, and
• trail maintenance and recreation management.
Due to insect-related conifer mortality and trees that were threatening the pipeline from Reeder
Reservoir, tree removal projects took place and a small volume of logs was sold to local mills.
Additional hazard trees were removed along trails.
The growing public acceptance for comprehensive forest management strategies resulted in the
2003 Restoration II project designed by the Ashland Forest Lands Commission. This project,
involving a timber sale, used helicopter harvest systems and was completed in 2004 removing
450,000 board feet (approximately 125 log truck loads) of merchantable timber. It was
primarily thinning-from-below of overstocked stands and included the harvest of fire-prone, dead
Douglas-fir (approximately 30% of the total volume). The sale was completed at essentially
breakeven costs to the City, and provided a model showing how removal of merchantable trees
could be undertaken in a program with clear objectives, especially those related to fire
management.
The Restoration 11 project expanded the possibilities for developing break-even helicopter
projects by demonstrating that carefully planned and implemented helicopter sales could occur at
low volumes per acre. Previously the minimum viable break-even harvest volume per acre was
considered to be about 5,000 board feet per acre. Restoration II removed approximately 2,400
board feet per acre within budget.
This work on City lands progressively began to provide the citizens of Ashland and local
resource professionals with examples of how key forest management goals could be achieved in
10
the Ashland Watershed area while simultaneously protecting both ecological and important
community values.
A prominent organization in this process continued to be the Ashland Forest Lands Commission,
the citizens' advisory group established in 1992 that provided a steady influx of able and active
residents who gave input to City staff and provided oversight for City forest management
activities. In the process, the City was able to gain direct input guiding its activities while
educating the public about the complex issues of forest and resource management in the Ashland
Watershed. Over the years, the list of volunteer commissioners on the Ashland Forest Lands
Commission has included an impressive list of forestry and natural resource professionals. In
addition, the list of non-professionals who became well versed in forest and resource
management is as impressive as the list of professionals involved. They provided a much needed
laymen's perspective on forest and resource management issues and brought thoughtful
strategies and community-based values to the table. All meetings were open to the public,
allowing additional avenues for transparent and creative citizen involvement.
In contrast to the work being completed on City of Ashland forestlands, there was an ongoing
Forest Service stalemate and lack of pro-active management activity on adjacent agency lands in
the Ashland Watershed. A proposed timber sale in 1997, locally known as HazRed, received
stiff opposition from local residents, including a vocal march on the local ranger station.
Eventually, the sale was withdrawn and a new collaborative planning process was initiated by
the district ranger, Linda Duffy, with a greater effort to incorporate local input. An ad-hoc group
of citizens formed the Ashland Watershed Stewardship Alliance (AWSA) which began meeting
regularly. This active group included a technical team of local professionals who provided
recommendations to the Forest Service for management of the Ashland Watershed (Ashland
Watershed Stewardship Alliance, 1999).
Eventually, a second proposal for management activity in the Ashland Watershed was offered by
the Forest Service (the Ashland Watershed Protection Project) which incorporated more of the
citizens' input in its design, including a proposed 17-inch diameter limit on trees to be harvested
in the watershed. Interestingly, the necessity of a diameter cap was strongly opposed by a vote
of group members in one of the last meetings of the AWSA, largely because of the improved
understanding of the complex issues surrounding ecologically sound management in the Ashland
Watershed.
The Record of Decision for the Ashland Watershed Protection Project authorized 145 acres of
logging, 1,141 acres of manual treatments, 263 acres of prescribed underburning and follow up
maintenance underburning on 1,152 acres (USDA - FS, 2001).
Throughout this period, as the citizens of Ashland became more aware of the complex issues
surrounding protection of their water supply and the various critical resources of the entire
Ashland Watershed, it was increasingly understood that the choice to do nothing was
unacceptable, and that the continued likelihood of a devastating high-severity fire would threaten
all of the values prioritized by Ashland residents. A handful of important factors were key to
developing public awareness and acceptance:
11
• Ongoing management on City forestlands, including a helicopter thinning timber sale, in
2004, provided an example of how ecologically and socially acceptable forest
management could be conducted.
• Numerous public and professional tours were conducted to view City management
activities, exploring the management actions in context, with extensive discussion of the
merits of the project. A similar situation was also occurring on Ashland Park lands,
where members of the public observed management activities designed to reduce fire
danger.
• A collaborative management style was developing on private, non-industrial lands in the
Ashland WUI that allowed for inclusion of ecologically sensitive forest and resource
management strategies by citizens who were more poignantly aware of the potential
impacts from large-scale, high severity fire.
• The ongoing role of the Ashland Forest Lands Commission encouraged citizen input
while increasing public awareness and education in the process.
• Beginning in 2000, the initiation of a series of fuels reduction grants through the National
Fire Plan administered by the City of Ashland for homeowners and landowners in the
Ashland WUI helped citizens to directly participate and understand the importance of
vegetation management activities in the larger landscape.
• Ongoing changes within the Forest Service recognized the importance of productive
interaction with the local community in the development of proposed forest and resource
management activities. (Of special note, Linda Duffy was temporarily removed from her
position as district ranger only to be subsequently re-instated, at least in part due to
citizen protest over her removal.)
One outgrowth of this process was the designation by the Forest Service of a single, on-point
individual to oversee a new developing project in the Ashland Watershed within federal
ownership which ultimately became the Ashland Forest Resiliency Project (AFR). This
encouraged more trusting and effective community involvement in agency planning and decision
making. Through careful and persistent education, citizen distrust of active intervention in forest
management was slowly replaced by the general public's ability to understand and address
important issues if given adequate information and valued as participants.
This framework of knowledge and trust provided a solid foundation with which to embark on a
much larger project in the Ashland Watershed in 2003-2004. Designed under the Healthy Forest
Restoration Act, this project allowed for consideration by the Forest Service of a community
alternative incorporated within a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Through an
extraordinary effort by a number of key players, the City of Ashland was able to design such an
alternative. This community alternative was submitted to the Forest Service for consideration in
2004 and was found to be consistent with agency goals. It was then largely adopted and blended
into the 2009 Record of Decision (ROD) for AFR. The acceptance of a community alternative
as the foundation of the ROD was precedent setting and further cemented the viability of the
12
collaborative process developed in Ashland and was the first of its kind under the 2003 Healthy
Forest Restoration Act (Sturtevant, 2007 personal communication).
Understanding the unique relationship of the City of Ashland with the Ashland Watershed, the
supervisor of the Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest, Scott Conroy, chose to appoint two
other organizations to help plan for and implement the Ashland Forest Resiliency Project ROD
under a Master Stewardship Agreement (MSA). Stewardship Agreements are a federal authority
that allows non-federal entities to partner in implementation of federal forest land management.
The City of Ashland brought expertise to the AFR Project, including technical ability
(silvicultural prescription writing, tree marking, and operational oversight), community
engagement and information sharing, and advocacy for additional funding.
The Nature Conservancy, which had been instrumental in helping develop the community
alternative in 2009, was added as a partner to bring scientific and environmental credibility to the
project, as well as both a local and national constituency.
The Lomakatsi Restoration Project brought established contracting capabilities, a workforce
training component, and good local acceptance for their ecologically sensitive approach for
implementation of forest management activities.
These four organizations, with the Forest Service as both the lead and an equal partner,
embarked on a collaboration strategy using the MSA to help implement this much-needed
project on Forest Service administered lands. In effect, the direct grass-roots citizen involvement
evolved into an operational project typical of professional management practices as conducted by
the agency. Connection with the local community was maintained through active participation
of the other three partners, who brought skills and community credibility to the project that might
otherwise not have been available within the agency.
In 2014, a larger landscape surrounding AFR was identified for treatments to reduce wildfire
potential on adjacent ownerships in a 53,000-acre footprint. In its sixth year of activity in 2015,
the partnership continued to retain broad public support for its work. The partnership
successfully implemented major treatments in the Ashland Watershed and continued to find a
variety of funding sources, including a City of Ashland utility bill surcharge, which began in
July, 2015. It has become a regional and national example of incorporating local social concerns
and expertise in the development of a federal agency project.
Community Education and Outreach
An important piece of the evolution of community attitude towards forest management is
ongoing education and outreach. Proactive engagement has allowed community members to
understand the ecological, political and public safety components of forestland management.
Community outreach fostered by the Ashland Forest Lands Commission and the Ashland Parks
and Recreation Commission along with City staff have played a significant role toward
increasing the public understanding and acceptance of forest stewardship.
13
Figure 1-1: Forestry Division Chief Chris Chambers speaking during an AFR Public Tour;
April 12, 2014
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Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission
The Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission has provided a variety of nature programs
through the North Mountain Park Nature Center. These programs teach monitoring skills,
stewardship, and interaction with the environment. Courses include bird, animal and plant
identification, water quality monitoring, bird counts, geology park/field study and Native
American cultural study.
Specific programs and class offerings can be viewed on the Ashland Parks and Recreation
website and in the recreation guides available to all Ashland residents and visitors. There are a
growing number of volunteer groups that assist with trail restoration and construction and control
of invasive species. One public school program of note is the adoption of Ashland Ponds by the
students at Helman Elementary School in partnership with the Lomakatsi Restoration Project and
the Rogue River Watershed Council, both of which are local non-profit organizations.
Students have spent many hours in study, research, and restoration of this area.
14
Table 1-3: Organizations / School Groups that have Participated in Forestry, Trails, and
Ashland Ponds Projects with the Ashland Parks and Recreation Department; 1993 to 2015
Americorps
Ashland Court Referred Community Service Program
Ashland High School
Ashland Mountain Adventures
Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission Volunteer Program
Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission Trail Host Program
Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission Youth Conservation Corps Program
Ashland Rotary Club
Ashland Wilderness Charter School
Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association
Boy Scouts of America
Bainbridge Island School
College of the Siskiyous
Hassell Family
Helman Elementary School
International Mountain Bike Association
Jackson County Fuel Committee
Jackson County Juvenile Restorative Community Justice
Job Council
John Muir School
Klamath Bird Observatory
Klamath Tribe
Lithia Boys Home and Girls Home
Lomakatsi Restoration Project
Medford High School
Northwest Youth Corps
National Park Service
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Oregon State University Spring Break Alternative Group
Oregon State University Extension Service
Phoenix High School
RealCorps
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI)
Rogue River Watershed Council
Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association
Saint Mary's School
Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
Southern Oregon University Mountain Bike Club
Southern Oregon University Outdoor Education Program
The Nature Conservancy
U.S. Forest Service
15
Figure 1-2: Lomakatsi High School Trail Crew on the Bandersnatch Trail, July, 2015
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Ashland Forest Lands Commission
The Forest Lands Commission's mandate incorporates elements of public education and
outreach, including:
• To ensure that plans integrate diverse opinions of citizens and private land owners.
• To promote public knowledge and acceptance of the Ashland Forest Plan programs.
Specific examples include public meetings, interpretive hikes, staffing at community events,
brochures and a watershed poster contest.
Table 1-4: Forest Lands Commission Outreach Activities
Activity Timeline
Staffing Earth Day Booth 2009 to 2014
Bear Creek Salmon Festival Participation 2009 to 2014
Ashland Watershed Map Contest 2011
Forestry Interpretive Hikes and Field Reviews 1995 to present
16
Ashland Fire & Rescue
Ashland Fire & Rescue has implemented numerous educational initiatives on private lands
through the Fire Adapted Communities Program and precursor efforts. Since its inception there
has been an increase in community wildfire awareness and acceptance of personal responsibility
for mitigation, forest stewardship and knowledge of the importance of the City's forestlands.
The 2009 Siskiyou Fire and 2010 Oak Knoll Fire unfortunately demonstrated the continued
potential for high-severity fire to impact the community. The Siskiyou Fire ignited on
September 21, 2009 during an unusually strong east wind. Through a combination of fortunate
factors, the fire was controlled before it crossed Tolman Creek Road, where it would have
threatened many more homes and advanced toward the Ashland Watershed.
On August 24, 2010 a grass fire near exit 14 on Interstate 5 spread over the freeway and into the
adjacent neighborhood, destroying 11 homes and damaging three more. Ashland Fire and
Rescue's new Firewise Communities Program grew rapidly due to the community awareness
created by these two wildfires.
Figure 1-3: Retardant Dro on the Siskiyou Fire
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17
Future Educational Needs
Continuation of programs that connect youth to the environment in active ways is important to
their development and wellbeing, future watershed management, and the financing of programs
to protect the watershed. Efforts under the AFR Project brought over 2,000 students from
Ashland Schools into watershed activities and education between 2010 and 2014 and will
continue with additional funding in 2015. Additional efforts to integrate forest and watershed
education into the Ashland School District curriculum are still under consideration, but have not
been fully developed as of 2015. The City will continue to promote public knowledge and
acceptance of Ashland Forest Plan (AFP) programs.
Examples of Expanding Community Involvement
Efforts to involve a broader spectrum of the Ashland community have resulted in valuable
engagement of the arts and business communities.
In January, 2010, the Ashland Forest Lands Commission sponsored an Ashland Watershed Map
Contest. The Commission offered a $500 prize in a competition to design a cartoon-like map of
the Ashland Watershed and city. The map was intended to function as a tourist map of Ashland
highlighting key features of the city and surrounding area. The contest was advertised in several
local publications including two articles in the Ashland Daily Tidings. The winner was selected
in April, 2010.
18
Figure 1-4: Winner of the Ashland Watershed Map Contest wAGtap
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Map courtesy of the City of Ashland, artist and winner: Pokey McFarland
In 2014 the Ashland Chamber of Commerce produced a fold out map to satisfy the need for a
comprehensive trail map for visitors and locals alike, and to help raise funds for the Ashland
Forest Resiliency project. The "Ashland Map" accomplished both goals and also became an
effective platform for education and outreach:
The mission of our educational map is to create awareness, expand
public understanding and foster stewardship of Ashland's outdoors and
resources. With the map you will learn of the value and history of
Ashland's watershed, from fire to water to a community settled because
of its alluring source. While showcasing the work done by the Ashland
Forest Resiliency project - past, present and future - the AFR initiative
provides crucial forest management for fire protection and better access
to AFR project areas to ensure the Ashland watershed is healthy and
continues to provide Ashland's unsurpassed livability for decades to
come. The map is produced by the Ashland Chamber of Commerce.
-Ashland Chamber of Commerce, 2014
19
In July 2014, the Watershed Art Group received a $3,000 grant from the Haines Philanthropic
Foundation. The Watershed Art Group is a community collaborative aiming to use art to inspire,
educate and involve community members of all ages in the stewardship of Ashland's forests.
This funding was awarded to a local artist who created the mosaic sculpture of the Pacific fisher
pictured below. The Pacific fisher, a member of the weasel family, was once thought to be rare
in the Ashland area, but now AFR multi-party monitoring efforts have located over 25 of these
forest carnivores in the vicinity of town. The increased understanding of the fisher's biology
demonstrates an interdependent mix of community awareness of forest ecosystem values in a
social and scientific context.
Figure 1-5: Watershed Art: Pacific Fisher Sculpture
9 _ f
Photos courtesy of the City of Ashland
In April 2016, the Ashland Visitor and Convention Bureau produced the "Ashland Map Guide"
which is a robust and picturesque guide to Ashland streets, parks, watershed, and trails, as well
as information on Crater Lake, Table Rocks, Cascade- Siskiyou Bikeway and Sky Lakes
Wilderness.
Surveys of Public Opinion, 2011 - 2015
Three separate surveys of public opinion were completed that specifically assessed the
perceptions of Ashland residents regarding the importance of adjacent forestlands, the potential
impacts of wildfire, the need for active management to accomplish important objectives, the
effectiveness of the AFR project, and other issues. Two of these surveys were multi-year. Each
survey used slightly different styles of assessment and areas of emphasis.
2011 and 2012 Shaffer et al. Surveys of Wildfire Public Opinion
In 2011, a Wildfire Public Opinion Survey (Shaffer, et.al. 2011) was commissioned by the
Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Cooperative (RVFPC) and the results were administered,
analyzed, and published by the Southern Oregon University Research Center. A Phase Two
Final Report was completed in 2012 (Shaffer et al. 2012). The intent of the project was to
measure the regional public's knowledge, attitudes, and behavior with respect to wildfire
prevention and preparedness. The results suggest that outreach efforts of the RVFPC and
partners have been successful in raising public awareness of wildfire risk.
20
2011 Preister Discovery Project
Another survey of Ashland residents, The Ashland Discovery Project: Citizen Issues and
Opportunities Regarding the Ashland Forest Resiliency Stewardship Project (AFR), was
completed in May, 2011 by Kevin Preister, PhD., of the Center of Social Ecology and Public
Policy (Preister, 2015)). On behalf of AFR partners, the City of Ashland requested that the
Center for Social Ecology and Public Policy use its Discovery ProcessTM to train and supervise a
team of volunteers to engage the citizens of Ashland in conversations about their watershed.
Two-hundred and thirteen people provided their input through discussions with team members
(139 as individuals and 74 in group settings). Preister's somewhat more personal and direct
approach to community assessment through direct individual, person-to-person contact allowed
for production of other community perspectives that might otherwise not have been obtained.
2012 and 2014 Shibley et al. AFR Public Perception Surveys
In 2012, an Opinion Survey of Ashland residents was conducted by the Southern Oregon
University Research Center (Shibley, et al.2012).The study population was adult residents of
Ashland, Oregon and the surrounding area. The sampling frame was registered voters in October
2011. The survey results were included in the 2012 report titled Public Perceptions of AFR
(Ashland Forest Resiliency) and Forest Restoration-Results from an Opinion Survey of Ashland
Residents and was part of a multiparty monitoring effort to track public support for this project.
The report summarized results from a public opinion survey measuring beliefs and attitudes
about forest conditions and management practices in the Ashland Watershed. Based on a
random sample of residents in Ashland and the surrounding area, this study is part of the
multiparty monitoring effort to track public opinion of the AFR project.
Summary of All Public Surveys
The three separate surveys of public opinion conducted between 2011 and 2014 present a good
composite view of social opinion and public perceptions about forest and resource management
in general and the work within the Ashland Watershed and interface in particular. In general, the
surveys arrived at a number of very similar conclusions, with a few noticeable differences:
• The importance of the forestlands around the City of Ashland in general and the Ashland
Watershed in particular as a place of special connection and high value to respondents
was evident in all of the surveys, with the possible exception the Shaffer surveys that did
not address that particular issue. It was described as an important part of why people
lived in Ashland, and in Shibley's first report, natural beauty and recreational use even
superseded the value of the water produced from that watershed.
• All surveys reported a general and broad scale of agreement on the need to, and
acceptance of, conducting active forest and resource management to accomplish
important goals and objectives. All of the surveys indicated a concern for the negative
effects of wildfire upon resources and other public values, and emphasized individuals'
21
sense of vulnerability to fire. The 2014 Shibley survey found an increasing acceptance
for active management and restoration in general, both locally and regionally.
• In both Preister's survey and Shibley's 2012 survey, there was a considerable lack of
knowledge and understanding about the AFR project. However, Shibley's 2014 survey
seemed to suggest that knowledge about AFR and its goals was increasing, although he
also reported a decreased approval of AFR goals, with strong approval decreasing from
85 to 50%.
Another key finding that may be somewhat unusual regionally and/or nationally was the
particularly high sense of trust amongst individual respondents for the primary organizations in
the AFR project, ranging from 70-90% in the 2014 Shibley survey. Additionally, strong support
for the two governmental organizations (Forest Service, City of Ashland) in both Shibley surveys
(80% or greater of full trust or some trust) is suspected to be well outside of the ordinary for
most of the country. Preister did not measure differences in levels of perceived trust of
organizations, although he does suggest generally broad areas of trust for the project.
Conclusion
Ashland has a long history of active citizen involvement in a wide range of issues, not the least
of which is interest in the natural environment. The close juxtaposition of the wildland urban
interface, Ashland Watershed and the City of Ashland itself has long been a source of concern
for Ashland residents. Protection of these water-producing forestland resources and the many
other valuable natural assets contained in the Ashland Watershed has been of paramount
importance for many decades.
However, the lack of frequent disturbance within the forest ecosystem, either natural (frequent
low-severity fire, endemic levels of insect and disease, wind, landslides, etc.) or planned
(thinning, prescribed fire, etc.) has resulted in an over-burdened system that is increasingly due
for an uncharacteristic, large-scale, high-intensity disturbance that would be both socially and
economically unacceptable. Years of social resistance to active intervention in forest
ecosystems, as exemplified by the "timber wars" of the 1980s and 1990s, only further limited the
potential for more ecologically appropriate management, making the area increasingly
susceptible to unintended negative outcomes.
Through thoughtful and persistent education and active engagement of the Ashland community
over a 25-year period, a more careful and reasoned approach to forest and land management has
been implemented, first on private and municipal lands in the area, and ultimately on Forest
Service land that encompasses most of the Ashland Watershed. The transition of the community
from one commonly opposed to active intervention to one supportive of careful stewardship of
the forest took place in a relatively short timeframe. This change is a clear example of how
integrating ecological and social values can provide a unique and timely response to issues of
critical importance to a forestland community. This 2016 Ashland Forest Plan hopes to move
our community further in the direction of long-term, sustainable stewardship of the priceless
social and ecological values that we are charged with managing.
22
Chapter 2
Water: Primacy and Practice
City forestlands within the Ashland Watershed are managed for the following values:
preservation of municipal water quality and quantity, maintenance and/or promotion of forest
and ecosystem health, and reduction in wildfire hazard and risk (City of Ashland, 2009).
Ashland Creek, which drains much of the northern flank of Mt. Ashland and flows through the
center of the downtown area, is the primary source of municipal water. Several smaller, named
creeks flow through Ashland including Clay, Hamilton, and Paradise creeks. Above Reeder
Reservoir, the West Fork of Ashland Creek and Weasel Creek also flow through the City's
Winburn Parcel. A wide variety of aquatic macro-invertebrates are found in the Ashland
Watershed. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management surveys have noted 25 rare or
unusual taxonomy classifications in this area (Bear Creek Watershed Council 2007).
Water Supply
City of Ashland customers consume a daily potable water total ranging from 2 to 7 million
gallons (MG), depending on the season and weather Hosler Dam was constructed in 1928 and
the resulting Reeder Reservoir, a new water impoundment facility, was filled. Reeder Reservoir,
provides 280 MG of untreated water storage, and the City maintains four tank reservoirs of
treated water totaling 7.1 MG (City of Ashland 2012). This treated water storage capacity results
in approximately one day of potable water for city-wide use during the high use season. City
planners generally view Reeder Reservoir as storing approximately 40 days of water for the City.
The City is also traversed by one large lateral from the Talent Irrigation District (TID), providing
additional water supply in dry years.
The City's single water treatment plant, approximately one mile below Reeder Reservoir on
Ashland Creek, was built in 1948 next to the City's original hydroelectric plant. This location, at
the bottom of several converging canyons, is at significant risk from wildfire, floods and rock
slides. The City continuously monitors the water system for over 100 contaminants including
coliform bacteria, micro-organisms, herbicides, organics, inorganics, and pesticides (Bear Creek
Watershed Council 2007).
Geology and Natural Processes in the Ashland Watershed
The primary geologic formations in the Ashland Watershed are the igneous Mount Ashland
batholith on the slopes of Mt. Ashland, and the sedimentary Hornbrook Formation lower down
toward the Bear Creek valley floor. The batholith contains granite and other igneous rocks
which readily decompose into the rounded pebbles, course sands, and granitic soils common in
the upper watershed. The silty sand of the surface soil ranges from a depth of a few inches to
about one foot, and is easily eroded. Landslide potentials are high, especially on slopes greater
than 50% or those exposed to the elements due to natural or anthropogenic disturbance (Bear
23
Creek Watershed Council 2007). The bedrock of the Hornbrook Formation is mostly sandstone,
shale and conglomerate, and does not erode as easily as the upland granitic soils.
Erosion and the resulting sedimentation are natural processes in the Ashland Watershed, but
human activity, which may cause flooding and high-severity wildfire can accelerate these
processes. Natural erosion of the Mt. Ashland granite results in the rounded stream cobbles and
course sand seen in the Ashland Creek watershed. Excessive sediment in streams adversely
affects aquatic habitats and the water quality needed for human uses.
Ashland has experienced large floods every 20-30 years since European settlement, including
1853, 1861, 1890, 1927, 1948, 1955, 1964 (the largest), 1974, and most recently, 1997. Recent
floods have overwhelmed or damaged the water and sewage system, roads, parks, and city
property, causing millions of dollars of damage to Ashland city property alone (Bear Creek
Watershed Council 2007).
The Ashland Watershed is heavily influenced by climate, with high summer temperatures and
low annual precipitation. Precipitation levels increase sharply with elevation, providing an
average 60 inches at the top of Mt. Ashland (7500 feet) and only 19 inches in town (1800 feet).
The Ashland Water Advisory Committee commissioned a 30-year climate model for the Ashland
Watershed in 2010, which predicted a modest increase in precipitation over that period, along
with a 2°C increase in average temperature (City of Ashland 2010a). Rain-on-snow events,
primarily at the 3500-4000 feet elevations, are significant contributors to potential flood-stage
creek flows.
Fisheries
Historical accounts indicate that Bear Creek was once "teeming with salmon" (Bear Creek
Watershed Council 2007). Bear Creek is considered a sensitive aquatic habitat by the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and historically an important spawning tributary to
the Rogue River for fall-run Chinook and winter Coho salmon, sea-run cutthroat trout, and
summer and winter steelhead. The Forest Service estimates that steelhead were plentiful all the
way up Ashland Creek, including the first mile of West Fork and East Fork, and within the first
mile or so of Hamilton, Tolman, and Clayton creeks (USDA - FS, 1995). Current steelhead
distribution on Ashland Creek is blocked by the Granite Street Dam which is well below the
confluence of the East and West forks. A general overview of the creeks and fish distribution as
well as City-owned parcels in the Ashland Watershed is shown in figure 2-1.
24
Figure 2-1: General overview of the creeks and fish distribution in Ashland Watershed
2016 Ashland Forest Plan Parcels
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Fisheries in the Ashland Watershed have historically supported five native salmonids:
• Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
• Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha)
• Steelhead (O. mykiss)
• Rainbow trout (also O. mykiss)
• Cutthroat trout (O. clarki)
Coho salmon within Ashland Creek were listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act
in May, 1997. Steelhead are the anadromous (ocean-going) variety of rainbow trout. Other fish
native to Bear Creek and its tributaries include Lamprey (Lampetra tridentata), Klamath
smallscale suckers (Catostomus rimiculus), speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), and reticulate
sculpin (Cottus perplexus). Fish distribution in perennial streams passing through City
forestlands are listed below (table 2-1). The same information for streams managed under the
Oregon Forest Practices Act is shown in table 2-2.
25
Table 2-1: Perennial Stream Segments with Fish Managed under the City Riparian
Ordinance
(0.79 miles / 13.53 acres)
Miles Miles Miles Total Riparian Riparian
Creek Perennial Perennial Intermittent Stream Management Management
Name Stream Stream Stream Miles Acres Area
with Fish
Ashland 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.23 4.73 APR-2
Creek AP
Ashland
Creek LW 0.31 0.00 0.00 0.31 2.93 LWR-1
IN City
Bear 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.25 5.87 APR-1
Creek
Table 2-2: Perennial Stream Segments with Fish Managed under the Oregon Forest
Practices Act
(3.04 miles / 77.71 acres)
Miles Miles Miles Total Riparian Riparian
Creek Perennial Perennial Intermittent Stream Management Management
Name Stream
with Fish Stream Stream Miles Acres Area
Ashland
Creek LW 1.45 0.00 0.00 1.45 34.42 LWR-1
Out City
Reeder 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.46 LW-Res
Res*
Weasel 0.40 0.00 0.00 0.40 6.52 WR-4
Creek
West Fork
WR- WR-
Ashland 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.77 17.92 3
Creek 3
Winburn 0.13 0.11 0.00 0.24 1.58 WR-8
Trib 2
Winburn 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.78 WR-7
Trib 3
Winburn 0.14 0.00 0.00 0.14 1.58 WR-5
Trib 5
Winburn 0.08 0.00 0.02 0.10 0.45 WR-6
Trib 6
*Reeder Reservoir has fish populations but no stream miles.
26
Ashland Creek Fishery
Ashland Creek is an important tributary to Bear Creek with approximately seven miles of stream,
extending from the headwaters of the West Fork down to the confluence with Bear Creek below
the City of Ashland's Wastewater Treatment Plant. The West Fork of Ashland Creek runs
through the City-owned Winburn Parcel before flowing into Reeder Reservoir, and empties a
drainage of approximately 6,966 acres (Bear Creek Watershed Council 2007). The East Fork of
Ashland Creek does not flow through City property and is not discussed here.
From the City's Water Treatment Plant located along Ashland Creek approximately one mile
below Reeder Reservoir, the creek proceeds through residential and commercial areas of
Ashland to its confluence with Bear Creek. It is a substantially confined, narrow channel with
little or no riparian area. The urban portion of the stream is considered meager fish habitat,
although, between Reeder Reservoir and the Winburn Way Bridge, the stream habitat is better as
it flows down through Lithia Park, but is still considered poor fish environment (Bennett 2000).
If properly restored, lower Ashland Creek would provide excellent habitat for juvenile Coho
(Williams et al., 2006).
The City of Ashland has a Water Resources Protection Ordinance which specifies development
guidelines and riparian buffers along streams and wetlands for all property within the city limits.
Forested private lands outside of city boundaries fall under jurisdiction of the Oregon
Department of Forestry and the Oregon Forest Practices Act. This law requires riparian buffers
of varying widths, depending on the size of stream and whether "game fish" are present.
Ashland Creek fisheries are divided into several distinct reaches, most of which flow through
City forestlands or Ashland Department of Parks and Recreation property. The lower reach
starts at the confluence with Bear Creek and gently slopes up to the Granite Street Dam,
approximately 2.5 miles upstream. This reach contains seasonal anadromous salmonids (Coho
and Chinook salmon), reticulate sculpin (Cottus perplexis), and rainbow trout, the catadromous
form of steelhead. In electroshocking surveys during the summers of 1997 and 1998, sculpin
accounted for 92-97% of all captured fish in lower Ashland Creek (Broderick, 2000). It's
possible that introduced warm-water fish from private ponds and Bear Creek have found their
way into the lower reach of Ashland Creek, including large and small mouth bass, black crappie,
bluegill, catfish, brown bullhead, yellow perch, carp, goldfish, and Gambusia (mosquito fish).
To date, several native fish including suckers, pacific lamprey and speckled dace have not been
found recently in Ashland Creek, although small-scale suckers were observed near Ashland in
Bear Creek as recently as 2000 (Broderick, 2000).
In August, 2012, the ODFW conducted a survey of a stretch of Ashland Creek below the Water
Street Bridge, showing that stream health was improving as the result of restoration projects. In
a 300-foot section of the creek, fish biologist Dan Van Dyke reported finding 246 trout fry, 180
steelhead between 3 and 11 inches long, eight Coho salmon, three Pacific giant salamanders
(Dicamptodon tenebrosus), and 167 sculpin. Native cutthroat trout are apparently no longer
present in this reach. (Wheeler, 2012).
The middle reach of Ashland Creek extends from above the Granite Street dam to Reeder
Reservoir, and is notable for an increasing gradient and narrow canyons. Rainbow and cutthroat
27
trout exist in this little-used reach of Ashland Creek (Bear Creek Watershed Council 2007).
Ashland Creek, from the confluence with Bear Creek to the Granite Street dam, supports a small
summer steelhead run, a January - May winter steelhead run, and November - December Coho
salmon run if water levels are adequate. Ashland Creek contains about three miles of spawning
and smolt-rearing area from Bear Creek to the Granite Street Dam. There is also a resident
rainbow trout population from this dam all the way down to Bear Creek.
Like any urban stream, lower Ashland Creek suffers from a variety of unavoidable street
pollutants which affect fish and aquatic life, including petroleum products, creosote, herbicides,
pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and metals (Baldwin et al., 2003; Hunter and Pyle 2004;
McPherson et al. 2004;). In Ashland, most storm drains and ditches run directly into tributaries
of Ashland Creek or Bear Creek.
Near the mouth of Ashland Creek, the City Wastewater Treatment Plant confines the channel
and treated water is discharged into the stream which elevates the overall temperature of the
creek. According to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), stream
temperatures near the outlet frequently exceed DEQ's water temperature criteria for fish (Oregon
DEQ, 2012).
Ashland Creek in Lithia Park is often closed to the public towards the end of summer due to high
E. coli concentrations. This bacteria indicates the presence of fecal matter, which enters the
creek from a variety of sources including wild and domestic animals, human activity in the
creek, improperly functioning septic systems, and illegal dumping. In 2010, Rogue Riverkeeper
and Southern Oregon University embarked on a field study to determine the causes of E. coli in
Ashland Creek. The resulting 2011 report found that the primary source of the bacteria was the
TID outfall near the top of Lithia Park. This 12-inch diameter pipe spills TID water into Ashland
Creek during the summer months to supplement low water flows due to the City Water
Treatment plant out-takes upstream. The TID water did not contain significant E. coli before it
entered city limits, but picked up the bacteria as it flowed through the southeastern part of town
in an open ditch (English, et al. 2011)
West Fork Ashland Creek
Above Reeder Reservoir, Ashland Creek is divided into two tributaries, West Fork and East
Fork. The West Fork of Ashland Creek runs upstream approximately 2.25 miles, flowing
through the City-owned Winburn Parcel. The most recent stream survey data for this reach is the
2001 West Fork Ashland Creek Stream Study (Bennett, 2001), a level-two stream survey
performed by the Siskiyou Research Group for the Forest Service.
The 2009 City Forest Lands Restoration Project Phase III: Winburn Parcel (Restoration III)
describes the West Fork Ashland Creek as flowing "through a colluvial canyon with steep,
narrow canyons containing moderately entrenched channels with low bankfull width-to-depth
ratios and moderate to high stream gradients. This valley-type is consistent with a good portion
of the creek as it flows through the Winburn parcel, particularly the portion below Weasel Creek.
Aquatic habitats on the creek consist of rapids, cascades with pocket pools, and plunge pools.
Another key aquatic habitat type on the Winburn Parcel, as a result of confluences with several
28
tributaries, is alluviated canyons characterized by discontinuous floodplains, scattered terraces,
and other alluvial deposits. These portions contain gravel and cobble substrates, side channel
habitat, and more spawning and rearing habitat, largely due to lower stream gradients. The
presence of these alluviated canyons and associated features on the Winburn Parcel is important
due to their relative scarcity on the West Fork Ashland Creek." (City of Ashland, 2009.)
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides web pages with live and historical data
on stream flow in the West Fork Ashland Creek:
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv/?site no=14353000&PARAmeter cd=00065,00060
Approximately 0.77 miles of the West Fork Ashland Creek flows through the Winburn Parcel.
This fork has five perennial tributaries feeding it, with Weasel Creek and four other unnamed
tributary containing fish. The Forest Service conducted stream surveys of West Fork in 1969-
1970, and again in 1990 in a survey called West Fork Ashland Creek Stream Study (WFACSS).
The West Fork was surveyed again in the 2001 WFACSS. The following table is a summary of
conditions found in the West Fork (figure 2-3).
Table 2-3: West Fork Ashland Creek key measurements in the past 50 years.
2001 West Fork Ashland Creek Stream Study (WFACSS), Reach 1 data
July 23, 1969 Sept 17, 1990 Sept 28, 2001
Water Temperature 58 degrees F 55 degrees F 47-52 degrees F
Stream Flow 8-9 CFS 3.3 CFS 2.3 CFS
Fish Species Cutthroat Cutthroat Cutthroat
Pool/Riffle ratio 10% pools 3% pools, 11% glides 16% pools, 83%
riffles (.19)
Large Wood Material unknown 153 pieces/mile 0.7/mile
The 2001 WFACSS reported that "cutthroat trout were the only species observed however some
identification was inconclusive and rainbow trout may be present in West Fork Ashland Creek."
Habitat conditions were fair to good.
Stream survey records from 1990 show that large woody material exceeded the desired amount
of 100 pieces per mile. However, the 2001 survey noted that large woody material was
significantly deficient. The reduction in large woody material after 1990 could be explained by
major floods in the intervening years. Pool-to-riffle ratio is low. Riparian vegetation is in good
condition, providing ample shade, although more conifer vegetation would be desirable.
Weasel Creek
Weasel Creek is a perennial creek running 0.4 of a mile to the West Fork of Ashland Creek.
Aside from some relic commercial recreation occurring along the stream for several decades
between 1890 and 1920, Weasel Creek is largely untouched by urbanization. Overall stream
29
habitat is excellent. It is a very small stream but supports a healthy population of native cutthroat
trout. A large landslide occurred during the 1962 flood, depositing large quantities of sediment
into the stream.
Clay Creek
Clay Creek begins on Forest Service land and runs 0.39 of a mile through City property in the
southeast corner of Siskiyou Mountain Park and the full length of the Southern Oregon Land
Conservancy's Oredson-Todd Woods. This creek is not part of the Ashland Creek watershed
and flows directly through residential areas in Ashland emptying into Bear Creek. Lower
reaches of this intermittent creek may be used by anadromous fish, and the Bear Creek
Watershed Council summarized the creek's condition as "Moderate-quality aquatic habitat (and
moderate-size fish community)." However, the portion of Clay Creek which flows through
Oredson-Todd Woods only maintains a local trout population. A natural waterfall in Oredson-
Todd Woods prevents migration of upstream fish populations, and just below the park, fish are
obstructed by many man-made barriers all the way down to the confluence with Bear Creek
(Bear Creek Watershed Council 2007).
Hamilton Creek
Hamilton Creek drains a small watershed east of the Clay Creek drainage, and flows directly into
Bear Creek. Only a tiny portion of Hamilton Creek crosses City property at the Alsing Tank
Reservoir. There is a native trout population at this point, primarily above the reservoir, near
Tolman Creek Road. It is unlikely this population can reach Bear Creek, due to piped,
residential stretches downstream. The mouth of the creek may be used by anadromous fish (Bear
Creek Watershed Council 2007).
Paradise Creek
In the northwest corner of Siskiyou Mountain Park, the upper reaches of Paradise Creek begin.
This intermittent stream does not contain fish. Like Hamilton and Clay creeks, Paradise Creek
also suffers from piped areas and barriers as it flows through residential areas of Ashland (Bear
Creek Watershed Council 2007).
Ashland Ponds
In 2008, the City began a unique collaboration with Lomakatsi Restoration Project, the Bear
Creek Watershed Council, Helman Elementary School, and the Ashland Parks & Recreation
Commission to rejuvenate City wetlands near the mouth of Ashland Creek, including areas along
Bear Creek, Ashland Creek, and a large pond at the site of an old gravel pit called the Ashland
Pond. This area was overgrown with Himalayan Blackberry and non-native grasses and trees.
Since the project began, with the help of students and parents from Helman Elementary School,
over 2000 native trees have been planted. With extensive blackberry clearing, heavy mulching,
semi-annual weeding, fertilizing and watering throughout the hot summer months, significant
progress has been made in returning this area to a more natural, open condition with native plants
(City of Ashland, 2015).
30
Conclusion
All of these waterways play a vital role in the health of City forestlands and the health of the
forest habitats used by wildlife and aquatic animals. Stream flows in Ashland Creek are usually
adequate for fish production. Temperatures are within limits for spawning and rearing. Riparian
vegetation and shade structures that are important for keeping water temperatures within healthy
limits are adequate. However, structural habitat (pools, gravel, and hiding cover) is only fair.
According to the ODFW, there are opportunities for structural habitat improvement projects.
31
Chapter 3
Recreation: Multiple Use Challenges and Opportunities
Introduction
The forestlands around the city of Ashland have been used for recreation by local citizens and
visitors for generations (Hess, 1986). The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) offer several
gateways via in-town trailheads to forestland owned by the City and to the larger Forest Service
ownership in the Ashland Watershed. At various times in Ashland's history, initiatives have
been explored and implemented by different government and private entities on City forestlands
to increase and enhance visitor use and promote the city as a forested destination, while at the
same time managing natural resources including wildfire risk and timber harvest (LaLande,
1980).
In 2005, the City of Ashland created a Trails Master Plan (TMP) to implement the vision of
providing Ashland with "a diverse network of trails that connects downtown, schools,
neighborhoods, and surrounding areas." The 2005 TMP covers City forestlands as well as other
City lands that do not fall under the scope of this 2016 Ashland Forest Plan (AFP). The 2005
TMP is an important reference and planning document to incorporate into City forestlands
management because it uses the City's forest lands trail system as the connector from urban
areas to the Forest Service managed lands, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy lands, and other
ownerships in the Ashland Watershed. The 2005 TMP identified the importance of developing
and maintaining City forestland trails appropriate to their natural surroundings, level of use, and
with regulations in place regarding the type of use for specific trails (City of Ashland, 2006).
In recent years, Forest Service and City personnel, as well as casual trail users, have noticed a
sharp increase in the number of visitors to the greater Ashland Watershed (USDA FS, 2014).
This recent escalation has impacted user experiences, strained natural resources and created
parking issues at trailheads on City lands. Increased use combined with the existence of
unsigned trails and unsanctioned, user-created trails has generated confusion and tension for trail
users.
The current management trend is to identify trails on City forestlands for specific uses or, in
some cases, multiple uses depending on user demand and natural resource management
objectives. Sanctioned and sustainable trails are regularly repaired, signed and maintained while
unsustainable trails are eliminated. In addition, trail managers try to create a challenging and
positive trail environment where some users are not motivated to build unsanctioned trails
(McFarland, 2015 personal communication).
In 2011 the Ashland Woodland Trails Association (AWTA), a local non-profit organization,
developed their own master plan which listed the current state of the trails system, uses,
concerns, conflicts and management recommendations (AWTA, 2011). As new types of trail
usage arise within the recreation community with the inevitable attendant concerns, the various
interested parties in Ashland are continually working together on developing adaptive
32
management solutions to protect and enhance the valuable resource of Ashland Watershed
forestland trails.
Trail Uses
Trail use in the City forestlands include: hiking, trail running, equestrian use, and mountain
biking. The purpose of regulating trails for specific uses is to reduce user conflict, enhance user
experience and to protect natural resources by promoting trail sustainability. In a typical year,
eight special-use permits are issued for events within the Ashland Watershed. Some of these
events have been occurring for decades and since City forestlands offer gateways to the Forest
Service land beyond, the permitted events are required to seek approval from both the City and
the Forest Service. These events draw nationwide attention to Ashland and bring fitness
enthusiasts, adventure seekers and spectators to town. Large events can adversely impact the
casual trail users and may result in temporary conflicts (AWTA, 2011 and USDA FS, 2014).
Fig 3-1: A hiker enjoying walking her dog on the Liberty Street trail in Ashland, Oregon.
I. ce d `f rte- x u. ~s y 5t
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Photo courtesy of Jeffrey McFarland
33
Hikers have been drawn to the lands surrounding the city for over a hundred years. According to
the Ashland Commercial Club's 1909 brochure, the Ashland Creek drainage, or "Ashland's
Grand Canyon" as they called it, offers "...stillness, music, incense, light and shade and
seclusion. What wonder that the young folks and old alike stroll through this cool retreat on
Sunday afternoons..." (Ashland Commercial Club, 1909). Hikers and their impacts are typically
concentrated closer to trailheads and are affected by parking availability. The heaviest use
occurs on the lower reaches of Road 2060 (both ends) and on the BTI, Alice in Wonderland,
White Rabbit, Toothpick, Jabberwocky, and Caterpillar Trails (USDA FS, 2014). The Forest
Service 2060 road is closed to vehicles for most of its length except for the portion between
Morton Street and White Rabbit Trailhead and may be used by hikers looking for a longer route
on a gentle grade. Many hikers and some trail runners bring dogs with them on their adventures.
Trail running has gained popularity more recently and this use often starts on City forestlands
and extends to the Forest Service trails. Trail runners may start in the city itself and access
Forest Service trails in the upper watershed via City forestland trails with trail runners looping
via multiple trails. Other runners park at City trailheads to begin their runs. The trail running
community has a history stretching back several decades of organizing weekly group runs which
start in downtown Ashland and may include 10-20 participants. Several permitted events
sponsored by the running community that use City forestland trails include the Lithia Loop Trail
Marathon and the Mt. Ashland Hill Climb Run (AWTA, 2011).
Equestrian use of City forestland trails is infrequent due to the steepness of trails and lack of
suitable trailer parking. It has become even less common recently due to conflicts with mountain
bikers. (AWTA, 2011 and USDA FS, 2014).
Off-highway vehicle use is prohibited on Ashland forestland trails.
The 2011 AWTA Trails Master Plan provides an excellent summary of the evolution of
mountain biking and how it has led to new kinds of trail construction and use, and how this
evolution has affected other trail users. Modern downhill mountain bikes are manufactured to go
faster and achieve higher and longer jumps. Many current mountain bikers ride downhill only.
The greater Ashland Watershed provides superior opportunities for rapid descent due to the
approximately 5,000 foot elevation differential between Mount Ashland and the City of Ashland.
These extreme downhill mountain bikers frequently finish their descents via the City forestlands
trail system. With their increased speed and interest in doing tricks and jumps, their recreational
needs can present a disruptive and dangerous feature when other trail users are present.
34
Fig 3-2: Mountain biker on Lower Waterline Trail while participating in the "Super D"
race during summer of 2011.
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Photo courtesy of Jeffrey McFarland.
Extreme mountain bikers employ local shuttle drivers and have organized themselves to enhance
their riding experience but also to reduce conflicts with other uses. One of their main concerns is
that their bikes are built for a different kind of trail than the narrow switch-backing trails that
previously existed on City forestlands. The lack of suitable trails for this extreme mountain
biking has led to the creation of unsanctioned trails built specifically for rapid downhill descent
(AWTA, 2011). Traditional mountain biking on City forestland trails still occurs, but the
cumulative impact of increased numbers and intensity of the extreme mountain bikers has
reduced traditional mountain biking on the trail system.
Camping is not a sanctioned use on City forestlands, but transients do use City forestlands and
City forest trails for illegal camping. Homeowners with property adjacent to City forestland
trails regularly express apprehension about the threat of wildfires from campfires started by this
illegal activity (City of Ashland, 2014b).
35
Use of Ashland forestland trails for hunting and fishing is minimal due to road and Reeder
Reservoir zone closures, the proximity of infrastructure and the non-hunting/fishing individuals
that frequent these trails. Fortunately, there is an abundance of more accessible and appropriate
forestlands for this type of activity in surrounding areas.
Cross-country skiing is rare on trails within City forestlands but has been known to occur during
excessively snowy conditions. Skiers may enter forestlands from the city, but more typically
they start at Mount Ashland and use Forest Service trails to descend into town, traversing over
City forestland trails near the end of their expedition.
36
Figure 3-3: Trail overview map
hland Ponds
k`N ~ - 2Q16 Ashland Forest Plan Parcels
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37
Table 3-1: The total miles of trail on City lands by use type for each parcel.
Trail use by type in miles per parcel
Use Type
Forest Land Parcels Hike Hiker/Equestrian Multi Bike Hike/Bike Total trail
Only Only Use Only Only length
Ashland Ponds 0.15 0.27 0.42
Alsing Reservoir 0
Burnson - Lawrence 0.11 0.19 0.30
Cottle - Phillips 0.22 0.01 0.23
Crowson Reservoir 0.09 0.04 0.13
Granite Street 0.43 0.43
Hitt Road 0.05 0.05 0.05
Hald - Strawberry 1.19 1.19
Liberty Street 0.09 0.09
Lower Watershed 0.75 2.49 0.40 1.04 1.48 6.32
Oredson Todd Woods 0.5 0.28 0.78
Siskiyou Mountain 2.37 2.37 4.74
Park
Upper Lithia 1.71 0.39 2.10
Total trail length 5.90 2.49 5.71 1.20 1.48 16.78
per user type
Conflicts and Challenges
User Conflicts
Conflict happens in recreational settings when a user's expectation and desire for a positive
recreational experience are not met. Such conflict occurs more frequently with increasing use
and multiple use (USDA - FS, 2014). Conflict may arise between users in the same or different
user groups. User conflict is experienced uniquely by individuals. What one individual deems
as appropriate and an enjoyable recreation experience can be judged by another user as an
unacceptable and unfulfilling recreational activity.
The primary user conflict in the Ashland Watershed is between downhill mountain bikers and
pedestrians (hikers, runners, and dog walkers), and to a lesser extent, equestrians (USDA - FS,
2014). Pedestrians have reported becoming startled and fearful of near misses by extreme
downhill mountain bike riders. The 2006 Ashland TMP also identified off-leash dogs, dog
waste, and untenable noise as sources of user conflict between user groups (City of Ashland,
2006). It should be noted that the proximity of City forestlands to private residential property
also creates potential user conflict between homeowners and trails users. This conflict is
generally comprised of noise and visual disturbances, as well as perceived threats of trail-user
created wildfires and the use of City forestland trails to establish transient camps in the broader
Ashland Watershed (City of Ashland, 2006 and City of Ashland, 2014).
38
User conflict may be mitigated by creative trail design and by regulating the type of use on
specific trails. According to the Forest Service, "...inadequate trail design can contribute to
conflict because of inadequate sight distance, sharp switchbacks, narrow trails directly down the
fall line, and overall inconsistent design on a particular trail" (USDA - FS, 2014).
User conflict generally increases on the Ashland forestland trails closest to the city. The Forest
Service has identified the east side of Ashland Creek, in the vicinity of White Rabbit trailhead,
on the Alice in Wonderland, White Rabbit, and Caterpillar trails as having the highest user
conflict. City forestlands that have experienced high user conflicts include the area below the
BTI Trail where the Waterline Trail meets the Bandersnatch and BTI Trail intersections. The
City sees an opportunity for ways to lessen user conflicts when new tie-in trails are developed to
connect with the Forest Service trails in their Ashland Trails Project.
An additional area where user conflict has occurred is the top section of the Alice in Wonderland
trail which traverses Forest Service land and three private properties before entering City
forestland. The City has worked successfully with AWTA to obtain two of three trail easements
needed to reconstruct, reroute, and separate trail traffic onto a future Alice in Wonderland trail
and a new Bandersnatch trail to mitigate user conflicts. The City continues to seek the final
easement to make this connection for a reroute a reality.
Accessibility to trails is the most important factor that contributes to specific high-use rates with
attendant high rates of conflict in the Ashland Watershed. The east side of Ashland Creek is
more heavily used by extreme mountain bikers due to the easy location of shuttle drop-off points
which concentrate users in this area (USDA - FS, 2014). Due to the nature of the topography
and a lack of roads for shuttles, the west side does not experience a similar level of extreme
mountain biking and thus user conflict is less frequent. Accessibility as a factor contributing to
user conflict plays an important role in creative management of City forestlands because these
forestlands serve as the gateway to the Forest Service trails and may serve as both the entry and
exit through which most users obtain their trail recreation experience.
Trail Sustainability
Most of the trails within the City forestlands are authorized trails, and approximately two thirds
of them receive annual maintenance with a goal of trail sustainability (McFarland, 2015 personal
communication). According to the Forest Service, "a sustainable trail reflects a condition where
soil movement is limited to that which can be addressed through annual or bi-annual
maintenance" (USDA - FS, 2014). Annual maintenance focuses on clearing vegetation to
promote safe passage and sight distance, rerouting problem sections, removal of hazard trees,
maintenance or replacement of trail signs, and upkeep of drainage structures to reduce erosion.
The recent proliferation of unsanctioned trails provides the biggest threat for soil erosion as they
are not constructed with a focus on resource protection. However, it should be noted that even
sanctioned City forestland trails may suffer negative complications during unique weather events
or from intense use... a complication that did not exist when the trails were originally constructed
(McFarland, 2015 personal communication).
39
Figure 3-4: Jason Minica, Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission employee, hauling
gravel with a Trail-Toter during construction of Rich's Trail above Lithia Park.
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Photo courtesy of Jeffrey McFarland
In 2007, there was a marked increase in unapproved trail building for the specific purpose of
increasing riding challenges for extreme mountain biking. During this time there was also an
increase in reports of user conflicts (USDA - FS, 2014). The construction of unapproved trails
on Forest Service land, which is often accessed via City forestlands, came to a head in 2010
when a mini-excavator was used to construct unapproved trails in the area below Coggins Saddle
(Four Corners). On a positive note, community outreach and education by the City, the Forest
Service, and user groups has subsequently decreased the rate of unapproved trail construction
(USDA FS, 2014).
40
Figure 3-5: Trail work crew performing "rough-in" work on new Red Queen Trail.
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Photo courtesy of Torsten Heycke
41
Figure 3-6: High School students from the Lomakatsi Summer Youth Outdoor Program
working with Ashland Parks to install crib logs on lower Bandersnatch Trail on a trail's
workday. These students were from five different high schools in the area that were
participating in the program. They worked with the Ashland Parks & Recreation crew for
two days on the new section of Bandersnatch Trail.
4
Lam, `
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Photo courtesy of by Jeffrey McFarland
42
Management Recommendations
it is expected that the use of City forestland trails for running, hiking, equestrian use, and
mountain biking will increase in the future. Users will continue to seek out high-value recreation
experiences in the Ashland Watershed and utilize the City forestland trailheads to access the City
forestlands themselves and Forest Service lands beyond. The City is committed to collaborating
and partnering with Federal, State, and local jurisdictions, businesses, public and private schools,
user groups, and individual citizens to provide trail users with a safe and gratifying experience
while protecting the array of natural resources that the Ashland Watershed offers (City of
Ashland, 2006). Below is a list of some specific goals identified by Jeffrey McFarland, the
Central Division Manager for Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission, for the future of the
city's trail systems:
• Enhance trail connectivity within the city limits (by obtaining easements, additional trail
connections on right of ways, park areas, etc.)
• Develop additional sustainable and appropriate trail connections along or within several
designated corridors that are identified in the 2005 TMP (i.e. Ashland Creek Corridor,
Wrights Creek Corridor, Tolman Creek Corridor, Talent Irrigation District (TID)
Corridor, etc.)
• Increase sustainable and appropriate trail connections in the WUI
• Work to accomplish regional trail connection goals including the Grizzly Peak Trail
Connection and expansion of the Greenway Trail out to Emigrant Lake
(McFarland, personal communication 2015)
To achieve these goals, the Ashland Forest Lands Commission developed the following
management recommendations:
• Continue managing trails to promote sustainability and reduce the creation of
unsanctioned trails
• Retain social and natural resource monitoring protocols and adaptive management
strategies
• Continue community outreach and education
Maintain collaboration with Federal, State, and local jurisdictions, businesses, public and private
schools, and citizens
43
Chapter 4
Wildlife in the Ashland Creek Watershed
City of Ashland forestlands contain a variety of wildlife habitats ranging from the Riparian
Management Areas (RMAs) through the drier lowlands, to the forests above Lithia Park and on
into the Reeder Reservoir area and the Winburn parcel in the upper reaches of the Ashland Creek
watershed. Throughout the varied City forestlands, there are six parcels with 20 different RMAs
identified that cover 96 acres and 5.22 miles of stream. (See Management chapter, Tables 11-1
and 11-2 for details.) These diverse wildlife habitat areas lie on the northern slopes of the
Siskiyou Mountains, a range known for its significant biodiversity (Wallace 1992). Even with
significant urbanization and the resulting mix of non-native trees, this area continues to provide
nesting and foraging habitat for migratory songbirds, woodpeckers, owls and other raptors as
well as browse for deer and smaller herbivores, and habitat for carnivores such as raccoons,
bobcats and other animals.
The Ashland Watershed, including the Winburn Parcel, is home and breeding ground for many
species of birds. In fact, the Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific Northwest have the highest
densities of birds of all coniferous forests in North America (Altman and Alexander 2012, Weins
1975). Many of these bird species are declining in population due to development, land and
vegetation management, and possibly as a result of vegetation changes in the absence of fire.
Birds are commonly used as indicator species due to their diversity and abundance, ease of
census, and close associations to habitat and mobility.
Sensitive Species
Many sensitive wildlife species potentially exist on City forestlands, both within the city limits
and in the Ashland Watershed. Identification and counts for these species are infrequent, with a
few notable exceptions, so it is difficult to determine exactly how many sensitive species appear
on City property, and in what concentrations.
The state of Oregon and the federal government maintain separate lists of threatened and
endangered species, although the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service include all
state listed sensitive species. Oregon's Sensitive Species Rule (OAR 635-100-040) defines
"sensitive species" as those which are facing one or more threats to their population or habitat.
Species added to this list are often candidates for the more stressed designations of "threatened"
or "endangered."
The Winburn Parcel provides some dispersal and foraging habitat for the spotted owl and other
raptors. The spotted owl prefers dispersal habitat where forests contain average tree diameters
greater than 11 inches (28 cm), greater than 40% canopy cover, and open areas under the canopy
for flight (Davis et al, 2005). Some areas have the potential to meet nesting, foraging and
dispersal habitat requirements for spotted owls, primarily along the riparian corridor of Ashland
Creek. Legally mandated protection of spotted owl habitat values is an important consideration
affecting management directions and possibilities.
44
The rare Pacific Fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica) was not known to occupy the Ashland
Watershed until work on the Ashland Forest Resiliency (AFR) project began in 2010. Of the 26
fishers discovered by the Forest Service throughout the Ashland Watershed in 2015, telemetry
shows that fishers sometimes enter Siskiyou Mountain Park. The United States Fish & Wildlife
Service (USFWS determined in April of 2016 not to list the Pacific Fisher as "threatened" under
the federal designation.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reversed course from its earlier stance of 18 months ago and
declined threatened-species protection for fishers in part because of voluntary and proactive
wildfire and conservation measures improving forest health and fisher habitat in Ashland
Watershed forestlands.
General Management Goals for Wildlife
In 2009, City Forest Lands Restoration Project: Winburn Phase III spelled out wildlife goals for
the Winburn parcel,.
• Efforts will be made to increase the structural diversity of forest stands across the
landscape.
• Hardwoods, especially California black oak, will be retained and encouraged where
appropriate.
• Existing canopy gaps will be utilized to maintain structural diversity across the
landscape.
• Where possible, a multi-layered canopy will be retained or encouraged. Fuel hazard and
density-reduction goals will be weighed with other goals.
• Additional coarse woody material will be added to the forest floor, if a need has been
identified on a unit basis, to provide needed micro-habitats.
• Snags will be retained unless they pose a hazard or conflict with other management
objectives.
• Should removal of non-commercial trees be inadequate to reduce stand densities to
desired levels, snag creation, as opposed to removal of large trees, will be considered to
meet future snag and coarse woody material goals.
• Cutting trees within riparian transition zones (100-300 feet of streams and draws) will be
minimized if fuel hazard reduction goals can be met. Within riparian zones, thinning will
entail either girdling or retention of downed trees on site as coarse woody material unless
there is an associated hazard.
• While recognizing that there will be an effect on terrestrial mollusks, salamanders and
other organisms, activities will minimize the impact on terrestrial wildlife.
45
Several common wildlife species within Ashland are considered nuisance animals by some
residents and staff, including raccoons, deer, and turkeys. Sightings of black bears and mountain
lions within city limits result in special warning signs posted at nearby City parks and properties
to help minimize surprise encounters, although there is no record of any such encounters
resulting in human injury. In August, 2015, Mayor John Stromberg held a "Deer Summit" to
garner public input on Ashland's growing deer population and potential management strategies.
No consensus was reached at that meeting.
46
Chapter 5
Climate Change: Global Yet Local
An emerging science is currently being developed to address projected global climate change.
The subsequent impacts on forest ecosystems and human values, and the opportunities for
adaptation of management strategies to accommodate these changes is a new and unsettled field
of study. Given a high level of uncertainty about specific changes in the Ashland Watershed
from impending climate change, most frameworks for present and future management suggest
flexible approaches, ongoing monitoring, learning, and subsequent adaptive management.
Important changes in forest and resource management strategies will have to occur on a much
larger spatial and temporal scale than addressed in this 2016 Ashland Forest Plan (AFP).
However, it is not a responsible option for the City of Ashland to do nothing.
The City will be challenged to integrate adaptive strategies that help ecosystems accommodate
climate changes over time while encouraging mitigation strategies in our own jurisdictions that
can help reduce human-caused influences on global climate. Adaptive strategies include
resistance options (delay the impacts and protect highly-valued resources), resilience options
(improve the capacity of ecosystems to return to desired conditions after disturbance), and
response options (expedite transition of ecosystems from current to new conditions). Mitigation
strategies include reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing options to
sequester carbon because forests are widely thought to be the most efficient terrestrial carbon
accumulating system (Millar et. al 2007).
Management Objectives
Fortunately, management objectives and implementation strategies initiated over 20 years ago on
City lands will continue to have climate-change relevance under the 2016 AFP, and contribute to
the larger landscape's ability to adjust to future variability in temperature and precipitation.
These management objectives include
• reducing the likelihood of high-severity fire through strategically placed fuels treatments
and subsequent implementation of prescribed underburning to maintain reduced fuels and
less fire-prone conditions;
• managing for both development and maintenance of older forests that may sequester and
retain large amounts of carbon over time;
• focusing on protection and restoration of diverse forest structures, plant communities and
associated genetic resources which are important mechanisms of resilience;
• emphasizing multiple species management including species well-selected to thrive in
future warmer and drier conditions, such as pines, hardwoods and shrub species (within
prescribed spatial considerations for their potential to aggravate fire potential and
hazard); and
47
• monitoring and control of invasive species that are prone to establishment and/or
expansion in changing climates.
The short-term focus for the City forestlands managed under the 2016 AFP will continue to be
on adaptive strategies that improve overall ecosystem resistance and resilience from major
perturbations, most notably from high-severity wildfire. This focus is of paramount importance
for the City, not only on our lands but on associated Forest Service lands in the Ashland
Watershed. The management dilemma that consistently presents itself is the conflict between
strategies that reduce high-severity wildfire (namely, reductions in stand density and associated
fuels that lessen the likelihood of potential negative impacts from a high-severity disturbance
from insects and/or wildfire) and the above mentioned climate-change mitigation strategies (that
is, maximizing options to sequester carbon because forests are widely thought to be the most
efficient terrestrial carbon accumulating system).
The widely accepted hierarchy of community values attributed to forestlands in the Ashland
Watershed, including municipal water production, late-successional and at-risk species habitat,
and community recreation, must be able to live alongside compromises to those values that are
driven by management strategies reducing the potential of high-intensity wildfire. This suggests
that stand-density reductions and fuels management will continue to be an integral part of City
forestlands policy. This is even more important given the potential for wildfire impacts on lives
and property within the Ashland wildland urban interface.
These management directions may, in fact, not be positive in terms of mitigation strategies that
sequester carbon and/or reduce the carbon footprint in the short-term, i.e., they could be carbon
neutral or even a net negative. However, until such time that the Ashland Watershed morphs
into a more resistant and resilient condition in the face of high-severity events, active
management to reduce this potential and protect the important multiple values, will continue to
be prioritized above retention of trees solely to achieve short-term carbon sequestration.
The City will continue to use, whenever possible, multiple conservative interventions in the
manipulation of vegetation that provide incremental steps and reversible directions if needed.
These vegetation manipulations will be designed to, on the one hand, reduce the potential for
high-severity insect, disease and/or fire-related events through strategic biomass reductions.
And, on the other hand, emphasize strategic retentions that minimize potential adverse effects
from slope failures and debris slide initiation, which will likely increase in frequency with the
more severe storm events predicted in future climate change scenarios. Balancing these
objectives will be a continuing challenge in the years to come.
The City will continue to rely on increasing our understandings of historical ecology that will
inform us about past environmental dynamics and ecosystem responses to changes in our
watershed over the past 150 years and earlier. This plan recognizes that we should not rely on
past forest climate conditions and assume a steady weather regime to provide us with adequate
targets for current and future management. More important than identifying historically accurate
analogs is understanding the dynamics of vegetation development, functional processes and
disturbance ecology that have produced existing species combinations and stand structures and
48
how they developed into the conditions we have today. The 2016 AFP is designed to move
existing stand and vegetation conditions, through "planned disturbances", to conditions that are
both more resistant and resilient to major perturbations, but also help achieve current City
designated objectives.
Conclusion
The City forestlands and the conjoined Ashland Watershed are uniquely positioned to test future
impacts associated with climate change given the steep environmental gradient and eco-system
variation that exists in the eight linear miles from downtown Ashland to the top of Mt. Ashland.
Temperature and moisture regimes, which are the key environmental factors that will be
modified with climate change exist in a wide variation within this swath of forestland. The
naturally occurring differences makes for an ideal location from which to assess changes to
individual vegetation and animal species over time and to identify adaptations and make
adjustments.
The City is in a notable position to monitor changes over time, and perhaps help discern the rate
of change and the consequences related to climate change through the continued use and analysis
of existing and future data acquired through monitoring on City forestlands. This will help test
the effectiveness of existing strategies aimed at improving resistance and resilience of our
forests, as well as testing future response options and/or mitigation strategies relative to climate
change. At some point in the future, a more resistant and resilient vegetation on a landscape
level will occur at which time long-term retention of the ensuing robust vegetation profile will
hopefully provide important and sustainable carbon sequestration values.
49
Chapter 6
Invasive Plants: A Nuisance By Any Other Name
Invasive Species - A nonnative species whose introduction is likely to cause or has the potential
to cause economic or environmental harm to an ecosystem or harm to human health or
commerce (Clinton 1999).
Noxious weeds: A term that generally refers to native or non-native plants introduced into an
ecosystem that tend to be aggressive, poisonous, toxic, difficult to manage and/or otherwise
undesirable or threatening for healthy ecosystem functioning (City of Ashland 2009).
The terms noxious weed and invasive plant are sometimes used interchangeably, which is not
always accurate. All noxious weeds are invasive, whereas not all invasive plants are noxious
weeds. Decades ago, agency control programs targeted plants that had adverse effects on human
health, agriculture, and livestock. Those plants were then called noxious weeds. In recent years,
control programs have included plants that had adverse ecological effects, particularly exhibiting
the detrimental invasive habits and they were labeled invasive species. Today, noxious weeds
and invasive plants are both generally regarded as plants with adverse social, economic, or
ecological effects. Generally, noxious weeds take a higher priority because of their more
aggressive nature and propensity to cause greater ecological or other detriment. Plants that may
be less aggressive state-wide, could be more aggressive within the Ashland Watershed
ecosystem and be considered locally noxious. For example, this is the case for both noxious
pampas grass and butterfly bush along portions of the Oregon Coast, though those plants are not
considered noxious in our inland valley environment.
Integrated Pest Management Policy
On lands administered by the Ashland Department of Parks and Recreation, invasive plant
populations will continue to be managed under the existing Integrated Pest Management Policy
adopted by the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission on May 24, 2010 and last revised on
April 28, 2014 (City of Ashland, 2010). Ashland Parks and Recreation Department's Integrated
Pest Management Policy is based on park planning and design, manual maintenance, ecological
and organic controls, and, as a last resort, use of chemical herbicides. The department works to
reduce or eliminate the use of herbicides and will conduct an annual review of invasive plant
management activities, which will include written suggestions to the Parks Commission for the
further reduction of herbicides and for alternatives to their use.
On City forestlands, under the stewardship of the Ashland Forest Lands Commission (AFLC),
the removaVeradication guidelines are consistent with the City's historic management of noxious
weeds without the use of chemical herbicides with a process for City Council approval if a rare
ecological threat is identified.
50
Types of Invasive Plants
Invasive plants come in many varieties and sizes, from trees to vines to shrubs, and the damage
they can cause is just as varied. If left unchecked, many invasive plants can cause the eventual
demise of desired plant species, alter wildlife habitat or directly threaten animals, choke
waterways, or increase the intensity of a wildfire.
Trees
Invasive trees usually seed themselves very rapidly or root sprout, and become too abundant in
the landscape, thereby outcompeting wanted varieties. Removals are generally manual and
involve chain-saws and excavation. The long-term control technique is simply aggressive
removal so they do not reseed. For a tree stump or root sprout, removal might include a cut and
treatment with herbicide for control in a specialized circumstance in accord with the proper
policy guidance.
Shrubs and Vines
Shrubs and vines come in many different forms, from blackberries to English laurel. They tend
to smother an area causing a loss of landscape plant diversity and can have detrimental effects on
larger specimen trees. Non-native invasive shrubs and vines typically outcompete the
surrounding plants as they possess an advantage in their new environment because the insects,
diseases, and animals that would normally control them are often not found here. Damage to
surrounding trees can range from excessive weight causing limb or full stem breakage down to
superior ability to consume available water and soil nutrients.
Removal can include manually lopping and sawing some of the larger areas and, in the case of
blackberries, cutting them down with a tractor mounted flail mower. Eradication of invasive
shrubs and vines becomes challenging when they are mixed with desirable plants, a situation that
involves a labor-intensive removal procedure. Long-term control techniques may include
systematic continual removal only, or cutting and treating each stem with an herbicide in a
narrowly targeted special circumstance following City policy.
Grasses/Annuals
Invasive grasses and grass-like plants can blanket receptive landscapes and prove challenging to
control. Some propagate by use of stolons (rooting structures that spread along, or under the
ground) that produce more plants from the roots. Annual grasses such as hedgehog dogtail
reseed themselves every year and can become difficult to control.
Annual plants (non-grasses) can also be challenging. Examples are yellow star thistle
(Centaurea solstitialis) and puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris). Like annual grasses, annual
invasive plants spread by seed and can be extremely aggressive and resist control. The seed
source needs to be eliminated each year until seeds are exhausted. Removal can be manual, by
machine, or even by carefully applied fire during the right season (usually fall).
51
Ground Covers
Invasive ground covers can smother susceptible large areas and outcompete native and desired
plants. An example of an invasive ground cover is Vinca major also known as Bigleaf
periwinkle. These ground covers are hard to remove because of all the rooting locations.
Removals can be manual, by machine (if areas allow), or by using cardboard to for an extended
time to smother plant material. Long-term control involves vigilance in eradicating the new
shoots as they arise by manually removing or possibly using narrowly applied herbicide
applications in a persistent outbreak following City policy.
Rooting Species (Rhizomes)
Some species survive and spread via various pathways, including underground. The challenge is
that pieces of the plant, such as root (rhizome) pieces or stem segments, can easily relocate and
start a new colony elsewhere. Removal/eradication can take all forms-from manual to
chemical. Long-term control takes persistent prescriptions from cut, remove, and digging to
burning or possible biological or chemical treatments with the proper policy guidance.
During the development of the 2016 AFP, existing City documents were reviewed and a
comprehensive list of invasive plants that occur on City lands was created. This list can be found
in the Inventory chapter and will standardize the invasive plant species nomenclature used in the
2016 AFP.
The 2016 AFP Attribute Table lists invasive plants by unit, logs the last year treated, and type of
treatment(s) accomplished. Each unit also has recommendations for the next invasive plant
treatment and the projected year the treatment(s) will be accomplished.
Invasive Plant Treatment Definitions
IST-1) Manual treatments - mowing, weed-eating, cutting, grubbing, mulching,
pruning, pulling/weeding, burning, root barrier installation, piling and
burning, smothering
IST-2) Mechanical Treatment - brush flail
IST -3) Herbicide Treatments - organic herbicide spraying, cut/puncture/drip
organic herbicide application, herbicide spraying, manual herbicide
application, cut/drip herbicide application.
(City of Ashland 2011)
52
Chapter 7
Infrastructure: The Ties That Bind
Infrastructure generally includes the public works facilities that enable the transport of people
and goods, provision of municipal water, safe disposal of waste products, provision of energy,
and transmission of information. There is a variety of infrastructure units in City of
Ashland forestlands:
• transportation (roads and trails)
• public utilities (lines and appurtenances)
• buildings
• yards
• structures (includes reservoirs, dams, bridges, storage tanks, and pump stations)
Infrastructure may be impacted by City forest management activities, so a listing of
infrastructure by unit is included in the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan (AFP). Management of
infrastructure is not part of the 2016 AFP.
For the 2016 AFP, the specific existing infrastructure components fall into the category of
publicly owned roadways, easements, wire, pipes and other appurtenances used for provision of
public services such as electrical power, drinking water, irrigation water, sewage, overflow
drainage and transportation.
Table 7-1: AFP Infrastructure
AFP Infrastructure Category AFP Infrastructure Category Definition
Electric Fixtures transformers, sectionalizing (splicing)
cabinets, handholes, meters, lights, and poles
Electric Lines electrical conductors underground in conduit
or overhead suspended by cables
Sewer Fixtures sewer manholes, cleanouts, and pump stations
Sewer Lines underground sewer piping normally "6"
diameter and larger
Storm Fixtures manholes, ditch inlets, catch basins, curb
inlets, vaults
drainage piping including culverts and
Storm Lines siphons, generally 12" in diameter
Water Fixtures valves, vaults, hydrants meters, and flow
control devices
irrigation or potable water mains normally
Water Lines "6" diameter and larger
53
Table 7-2 below aggregates current City-owned roads and utilities by Ashland Forest
Plan Unit. Roads are given in lane-miles; linear features are given in feet of length;
fixtures are shown as counts. Several forest management units have no City
infrastructure units.
Table 7-2: Current City-owned Roads and Utilities by Ashland Forest Plan Unit
Road Drain Drain Electrical Electrical Sewer Sewer Water Water
Unit (In-m) Fixtures Lines (ft) Fixtures Lines (ft) Fixtures Lines Fixture Lines
AP 3 426 5 1282
AR 8 2511
BL 1080
CR 1 230 6 162 2 250 15 1310
GS 898
HR
LS 8 3 201
LW 7 1 572 40 12927 14 4713 4 15000
P 49
TR 1 5
UL 4 1405 15 1435 6 2039
WP 1 33 1 7
Total 7 1988 2666 61 14572 29 6246 38 21072
Current Conditions
There are numerous structures owned and managed by the City that are either on or directly
adjacent to City forestlands which may be impacted by forest management activities. Table 7-3
below lists the most significant of those structures, with the structures inside the 2016 AFP
managed lands shown in Bold Italics. A map is provided in the appendix showing the locations
of these structures with respect to the most significant location-specific natural hazards:
• landslide susceptibility,
• 100 and 500 year probability flood boundaries,
• dam inundation boundaries,
• wildfire hazard zone boundaries.
54
Table 7-3: Buildings, Structures, and Maintenance Yards by type
r_
No TYPE Year built Size Unit
OPEN RESERVOIRS/DAMS
1 Reeder Reservoir/ Hosler Dam 1928 800 AF
2 East Fork Diversion Dam 1909
3 West Fork Diversion Dam 1909
4 "Swimming Hole" 1890
5 Jones and Bryant Reservoir ("Ashland Ponds") 1972 11.8 AF
POTABLE WATER STORAGE TANKS
6 Granite Reservoir 1949 2.1 MG
7 Crowson Reservoir 1927 2.1 MG
8 Alsing Reservoir 1983 0.5 MG
9 Fallon Reservoir 1994 2.1 MG
10 Loop Road Reservoir (proposed) 2018 0.2 MG
11 Crowson 2 Reservoir (proposed) 2018 2.1 MG
BRIDGES indicates replacement date)
12 Granite Street Bridge over Ashland Creek 1997*
13 USFS 2060 access over Ashland Creek 1997 *
14 WTP over Ashland Creek (2 bridges) Unknown 30'+/-
15 WTP to Dam over Ashland Creek (6 bridges) 1997* 30'+/-
16 East Fork Bridge 2000 22'
17 West Fork Bridge (proposed) 2018 55'
POTABLE WATER PUMP STATIONS
18 Terrace Street Pump Station (TID) 1977
i
19 Park Estates Pump Station Vault 1982
20 Strawberry Pump Station 1994
21 Duck Pond Pump Station (TID) 2008
BUILDINGS
22 Parks Dept Main Offices unknown
23 Lithia Park Storage Building unknown
24 Lithia Park Restrooms unknown
25 Butler Bandshell 1947
26 Hydroelectric Powerhouse 1911
27 Water Treatment Plant ("WTP"): 5 buildings 1995
28 Water Treatment Plant (proposed) 2018
MAINTENANCE YARDS
29 "Granite Pit" aggregate storage unknown
55
30 Glenview Concrete ReclamationYard unknown
31 Glenview Pipe Storage Yard unknown
56
Chapter 8
Inventory
Inventory information for the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan can be found on the City of Ashland
website: http://gis.ashland.or.us/2016afp/
This section of the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan (AFP) presents essential information in the form of
lists, data sets, color schemes, and a specialized GIS Data Dictionary for interpreting data sets.
Table 8-1: Native Plant List (USDA NRCS 2016)
Scientific-Name Plants-Symbol COMMON NAME Notes
Abies concolor ABCO White fir uncommon
Acer macrophyllum ACMA3 Big-leaf maple riparian
Achillea millefolium ACMI2 Common yarrow openings
Achlys triphylla ACTR Vanillaleaf
Achnatherum lemmonii ACLE8 Lemmon's needlegrass
Adenocaulon bicolor ADBI Trail-plant pathfinder
Agoseris heterophylla AGHE2 woodland agoseris
Agoseris retrorsa AGRE spear-leaved agoseris
Aira caryophyllea AICA Silver hairgrass
Alnus rhombifolia ALRH2 white alder riparian
Amelanchier alnifolia AMAL2 Western serviceberry not abundant
Amsinckia intermedia AMIN3 fireweed fiddleneck
Anaphalis margaritacea ANMA Common pearly-everlasting
Anemone deltoidea ANDE3 Threeleaf anemone
Anthriscus caucalis ANCA14 bur-chervil
Aquilegia formosa AQFO Sitka columbine
Arabis oregana AROR Oregon arabis oak openings
Arabidopsis thaliana ARTH mouseear cress
Arbutus menziesii ARME Pacific madrone
Arctostaphylos patula ARPA6 Greenleaf manzanita
Arctostaphylos viscida ARVI4 Whiteleaf manzanita
Arrhenatherum elatius AREL3 Tall oatgrass
Athysanus pusillus ATPU sandweed openings
Balsamorhiza deltoidea BADE2 Puget balsamroot
Berberis aquifolium BEAQ Tall Oregongrape
rBerberis nervosa BENE2 Dwarf Oregongrape
57
Boschniakia strobilacea BOST2 Ground-cone
Bromus carinatus BRCA5 California brome
Bromus tectorum BRTE cheat grass
Calocedrus decurrens CADE27 Incense-cedar
Calochortus tolmiei CATO Tolmie's mariposa
Calypso bulbosa CABU Fairy-slipper
Campanula prenanthoides CAPR 15 California harebell
Campanula scouleri CASC7 Scouler's harebell
Cardamine nuttallii CANU17 slender toothwort
Cardamine oligosperma GAOL Little western bittercress
Carex multicaulis CAMU5 Manystem sedge
Castilleja CASTI2
Ceanothus cuneatus CECU Buckbrush
Ceanothus integerrimus CEIN3 Deerbrush
Cerastium glomeratum CEGL2 sticky mouse ear
Cercocarpus montanus CEM02 Birchleaf mountain-mahogany
Chimaphila umbellata CHUM Common prince's-pine
Cirsium CIRSI
Clarkia rhomboidea CLRH Common clarkia openings
Claytonia perfoliata CLPE miner's lettuce
Claytonia rubra rubra CLRUR red miner's lettuce fire rings
Collinsia grandiflora COGR2 Large-flowered blue-eyed
Mary
Collinsia linearis COLI Narrow-leaved blue-eyed Mary
Collinsia parviflora COPA3 Small-flowered blue-eyed
Mary
Cornus nuttallii CONU4 Pacific dogwood
Cryptantha CRYPT
Cryptantha intermedia CRIN8 common cryptantha
Cynoglossum grande CYGR Pacific hound's-tongue
Cynosurus echinatus CYEC Hedgehog dogtail
Cystopteris fragilis CYFR2 Brittle bladderfern
Cytisus scoparius CYSC4 Scotch Broom Invasive
Dactylis glomerata DAGL Orchard-grass
Daucus pusillus DAPU3 little wild carrot openings
Deschampsia danthonioides DEDA little deschampsia
Dichelostemma capitatum DICA14 bluedicks
Draba verna DRVE2 Vernal draba
Elymus glaucus ELGL Blue wildrye
Epilobium brach_ycarpum EPBR3 parched fireweed
58
Erodium cicutarium ERCI6 Redstem stork's bill
Erythronium hendersonii ERHE7 Henderson's fawn-lily
Festuca californica FECA California fescue openings
Festuca occidentalis FEOC Western fescue
Fragaria vesca bracteata FRVEB3 Woods strawberry
Fritillaria recurva FRRE Scarlet fritillary
Galium ambiguum GAAM2 Obscure bedstraw
Galium bolanderi GABO Botander's bedstraw
Galium triflorum GATR3 Fragrant bedstraw
Garrya fremontii GAFR Fremont silk-tassel
Githopsis specularioides GISP3 common bluecup openings
Goodyera oblongifolia GOOB2 Rattlesnake-plantain
Heterocodon rariflorum HERA3 little oak flower openings
Hieracium albiflorum HIAL2 White-flowered hawkweed
Hieracium scouleri HISC2 Scouler's woollyweed
Holodiscus discolor HODI Creambush ocean-spray
Hypericum perforatum HYPE Klamath weed
Hypochaeris radicata HYRA3 false dandilion
Iris chrysophylla IRCH Slender-tubed iris
Koeleria macrantha KOMA prairie junegrass openings,
ridges
Lathyrus nevadensis LANEP Sierra pea
Lithophragma parviflora LIPA5 Smallflower fringecup
Lithospermum californicum LICA11 California stoneseed
Lonicera ciliosa LOCI3 Trumpet honeysuckle
Lonicera hispidula LOHI2 Hairy honeysuckle
Lotus micranthus LOMI Small-flowered deervetch
Lupinus LUPIN
Lupinus bicolor LUBI miniature lupine
Luzula comosa LUC06 field woodrush
Luzula parviflora LUPA4 Smallflowered woodrush
Madia exigua MAEX little tarweed
Madia madioides MAMA Woodland tarweed
Maianthemum racemosum MARA7 false Solomon's-seal
Maianthemum stellatum MAST4 starrySolomon's-seal
Melica MELIC
Microsteris gracilis var. MIGRG4 pink annual phlox
gracilis
Moehringia macrophylla MOMA3 big-leaf sandwort
Moenchia erecta MOER moenchia
59
Montia parvifolia MOPAP small flowered miners lettuce
Myosotis discolor MYDI yellow/blue scorpion grass
Nemophila parvifoora NEPA Small-flowered nemophila
Oemleria cerasiformis OECE Indian plum
Osmorhiza chilensis OSCH Mountain sweet-root
Osmorhiza occidentalis OSOC western sweet-root
Pachistima myrsinites PAMY Oregon boxwood
Pectocarya pusilla PEPU little pectocarya openings
Phacelia heterophylla PHHE2 Varileaf phacelia
Philadelphus lewisii PHLE4 Lewis' mockorange uncommon
Piperia spp. PIPER2 Rein orchid
Pinus lambertiana PILA Sugar pine
Pinus ponderosa PIPO Ponderosa pine
Plagiobothrys tenellus PLTE slender popcorn flower
Plantago lanceolate PLLA English plantain
Plectritis macrocera PLMA4 desert plectritis openings
Poa bulboua POBU bulbous bluegrass
Polypodium glycyrrhiza POGL8 Licorice-fern
Polystichum munitum POMU Western sword-fern
Potentilla glandulosa POGL9 Sticky cinquefoil
Pseudostellaria jamesiana PSJA2 sticky chickweed
Pseudotsuga menziesii PSME Douglas-fir
Pteridium aquilinum PTAQ Braken
Pyrola picta PYPI2 Whitevein pyrola
Quercus garryana QUGA4 Oregon oak
Quercus kelloggii QUKE California black oak
Ranunculus occidentalis RAOC Western buttercup
Ribes sanguineum RISA Red currant
Rosa g_ymnocarpa ROGY Baldhip rose
Rubus leucodermis RULE Black raspberry
Rubus parviflorus RUPA Thimbleberry
Rubus ursinus RUUR Pacific blackberry
Rumex acetosella RUAC3 Sheep sorrel
Salix SALIX willow draw, trail
Salix scouleriana SASC Scouler's willow ridge
Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea SANICS blue elderberry
Sanguisorba SANGU2 minor garden burnet
Sanicula crassicaulis SACR2 Pacific blacksnakeroot
Sanicula graveolens SAGR5 Sierra snakeroot
60
Satureja douglasii SAD05 Yerba buena
Sedum stenopetalum SEST2 Wormleaf stonecrop
Senecio integerrimus SEIN2 Western groundsel
Silene campanulata SICA5 bell catchfly
Symphoricarpos albus SYAL Common snowberry
Synthyris reniformis SYRE Snow-queen
Taeniatherum caput-medusae TACA8 medusahead
Taraxacum officinale TAOF dandelion
Tauschia glauca TAGL Glaucous Tauschia
Taxus brevifolia TABR2 Pacific yew
Tolmiea menziesii TOME Youth on age
Tonella tenella TOTE Small-flowered tonella
Torilis arvensis TOAR field hedge-parsley
Toxicodendron diversilobum TODI Poison oak
Tragopogon dubius TRDU Yellow salsify
Trientalis latifolia TRLA6 Western starflower
Trifolium dubium TRDU2 little hop clover
Trillium ovatum TROV2 White trillium
Valerianella locusta VALO corn salad
Vancouveria hexandra VAHE White inside-out-flower
Verbascum thapsus VETH Common mullein
Vicia americana VIAM American vetch
Viola glabella VIGL Stream violet
Vulpia microstachys VUMI Nuttall's fescue
Table 8-2: Problematic or Invasive Plants (USDA NRCS 2016)
Scientific Name Plants_ Common-Name Oregon A Oregon B Oergon T
Symbol List List List
Acer platanoides ACPL Norway maple
Aesculus hippocastanum AEHI Horse chestnut
Ailanthus altissima AIAL Tree of heaven
Amaranth us palmeri AMPA Carelessweed
Anthriscus caucalis ANCA 1 Bur chervil
4
Brassica rapa BRRAR Field mustard
Bromus diandrus BRD13 Ripgut brome
Bromus tectorum BRTE Cheatgrass
Buddleja davidii BUDA2 Orange eye XX
butterflybush
61
Centaurea solstitialis CES03 Yellow star-thistle XX
Cirsium arvense CIAR4 Canada Thistle XX
Cirsium vulgare CIVU Bull thistle XX
Clematis vitalba CLVI6 Evergreen clematis
Conium maculatum COMA2 Poison hemlock XX
Cynodon dactylon CYDA Bermudagrass
Cytisus scoparius CYSC4 Scotch broom XX
Daucus carota DACA6 Queen anne's lace
Dipsacus laciniatus DILA4 Cutleaf teasel XX
Equisetum telmateia EQTE Giant horsetail
Euphorbia esula EVES Leafy spurge
Foeniculum vulgare FOVU Sweet fennel
Geranium GERO Robert geranium XX
robertianum
Hedera helix HEHE English ivy XX
HYCA1 Aaron's beard XX
Hypericum calycinum 0
Ilex aquifolium ILAQ80 English holly
Iris chrysophylla IRCH Yellowleaf iris XX
Lactuca serriola LASE Prickly lettuce
Lapsana communis LAC03 Common nipplewort
Ligustrum vulgare LIVU European privet
Lythrum salicaria LYSA2 Purple loosestrife XX
Melilotus officinalis MEOF Sweet clover
Melissa officinalis MEOF2 Common balm
Polygonum POCU6 Japanese knotweed XX
cuspidatum
Polygonum POSA4 Giant knotweed XX
sachalinense
Portulaca oleracea POOL Little hogweed
Prunus avium PRAV Sweet cherry
Prunus cerasifera PRCE2 Cherry plum
Prunus laurocerasus PRLA5 Cherry laurel
Prunus lusitanica PRLU Portugal Laurel
Pyracantha coccinea PYC02 Scarlet firethorn
Rosa canina ROCA3 Dog rose
Rubus armeniacus RUAR9 Himalayan blackberry
Senecio jacobaea SEJA Tansy ragwort XX
Spartium junceum SPJU2 Spanish broom XX
Tribulus terrestris TRTE Puncturevine XX
62
Trifolium dubium TRDU2 White clover
Ulmus pumila ULPU Siberian elm
Verbascum blattaria VEBL Moth mullein
Vicia americana VIAM American vetch
Vinca major VIMA Bigleaf periwinkle
Vinca minor VIMI2 Common Periwinkle
Ashland Forest Plan
GIS Data Dictionary
(Definitions were developed specifically for this data dictionary except where otherwise noted.)
Acres - The number of acres in the Landscape Unit.
Aspect - The direction in which any piece of land faces (City of Ashland 2009).
Fuel Model - The collections of fuel properties are known as fuel models and can be organized
into four groups: grass, shrub, timber, and slash. The differences in fire behavior among these
groups are basically related to the fuel load and its distribution among the fuel particle size
classes. Each fuel model is described by the fuel load and the ratio of surface area to volume for
each size class; the depth of the fuel bed involved in the fire front; and fuel moisture, including
that at which fire will not spread, called the moisture of extinction.
• Fuel Model I (Grass) - Fire spread is governed by the fine, very porous, and continuous
herbaceous fuels that have cured or are nearly cured. Fires are surface fires that move
rapidly through the cured grass and associated material. Very little shrub or timber is
present, generally less than one third of the area.
• Fuel Model 4 (Shrub) - Fires intensity and fast-spreading fires involve the foliage and
live and dead fine woody material in the crowns of a nearly continuous secondary
overstory. Besides flammable foliage, dead woody material in the stands significantly
contributes to the fire intensity. California mixed chaparral is a typical example.
• Fuel Model 6 (Shrub) - Fire will drop to the ground at low wind speeds or at openings in
the stand. The shrubs are older, but not as tall as shrub types of model 4, nor do they
contain as much fuel as model 4. A broad range of shrub conditions is covered by this
model.
• Fuel Model 8 (Timber) - Slow-burning ground fires with low flame lengths are
generally the case, although the fire may encounter an occasional "jackpot" or heavy fuel
concentration that can flare up. Only under severe weather conditions involving high
temperatures, low humidities, and high winds do the fuels pose fire hazards. Closed
63
canopy stands of short-needle conifers or hardwoods that have leafed out support fire in
the compact litter layer. This layer is mainly needles, leaves, and occasionally twigs
because little undergrowth is present in the stand.
• Fuel Model 9 (Timber) - Fires run through the surface litter. Concentrations of dead-
down woody material will contribute to possible torching out of trees, spotting, and
crowning.
• Fuel Model 10 (Timber) - The fires burn in the surface and ground fuels with greater
fire intensity than the other timber litter models. Dead-down fuels include greater
quantities of 3-inch or larger limbwood resulting from overmaturity or natural events that
create a large load of dead material on the forest floor. Crowning out, spotting, and
torching of individual trees are more frequent in this fuel situation, leading to potential
fire control difficulties. Any forest type may be considered if heavy down material is
present; examples are insect- or disease-ridden stands, windthrown stands, overmature
situations with deadfall, and aged light thinning or partial-cut slash (Anderson 1982.
Invasive Species - A nonnative species whose introduction is likely to cause or has the potential
to cause economic or environmental harm to an ecosystem or harm to human health or
commerce (Clinton 1999).
Infrastructure - Infrastructure is defined as publicly owned roadways or easements and wire or
pipes including other appurtenances used for provision of public services such as electrical
power, drinking water, irrigation water, sewerage, overflow drainage and transportation.
Infrastructure can be divided into the following categories:
Table 8-3: Infrastructure
AFP Infrastructure Category AFP Infrastructure Category Definition
Electric Fixtures transformers, sectionalizing (splicing)
cabinets, handholes, meters, lights, and poles
Electric Lines electrical conductors underground in conduit
or overhead suspended by cables
Sewer Fixtures sewer manholes, cleanouts, and pump stations
Sewer Lines underground sewer piping normally "6"
diameter and larger
Storm Fixtures manholes, ditch inlets, catch basins, curb
inlets, vaults
Storm Lines drainage piping including culverts and
siphons, generally 12" in diameter
Water Fixtures valves, vaults, hydrants meters, and flow
control devices
irrigation or potable water mains normally
Water Lines "6" diameter and larger
64
Landscape Units and Descriptions:
Landscape Unit Number - Updates and standardizes nomenclature for all management
units covered by the Ashland Forest Plan. A unique code for each management unit
consisting of a one to three letter parcel identifier and a unit number for each
management unit within the parcel. Nomenclature supersedes that from Main, Marty
2002. The Ashland Wildland/Urban Interface: Wildfire Management Inventory,
Analysis, and Opportunities; 2002. Information shown in Table 1 below and under
Landscape Units and Descriptions is intended to assist in providing a transition from
earlier vegetation classification to that in the Ashland Forest Plan. Parcel identifiers are
as follows:
Table 8-4 - AFP Parcels
Parcel Name Parcel Identifier
Alsing Reservoir AR
Ashland Ponds AP
Burnson - Lawrence BL
Cottle - Phillips CP
Crowson Reservoir CR
Granite Street GS
Hald - Strawberry HS
Hitt Road HR
Liberty Street LS
Lower Watershed LW
Oredson Todd Woods OTW
Piedmont P
Siskiyou Mountain Park SMP
Upper Lithia UL
Westwood Park WP
Winburn W
Unit Numbers will be sequential beginning with the number 1. For example, the first inventoried
unit for Ashland Ponds will be coded as AP-1, the second unit will be coded as AP-2 and so on
until all the Ashland Pond units have been listed. Burnson - Lawrence units will be coded as
BL-1, BL-2, etc.
65
Table 8-5 Ashland Forest Plan Landscape Units
Landscape Description* Wildfire Hazard Seral Fuel
Unit* Rating* Stage* Model
A Grassland / Non-vegetated Low Early 1
B Oregon White Oak Moderate i 9**
Md
C Ponderosa Pine / Oak 25 to 50 Extreme Early - 6
years Mid
D Whiteleaf Manzanita 25 to 50 Extreme Early 4
years
E Douglas-fir / Madrone / Deerbrush Extreme Early 6
25 to 50 years
F Conifer Plantations 10 to 25 years Extreme Early 4
G Mixed Conifer and Hardwoods 75 High Mid 10
to 125 years
H Douglas-fir (dying) / Madrone 75 High Mid 10
to 100 years
J Douglas-fir 75 to 100 years High Mid 8**
K Riparian Moderate Variable 8**
Fuel Model updated in 2014 analysis (Main 2002)
Landscape Unit A - Grasslands or Non-Vegetated
• Topography - 0 to 30 percent slopes at low elevations on various aspects.
• Vegetation - Landscape Unit A sites have very limited existing vegetation, largely due to
vegetation removal activities in the past. These sites remain dominated by various grasses
and herbaceous vegetation, usually growing close to the ground.
Landscape Unit B - Oregon White Oak
• Topography- 15 to 45 percent slopes at low elevations on various aspects.
• Vegetation - Landscape Unit B sites are uncommon on City lands but represent a unique
vegetation type. The vegetation is indicative of harsh, droughty sites where moisture
availability is limited due to either (1) very shallow soils, or (2) the high percentage of
clay in the soil. Vegetation is dominated by Oregon white oak up to 30 feet tall.
Understory vegetation is dominated by native or non-native grasses and herbaceous
vegetation. A second understory type occurs in which whiteleaf manzanita, wedgeleaf
ceanothus, and most notably birchleaf mountain mahogany occurs with the oaks.
Landscape Unit C - Ponderosa Pine/Oak
• Topography - 25 to 40 percent concave slopes on various aspects.
• Vegetation - Shallow soils result in low site productivity (although greater than that
found on Landscape Unit B). Sites are generally dominated by California black oak and
ponderosa pine. The pines are present often as scattered overstory trees up to 20+ inches
DBH, as well as younger, smaller trees primarily in openings. California black oak forms
a considerable part of the overstory and mid-story canopies, as well as being a prevalent
66
understory species. Other vegetation includes whiteleaf manzanita and occasionally
Douglas-fir and incense cedar. Sites are subject to bark beetle mortality of pines.
Landscape Unit D - Whiteleaf Manzanita Dominated Brushfields
• Topography - 15 to 45 percent (occasionally steeper) slopes located on dry, southerly
aspects and other dry sites, most notably ridgelines.
• Vegetation - Sites are characterized by vegetation indicative of a major, high-intensity
disturbance generally within the last 10-50 years, such as the 1959 fire and the 1973
Hillview fire. Sites are dominated by dense whiteleaf manzanita, with clumps of stump
sprouting Pacific madrone, although scattered ponderosa pine, California black oak, and
deerbrush ceanothus may also occur. Brushfields are dense and continuous, fully
occupying the site and generally preventing establishment and/or growth of other
vegetation. Many of these sites are capable of, and historically probably did support,
mixed stands of conifers (particularly ponderosa pine) and hardwoods.
Landscape Unit E - Douglas-fir / Pacific Madrone / Deerbrush Ceanothus
• Topography - Sites are located on mostly steep (primarily 40 to 65 percent, although
ranging as high as 80+ percent) primarily northwesterly to northeasterly aspects in the
upper half of concave slopes. The steep topography makes slope stability an important
issue on slopes over 50% and/or when other signs of potential slope failure exist.
• Vegetation - Sites are characterized by early seral native vegetation initiated after major
high-intensity wildfire events (the 1959 wildfire and the 1973 Hillview fire). Vegetation
is primarily Douglas-fir, Pacific madrone, and deerbrush ceanothus. Other species
include snowberry and dwarf Oregon grape.
Landscape Unit F - Conifer Plantations
• Topography - 15 to 30 percent slopes on ridgelines and southerly aspects.
• Vegetation - Sites are an uncommon vegetation type on City lands. These sites were
planted 10 to 25 years ago, primarily to Ponderosa pine. Plantations have often been
reinvaded by other brush (most notably whiteleaf manzanita) and hardwood species.
Landscape Unit G - Mixed Conifer & Hardwood, 75-125 Years
• Topography - 25 to 45 percent, mostly southerly/southeasterly aspects at low to mid
elevations.
• Vegetation - Sites are a wide array of age classes, species compositions, structures and
densities. Sites are dominated by a mixed overstory of equal amounts of Ponderosa pine
and Douglas-fir in the 60 to 100 (occasionally older) year age class. These two conifers
generally comprise approximately 75% of the total stand basal area. California black oak
and especially Pacific madrone are also common parts of the overstory with the larger
conifers (typically up to 24+ inches DBH) overtopping the hardwoods. Other overstory
species include sugar pine, incense cedar, and on less productive microsites Oregon white
oak. Brush species are primarily deerbrush ceanothus and whiteleaf manzanita.
Douglas-fir snags are common. Bark beetle mortality of overstory conifers can be a
concern during drought years.
67
Landscape Unit H - Douglas-fir (Dead & Dying)/Pacific Madrone
• Topography - 25 to 55 percent slopes on primarily northwesterly to northeasterly aspects.
• Vegetation - Moisture stress on these sites make the conifers (primarily Douglas-fir)
highly susceptible to attack from bark beetles, due to excessive stand densities. Bark
beetles focus on the larger diameter classes, so the remaining Douglas-fir tends to be the
smaller, suppressed individuals formerly in the understory. Hardwoods form a much
greater percentage of the overstory, averaging two-thirds of the total stand basal area,
with Pacific madrone about twice as abundant as California black oak. The availability
of site resources following Douglas-fir mortality, results in rapid development of
understory vegetation, most notably deerbrush ceanothus, poison oak, snowberry, hairy
honeysuckle, and various grasses and broadleaved herbaceous plants.
Landscape Unit J - Douglas-fir/Pacific Madrone
• Topography - 40 to 65 percent (and occasionally steeper) slopes on northerly aspects, in
upper slope positions, including headwalls
• Vegetation - Stands initiated after intense wildfire in 1901 or 1910 are dominated by
dense Douglas-fir poles 4 to 16 inches DBH. Douglas-fir generally comprise 75 to 90
percent of this total stand basal area, with the remainder being similar sized Pacific
madrone that are rapidly becoming overtopped and shaded out. The Douglas-fir are ripe
for bark beetle related mortality.
Landscape Unit K - Riparian
• Topography - Along creeks and draws most of which flow in a northerly to easterly
direction.
• Vegetation - Tree species include Oregon ash, black cottonwood, red alder, bigleaf
maple, and willow species. Other plant species present are mock orange, ninebark,
horsetails, sedges, and rushes. Invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry and
English ivy have become well established in many riparian habitats, often to the
exclusion of other native species (Main 2002).
Last Treatment - Most recent type of treatment accomplished
Last Treatment Year - Year most recent type of treatment accomplished
Next Treatment - Recommended next treatment to accomplish.
Next Treatment Year - Projected year next recommended treatment will be accomplished
Overstory Species - Three most common species of live trees in the uppermost canopy layer in
an inventory unit. Species are listed by plant symbol as shown on the Ashland Forest Plan
species list.
Overstory Species Size Class -
• Cohort #1 - generally 25 to 50+ inches DBH; 150+ years.
68
• Cohort #2 - generally 10 to 25 inches DBH; 50-150 years.
• Cohort #3 - generally 1 to 10 inches DBH; 1-50 years.
Overstory species will be listed by Plant-Symbol and cohort number. For example,
legacy (Cohort -1) Ponderosa pine will be listed as PIPO - C 1; younger Douglas-fir will
be listed as PSME - C2 (City of Ashland 2004).
Overstory Species Stocking (see below for table definitions)
Table 8-6: Ashland Forest Plan Overstor Species Stocking
Current Basal Acceptable Current Basal
Plant Series Area (in square Range of Basal Area Stocking
feet) Area (in square Level Rating
feet)
Douglas-fir 80 to 150
Ponderosa Pine 60 to 120
White Fir 110 to 200
Plant Series - plant series is based on the dominant, most shade tolerant, regenerating
tree species on the site (Atzet et al. 1996).
Current Basal Area - taken from stand data for that inventory unit; tally
includes all tree species on the site; basal area is the cross-sectional area of tree
boles in a forested area as measured at the diameter at breast height (dbh)
Acceptable Range of Basal Area - target amount of basal area for a plant series to
achieve full site occupancy and meet management objectives (Goheen 2014 personal
communication.)
Current Basal Area Stocking Level Rating - existing basal area as a percentage of the
maximum acceptable basal area for that plant series
Table 8-7: Ashland Forest Plan Current Basal Area Stocking Level Rating
Current Basal Area Stocking Current Basal Area as a
Level Rating Basal Area Stocking Density Percentage of Desired Basal
Area
1 Low < 40%
2 Moderate 40 to 69%
3 High 70 to 100%
4 Overstocked 101 to 140%
5 Severely Overstocked > 140%
Plant Association Group (PAG) - Plant Association Group (PAG): a group of plant
associations that share a common feature of favoring development of particular tree species that
will become dominant over time if the forest matures without disturbance. Plant Association
69
Groups are an intermediate stratification between plant associations and plant series. The
coarsest level is the forest or plant series, which denotes all types that have the same climax
dominant tree species, defined by shade tolerance (i.e., the Douglas-fir series). The finest level is
the plant association, which denotes an overstory species that is the most shade-tolerant of the
species found in that type along with one or more indicator understory species (i.e., Douglas-fir/
Oregon grape plant association) (USDA FS 2003).
Old-Growth Forest - A forest stand usually at least 180-220 years old and typically suggesting
the following characteristics: moderate to high canopy closure; a multilayered, multispecies
canopy dominated by large overstory trees; high incidence of large trees, some with broken tops
and other indications of old and decaying wood (decadence); numerous large snags; and heavy
accumulations of wood, including large logs on the ground (City of Ashland 2009).
Seral Stage - The series of relatively transitory plant communities that develop during
ecological succession from bare ground to the climax stage.
• Early Seral Stage - The period from disturbance to development of crown closure of
conifer stands. Grass, herbs, and brush are plentiful in this stage. Early seral stage is
defined as having trees up to 5 inches DBH (diameter at breast height).
• Mid-Seral Stage - The period in the life of a forest stand from crown closure to ages of
15 to 80-100 years. Mid seral stands include diameters between 6 and 24 inches average
DBH.
• Late-Seral Stage - The period in the life of a forest stand older than 80 years and
approaching 200 years or more. Late seral stands average 24 inches or greater DBH.
Slope - A standard way of measuring the steepness of any slope; specifically, a percent figure
based on the rise in elevation in feet over a 100 foot distance (i.e., 25% slope equals a rise of 25
feet over a 100 foot distance). Although no uniform standards describing steepness exist, a
typical classification is as follows: flat (0-5%), gentle (6-25%), moderate (26-55%), steep (56-
75%, very steep (76%+) (City of Ashland 2009).
Treatment Types:
• Hazard Tree Removal (HR) - The removal of trees that have been identified as a
potential risk, for failure that would cause injury to a person or damage to property
(Helms 1998).
• Invasive Species Treatments (IST) -
IST-1) Manual treatments - mowing, weedeating, cutting, grubbing, mulching,
pruning, pulling/weeding, burning, root barrier installation, piling and
burning,
70
IST-2) Mechanical Treatment - brush flail
IST-3) Herbicide Treatments - organic herbicide spraying, cut/puncture/drip
Organic herbicide application, herbicide spraying, manual herbicide
application, cut/drip herbicide application (City of Ashland 2011
• Non-commercial thinning (NCT) - The removal of trees of little or no commercial
value from a forest stand to achieve a pre-designated silvicultural objective (e.g., improve
stand vigor, reduce wildfire danger, etc.) (City of Ashland 2009).
• Non-commercial thinning/slashing in preparation for underburn (NCT / PU) -
similar to non-commercial thinning but includes the additional objectives of reducing
ladder fuels, increasing height-to-crown base, and creating more discontinuous fuel
conditions, both horizontally and vertically, while producing more favorable fire
management conditions which prepares the site for safe application of a future low
severity prescribed fire regime.
• Overstory Removal (OR) - The cutting of trees constituting an upper canopy layer to
release trees or other vegetation in an understory (Helms 1998).
• Piling and burning (PB) - Smaller non-merchantable material is thinned and piled on
site without the aid of machinery and contains needles, twigs, small-diameter branches,
and boles. In areas with a major shrub component, cutting and hand piling is also used for
reducing heavy surface fuels. Use of hand piling mitigates soil compaction
concerns and widens the prescribed burning window, allowing managers to use fire under
weather and fuel moisture conditions that are inappropriate or ineffective for broadcast
burning. Pile burning can be more easily monitored and controlled, minimizing escape
potential (Wright et al. 2009).
• Planting (P) - Artificial restocking of an area with forest trees, shrubs, or grasses;
• Prescribed fire (underburning) (PFU) - Prescribed underburning: involves the
controlled application of fire to understory vegetation and downed woody material when
fuel moisture, soil moisture, and weather and atmospheric conditions allow for the fire to
be confined to a predetermined area and intensity to achieve the planned resource
objectives (City of Ashland 2009).
• Radial Thinning (RT) - Density reduction for a fixed distance beyond the dripline of the
retention tree or as a function of the crown radius of the retention tree (i.e. 2 or 3 crown
radii out from the retention tree) to create crown separation and horizontal canopy fuel
discontinuity.
• Sanitation Cutting (SC) - The removal of trees to improve stand health by stopping or
reducing the actual or anticipated spread of insects and disease (Helms 1998).
71
• Thinning from below (TFB) - The cutting of non-dominant trees in a stand, usually in
order to give more site resources to the dominant trees or to reduce ladder fuels (City of
Ashland 2009).
• Variable Density Thinning (VDT) - Variable-density thinning is a thinning method that
attempts to enhance stand structural heterogeneity by deliberately thinning at different
intensities throughout a stand. VDT may create stands with dense areas, open areas, and
other areas that may be intermediate in density. Subsequent stand development forms a
more varied structure than is common in many even-aged forest stands (O'Hara et al.
2012).
Understory Density - existing understory cover as a percentage of the site
Table 8-8: Ashland Forest Plan Understory Density Rating
Current Understory Stocking Understory Stocking Current Understory Stocking
Level Rating Density as a Percentage of the Site
1 Low < 40%
2 Moderate 40 to 69%
3 High 70 to 100%
Understory Species - Three most common species of live trees and shrubs in the lower canopy
layer in an inventory unit. Species are listed by Plant Symbol as shown on the Ashland Forest
Plan species list.
Unit History - list of management treatments accomplished, acres treated, and year(s) treated.
Wildfire Hazard Rating - The kind, volume, condition, arrangement, and location of fuels and
vegetation that creates an increased threat of ignition, rate of spread, and resistance to control of
wildfire.
• Extreme (Red) - These landscape units are characterized by a likelihood of very
explosive wildfire behavior, largely due to dense, early successional vegetational profiles
on moderate to steeper topography.
• High (Orange) - These are mid-successional units and are slightly less likely than units
in the extreme class to initiate and/or sustain crown fires due to more inherent structural
discontinuities in fuels, particularly vertically as ladder fuels drop out in typical stand
development. However, greater overall fuel loading and relatively continuous canopy
fuels can result in uncontrollable wildfire behavior. Fire is more likely to burn at a range
of intensities in this category.
• Moderate (Yellow) - Units in this category are less likely to burn with to severe wildfire
behavior, either due to greater live moisture percent in vegetation through the summer
season or generally reduced site productivities and subsequent fuel loadings.
72
• Low (Green) - Units in this category have site conditions that offer wildfire management
opportunities at low or minimal cost, largely due to very low or even non-existent fuels,
and generally gentle topographical locations. Examples include pastureland or other
grasslands, orchards, quarries, or other areas where vegetation is significantly reduced
(Main 2002).
Comments - Any useful information the evaluator felt should be passed on to the
data user. No more than 250 characters. Examples include tree data such as radial growth rate
and live crown ratio; species regenerating, presence of pathogens, and smaller inclusions of other
vegetation types atypical of the larger unit.
73
Chapter 9
Vegetation: Retrospective, Trends and Challenges
Variables and Factors Determining Vegetation
Manipulation of vegetation to achieve objectives on City forestlands has been guided by a
thorough understanding of the existing vegetation. This has been facilitated by the recognition
that existing vegetation results from the interaction of three factors:
• Relatively constant environmental variables, including, but not limited to, elevation,
aspect, seasonality of annual rainfall, temperature, and soil
• Typical successional changes as vegetation develops through time
• Changes in vegetation composition, structure, and density resulting from human
interactions with the landscape, encompassing a range of disturbances that began with
Native American activities, was altered when early settlers arrived, and continues to
change today
With an understanding of existing vegetation and how it came to be, informed decisions have
been made and planned manipulations implemented on the City forestlands over the past 20
years to produce desired changes. This has been particularly challenging due to the reasons
listed below:
• The Klamath province is known for its high level of biodiversity.
• Disturbance histories have been significantly altered, often in highly diverse and
complicated ways, since early settlers arrived in the mid-1800s.
• Vegetation communities today are functionally, compositionally, and structurally
complex making projections as to future stand trajectories difficult.
• The difficulty in projecting existing conditions into the future is exacerbated by the
uncertainty of how modeled climate change trends and extremes will affect this region.
Variations in the environmental variables which determine vegetation produce significant
differences in site conditions including elevation, aspect, seasonality of annual rainfall,
temperature, and soil characteristics. In the Klamath province, these environmental variables are
generally most critical in the influences they have upon moisture availability for plants, as
moisture is usually the limiting factor affecting plant survival and growth. This is particularly
important at lower elevations in the eastern edge of the region where the City forestlands are
located. They are within the rain shadow of Mt. Ashland, such that precipitation amounts
average only 20 to 30 inches annually on lower City ownership at approximately 1800 feet in
elevation, compared with close to 60 inches at the top of Mt. Ashland (7,533 feet in elevation),
74
only eight miles to the south. In particular, the lack of precipitation during summer months
greatly affects the type, quantity, and diversity of vegetation that can persist. The steep moisture
gradient between Mt. Ashland and the city significantly influences vegetation, with cooler and
moister conditions increasing rapidly with increasing elevation.
Aspect is an important environmental variable because greater amounts of solar radiation on
southerly aspects during long, dry summer months limits moisture availability much more so
than on northerly aspects (with easterly and westerly slopes intermediate). Obvious changes in
vegetation occur on City forestlands on opposing southerly and northerly aspects, with westerly
and easterly aspects intermediate. Species such as Douglas-fir, white fir, Pacific madrone, and
deerbrush (Ceanothus integerrimus) tend to dominate the more northerly aspects, while drought
tolerant species are increasingly common on more southerly aspects (i.e. ponderosa pine, Oregon
white oak, California black oak, whiteleaf manzanita, etc.).
Variations in soil properties are important determinants of vegetation on any given site. Soils in
the watershed are derived primarily from granitic parent material of the Tallowbox (on steeper
sites) and Shefflein (on gentler slopes 10-35%) soil series (Johnson, 1993). These are relatively
deep, and well-drained to excessively-well-drained soils of a very coarse nature which are prone
to erosion. Both surface erosion and mass wasting events, most notably debris slides and debris
flows, have frequently occurred on City forestlands and throughout the Ashland watershed, even
in unmanaged landscapes, and are a historic and integral part of the disturbance regime. The
potential for increasing these erosion events through active management (i.e. manipulation of
vegetation) is of major concern. The high-intensity storm events of 1964, 1974 and, most
recently, the New Year's Day storm of 1997 revealed the potential landslide activity and major
associated flooding that may occur in the Ashland area.
As vegetation develops, it typically progresses through a series of successional stages, each of
which contains specific and recognizable characteristics (Oliver and Larson 1990). Prior to early
settlement of southern Oregon, the primary disturbance mechanism in the Klamath province, and
on City forestlands, was fire ignited by Native Americans or lightning (Atzet and Martin, 1991).
Sensenig found a frequency averaging twelve years across a wide range of sites in southern
Oregon during this era (Sensenig, 2002).
The Metlen et al. 2012 analysis of 91 fire scars sampled across many biophysical settings in the
Ashland watershed, (although on somewhat higher elevations than on most of the City
ownership) suggests that historically fires were frequent - occurring every three years (range 1-
14), and 44% of fires were recorded on at least three of sites up until the early 1900s. Fires
returned to a given site every 13 years, ranging up to 40 years. Sampled trees typically survived
tens of fires over their lifetime.
Understanding of these three categories of site condition determinants (environmental site
conditions, vegetation development patterns, disturbance history), can help explain the existing
condition of vegetation type on a site. These factors set the stage for the dominating and rapid
alteration to disturbance history which took place within the last 150 years with the arrival of
early settlers. Beginning in the first half of the 19th century, significant vegetation modification
and changes in disturbance history began to occur as Native American application of fire was
75
eliminated and radically new forms of disturbance began to be implemented across the landscape
on City forestlands and in the broader Ashland Watershed. Forests began to be harvested in
earnest to help build the developing town of Ashland, and the resulting slash from these
operations, coupled with the resulting increase in more flammable early successional vegetation,
created a landscape much more likely to burn at larger scales and higher intensities. In some
cases, high-intensity fire was purposely initiated by ranchers desiring more pastureland or miners
hoping to expose more rock strata and make mining easier-both clear and purposeful
objectives.
"The fiercest timber fire that has ever taken place close to Ashland has been raging along the
hillsides of Ashland Creek Canyon for the past three days, and its work of destruction was only
placed under control last evening. "
- Ranger W. Kripke, August 26, 1901 (City of Ashland, 2004)
Over the last 115 years, large-scale, high-severity fires have become a much more common type
of disturbance in the emerging disturbance regime. Major wildfire events occurred in 1901,
1910, 1959, 1973 and 2009 both in and around the current City ownership. The 1901 and 1910
events were very likely largely fueled by over fifty years of logging and the creation of slash and
early successional vegetation, resulting in a much more flammable landscape. The 1901 and
1910 wildfires were part of a national trend that led to a policy of fire suppression and
subsequent fire exclusion from forest ecosystems that remained in place for most of the 20th
century. Almost all of the area below Reeder Reservoir and a large percentage of the City
ownership has vegetation initiated after those events. Trees older than 115 years are rare in that
area.
Once initiated, however, the pattern of infrequent but intense wildfires (as opposed to frequent
fires of low intensity) may be reinforced by the resulting increased amounts of more wildfire-
prone early successional vegetation, which often occurs in relatively continuous vegetation and
fuel profiles. Breaking this pattern and restoring more benign fire regimes through active
vegetation management has been the underlying strategy on City lands over the past 20 years for
helping to achieve more fire-resistant and resilient stands and landscapes, and subsequently
helping to achieve a primary objective: reduction in the likelihood of high-severity fire on City
lands. In essence, the City has decided through its vegetation and fuels management activities to
increase the likelihood of low-severity fire when fire does visit our lands, and to subsequently
reduce the likelihood and effects of high-severity fire.
Historically, forests in the Ashland watershed contained two-thirds fewer trees than found
currently with the major increases in small white fir, Douglas-fir, and Pacific madrone (Metlen et
al. 2012). A profusion of white fir, Douglas-fir and Pacific madrone has grown since the change
in disturbance history initiated by early settlers, with a subsequent reduction in the percentage of
pines and oaks. This change is represented in the graphs below. Stands are denser, more
populated by shade intolerant species and much more susceptible to high-severity disturbance
from both fire and insects. This is a striking change with consequences for long term vegetation
development, fire behavior and ultimately accomplishment of City management objectives.
76
Figure 9-1: 1901 (Metlen et al. 2012) Figure 9-2: 2012 (Metlen et al. 2012)
■ ,;;ics cascelar
1911 reconstructed stands spadfic acwne R'
■ Wt: rfe frr
Trees > 4 inches DBH ' `=z-s"' 2011 current condition Pocrflcmedrone
ela<k w ' Trees > 4 inches DBH Douglas f r
■ Su?ar pine
Sp
Black ook
■ pmAen,r ping
■ Sugor pine
d
40 ` ■ Ponderosa pine
m 40
a
yNy 3,1
1L W -VI
?ir
o+
10 ® 1p 0
6 16 14 18 22 26 301 33 v 41 45 49 S3 51 61 65 60 10 14 13 a 25 3r 33 37, 41 45 49 53 57 51 65 69
Diameter at 4.5 ft (inches) Diameter at 4.5 ft (inches)
Figure 9-3: Ashland Watershed Forest Densities from 1911 and 2011
. r
,Ashla-n Watershed Forest D' 'ees >4 inches D-BH
! e
1
1
r
r
y ~v
Basal area (ftl/acre) Trees/acre
Year Mean Range Mean Range
1911 81 (13-225) 0 (16-121)
2011 194 (63-339) ~ 176 (28-401)
r S-. J
.
(Metlen, et al. 2012)
In historical fire regimes in the western forests of the United States, fire varied in intensity from
site-to-site and tended to interact cumulatively in balance with other disturbance agents
(especially insects and disease). The progression in the 20th century of higher vegetation density
and relatively continuous structure, both horizontally and vertically, has created conditions for a
fire to rapidly escalate in magnitude beyond historically healthy cycles. The weakened trees
77
resulting from these high stand-densities also increase the likelihood of insect-related mortality
and pathogenic damage such as dwarf mistletoe. In a vicious cycle, this increased tree mortality
has tended to further increase the potential likelihood of a severe wildfire.
Data show dramatic increases in the number of small Douglas-fir, Pacific madrone, and white fir,
while regeneration of ponderosa pine, sugar pine, and black oak has been very limited. Spatial
patterning of trees within stands has changed as well, resulting in significantly less light to the
forest floor and much larger aggregations of trees. Gaps between trees and tree cluster are
important for a variety of reason. Gaps are where snow is retained best, and where early seral
species, and seed/fruit-bearing understory plant species and dependent wildlife thrive. Increased
forest density, species composition shifts, and increased uniformity in spatial pattern are
widespread trends seen in other dry, fire-exclusion-adapted forests across the west.
Vegetation Changes in the Ashland Watershed Effecting Wildfire Behavior
High-severity fire occurred in the historic landscape and is an important part of healthy and
resilient forest ecosystems. However, it was likely much smaller in size, severity, and impacts,
and likely occurred at a wide and discontinuous range of locations. In today's environment,
particularly on City lands located adjacent to, and even within, City limits, high-severity fire is
not desirable. Nonetheless, in some situations it cannot be prevented, although it is the intent of
this plan to attempt to do so whenever and however possible and to limit fire severity and scope,
and reduce the likelihood for fire to spread to larger areas with subsequent impacts on lives,
property and resource values.
The Siskiyou Fire
On September 21, 2009, a wildfire ignited on the hillside near 3500 Siskiyou Boulevard, just
above Interstate 5. Strong winds from the east that day (National Weather Service: Red Flag
Conditions) quickly fanned the fire despite the timely arrival of fire suppression resources
including engines, helicopters, and retardant planes.
Within two hours of the ignition, five retardant planes and three helicopters were providing aerial
support for many engine crews who protected structures and attacked the fire. The fire advanced
throughout the morning and afternoon, causing evacuations of approximately 150 homes and
ultimately consumed one structure and several outbuildings. A fireline was constructed by both
bulldozer and hand crews primarily along the east and west flanks of the fire. Fortunately, pre-
fire fuels-reduction work altered the fire behavior and significantly aided in the protection of
structures and the successful containment of the fire east of Tolman Creek Road.
In nearly all locations where the fire was controlled, vegetation had been managed through either
an Oregon Department of Forestry sponsored National Fire Plan grant program, or a similar
program coordinated through Ashland Fire & Rescue.
There were several areas of crown fire that spread directly into fuels treatment zones. In all
cases except one, the fuels treatment areas caused the crown fire to drop down and become an
intense surface fire, and particularly on the western and southern flanks, the crown fire became a
low-severity underburn.
78
Exactly 80 acres within the 188 acre fire perimeter were thinned under these programs and to
varying degrees altered the fire's behavior and intensity and provided opportunities for
suppression via air or ground. In addition, this vegetation management improved the post-fire
ecological effects (Chambers 2009).
Recently, as part of the monitoring for the 2004 Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the City of
Ashland quantified some of the historical changes in forest composition and structure in the
Ashland Watershed (fig.9-4, table 9-1).
Figure 9-4: Township 39 South, Range 1 East, Section 21, White Rabbit Parcel Change
in Forest Conditions 1939 to 2004
AI
+r+ ! ;ell +,'S,~ ,r.
r e -
qty r
t r ! i i. :1 t i
1939 2004
(Ashland Forest Resiliency Stewardship Project. 2004; City of Ashland 2004)
Table 9-1: Change in Forest Conditions 1939 to 2004
1939 Photo 2004 Photo
Primarily open canopy forest maintained by Primarily closed canopy forest. Open canopy
fire events forest a result of human activity
On 420 out of 460 acres (91 grazing was Little to no shrub component due to closed
the recommended management forest canopy
Ceanothus and manzanita species were Ceanothus and manzanita species are less
common, occurring together on 360 out of common, occurring together on
460 acres (78%). approximately 30% of the acres.
Stand conditions favor more fire-tolerant, Stand conditions favor less fire-tolerant,
shade-intolerant tree species (pines and
shade-intolerant species (Douglas-fir).
hardwoods)
(Ashland Forest Resiliency Stewardship Project. 2004; City of Ashland 2004)
79
Vegetation and Forest Pathogens
Insects
Insects that damage or kill conifers and other vegetation are important contributors to healthy,
functioning forest ecosystems, serving many important ecological roles. They are an essential
form of disturbance that can effectively reduce stand densities, improve overall stand vigor,
provide important wildlife habitat values, supply coarse woody material for the forest floor,
facilitate nutrient cycling, and perform other important ecological functions.
In most healthy forest ecosystems, insect-related mortality is usually light and scattered, with
generally the weakest trees being attacked. However, in forests of increasing levels of stress
and/or declining in health, damage from insects can increase significantly and become an
uncharacteristically high-severity disturbance. Bark beetles attack trees that are suffering severe
cumulative stress factors because the insects can detect stressed trees via odors and cell wall
collapse in trees. Stress factors include drought, fungal disease, soil compaction or disturbance,
and mechanical logging damage. The most common form of stress in the forests of southern
Oregon and especially the Ashland Watershed is uncharacteristically high stand-densities. These
high stand-densities are primarily the result of a change in fire regimes through fire suppression
and the subsequent lack of more frequent, light disturbances such as low-intensity fire. Increased
stand density over time reduces the availability of site resources for individual trees (e.g., soil
moisture, nutrients, and available light). The resulting reduced tree vigor makes conifers more
susceptible to successful attack by various insects. Once a bark beetle gains entry into a
weakened tree, it can chemically communicate this fact to others of its species, thereby causing a
mass attack, which kills trees outright. Tree stands that experience a high level of mortality can
result in a disturbance regime of increased scale and severity.
Each coniferous tree species is associated with a set of species-specific bark beetles. Ponderosa
pine is susceptible to attack from the western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis), pine
engraver beetle (Ips pini) and the red turpentine beetle (D. valuns) among others. A separate
cadre of beetles, including the Douglas-fir twig weevil (Cylindrocopturus furnissi), flatheaded fir
borer (Phaenops drummondi) and the Douglas-fir beetle (D. pseudotsugae) attack Douglas-fir.
White fir is particularly susceptible to infestation from the fir engraver beetle (Scol_ytus
ventralis). Sugar pine is most often attacked by the mountain pine beetle (D. ponderosae). Each
of these insects has its own particular biology and style of interaction with its particular host
species.
Rapid expansion of flatheaded fir borer populations in the Ashland interface area resulted in
significant mortality of Douglas-fir during the major droughts of the early 1990s (e.g., almost all
of the Douglas-fir in the Lithia Park uplands were killed in that event) and again during the
2001-2002 drought event. If conditions allow bark beetle populations to build up to high
numbers, even healthy trees can be overcome by mass attacks. As many as four generations of
some bark beetle species can occur in one summer season, allowing for rapid population
expansion. Larger conifers of low to moderate vigor, often the most desirable trees for retention
in the Ashland Watershed, are particularly susceptible to bark beetle related mortality during
these outbreaks.
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Knowledge of the insect biology and associated ecological interactions is key to formulating and
implementing an appropriate planned disturbance (i.e., ecologically based silvicultural or stand
management activity) to return the stand to a healthy co-existence with forest insects.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant. Mistletoes are flowering, seed-bearing, perennial plants that attack
trees. They do not have enough chlorophyll to produce their own food. Thus, they rely totally
on host trees for nutrients and water. The pathogen will ultimately kill the infected tree, although
more typically it makes the tree more susceptible to demise from other agents, most notably bark
beetles from reduced tree vigor. When the host tree dies, the mistletoe plant dies. Heavily
infected trees with abundant vertically arranged brooms (thick foliage masses produced by the
tree in response to the disease) are more susceptible to conflagration in prescribed and wildland
fire. Heavily infected trees can also be wildfire accelerators by transporting low to moderate-
intensity fire into upper canopy layers thereby increasing crown-fire development, spotting, and
wildfire rates-of-spread.
True mistletoes (Phoradendron spp.) attack both conifers and hardwoods but mostly hardwoods.
True mistletoes are most prevalent in Oregon white oak. They stress the host tree, create weak
areas and provide an entry point for decay fungi.
Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) infects conifers. Each conifer has its own host-specific
species of dwarf mistletoe.
Reproduction is by seed, which is aerially spread from tree to tree. Rate of spread is generally
about one to two feet per year, although the sticky seeds, forcibly shot from the fruits in fall, can
fly as much as 30 to 40 feet or more. Since they prefer- high levels of sunlight, dwarf mistletoes
can spread more rapidly in open stands than in closed stands. For this reason, partial cutting
and/or thinning has been known to rapidly increase dwarf mistletoe infections if a diligent job of
removal is not accomplished. A second entry to remove infected trees that were missed in the
first entry is not uncommon. The most undesirable element of dwarf mistletoe infection occurs
when poor quality, infected overstory trees spread the disease to young, healthy saplings in the
understory, thereby ensuring the long-term continuation of the disease. The pathogen is a slow,
subtle form of disturbance that can significantly change stand conditions over time.
Moreover, infection of younger Douglas-fir in the short term may limit their lifespan, thereby
reducing recruitment of mature Douglas-fir in the future and facilitating a compositional shift
toward white fir. Unfortunately, white fir tends to grow in multiple layers with relatively high
crown bulk densities, characteristics that may exacerbate potential wildland fire behavior under
some conditions.
Dwarf mistletoe brooms are particularly important for wildlife nesting at lower slope positions
and canyon bottoms, suggesting that some retention may be desirable. At upper slope positions,
where aerial spread of the parasite is more pronounced and wildland fire management goals may
be more readily compromised, dwarf mistletoe should be managed to meet project fire-
management goals.
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White Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium ribicola)
White pine blister rust is an exotic disease. The causal fungus is native to northern China,
Siberia, and the Russian Far East. It was introduced into Europe via the Crimea in 1854, and
was transported to western North America in 1910 on a single shipment of infected white pine
that was sent to British Columbia from France. White pine blister rust found ideal conditions in
the Pacific Northwest, became established on native hosts, and spread rapidly. It was first
reported on the National Forest in the late 1920s. If 1850 is used as a standard for "past natural
conditions," white pine blister rust did not occur in the Ashland Watershed in historical times.
All impacts of white pine blister rust have occurred in the period from about 1928 to the present
(USDA FS 2003).
Root Disease
Root diseases are another slow, subtle form of disturbance that has long-term repercussions for
vegetation development and stand succession. Although they appear to be uncommon on City of
Ashland parcels at this time, these subtle, damaging agents are common, are usually much
underrated, and are very difficult to control.
Four major species of root disease are common in southern Oregon- Armillaria root disease
(Armillaria ostoyae), Laminated root rot (Phellinus sulphurescens), Annosus root disease
(Heterobasidion annosum), and Black Stain root disease (Leptographium wageneri). Each has
its own particular biology and options for management. Unlike dwarf mistletoe disease,
destruction of the above-ground portions of trees does not necessarily remove root disease from
forest ecosystems. Ongoing monitoring and early protection is critical for preventing excessive
destruction from these diseases. Minimizing damage to residual stems during logging, planting
and encouraging resistant species, and particularly maintaining stands with trees of high vigor
are the most important management techniques that can help limit the spread of most root
diseases.
Botany: Rare Plants
There are two plant species listed in the Oregon Natural Heritage Plan (ONHP) that occur on
lands to be managed under the 2016 AFP.
Three Leaved Horkelia
There is a population of three leaved horkelia (Horkelia tridentata) in unit C2 in the Lower
Watershed parcel. Three-leaved horkelia is an ONHP List Two species. List Two species are
taxa that are threatened with extirpation or presumed to be extirpated from the state of Oregon.
These are often peripheral or disjunct species which are of concern when considering species
diversity within Oregon's borders. They can be very significant when protecting the genetic
diversity of a taxon. The ONHP Center regards extreme rarity as a significant threat and has
included species which are very rare in Oregon on this list. In Oregon this species is only known
from the Ashland Creek Watershed. It grows in dry forest openings (City of Ashland, 2009).
California Smilax
There is a population of California smilax (Smilax californica) in unit AP-1 at Ashland Ponds.
California smilax is an ONHP List Four species. List Four species are taxa which are of
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conservation concern but are not currently threatened or endangered. This includes taxa which
are very rare but are currently secure, as well as taxa which are declining in numbers or habitat,
but are still too common to be proposed as threatened or endangered. While these taxa may not
currently need the same active management attention as threatened or endangered taxa, they do
require continued monitoring. This species occurs on streambanks in coniferous forest.
Landslide Hazard Zones
Areas with steep slopes offer the potential for both surface erosion and mass soil wasting, with
the very steep slopes obviously of much greater concern. Surface erosion delivers sediments to
draws where it accumulates over time, increasing the potential for eventual debris slides.
Areas such as identified landslide hazard zones may benefit from retention of higher densities of
trees in order to reduce the likelihood of slope failure in the short-term. These benefits should be
balanced with associated long-term drawbacks on a site-by-site basis. For example, this strategy
may lose its effectiveness over time if excessive bark-beetle-related mortality occurs due to an
overstocked stand condition and subsequent moisture stress. In this scenario, increased loss of
larger overstory trees, which are more effective in holding soils together at deeper depths, is also
a potential disadvantage in the long run. There can also be a higher level of fire hazard
associated with these stand conditions, with increased impacts on soils and slope stability in a
fire event. That is, when wildfires occur, a high percentage of the vegetation in a stand is killed
and large areas of soil are exposed, which is the single most potential negative impact that can
contribute to large mass wasting events.
Vegetation Development and Disturbance in the Riparian Forest
In southwest Oregon, fire exclusion in the 20th century triggered a shift in the stand dynamics of
riparian forests from frequent fire disturbance and shade-intolerant tree recruitment in canopy
gaps to one characterized by the replacement of overstory trees by shade-tolerant species through
individual tree-fall gaps (Messier et al. 2012). Fire-sensitive and shade-tolerant white fir is
represented in far greater numbers than it was prior to 1900 and few Douglas-fir trees that
recruited after 1900 are on the trajectory to canopy dominance. Growth rates of Douglas-fir
recruited during the 20th century, however, suggest they were not growing in canopy gaps, but in
the shaded understory and thus are growing much slower than the older, dominant trees. In the
shade, 20th century Douglas-fir trees would not have received enough sunlight to support the
rapid growth rates achieved by the dominant trees from older cohorts. Previous work in old-
growth, upland forests of southwestern Oregon found ghat the majority of dominant trees were
the largest trees in their cohort at age 50 and they tended to remain dominant for at least 250
years. Few Douglas-fir trees that recruited after 1900 are on the trajectory to replace the large-
diameter trees that currently dominate the canopies of riparian forests on northerly aspects
because slow-growing, suppressed trees have reduced potential to become large, dominant trees
later in life.
The most significant change in disturbance regimes in the Ashland Watershed, as well as most of
southern Oregon, has been in the frequency, severity, size, and duration of fire. Mature trees
typically survived multiple fires over their lifetimes.
83
In riparian forests on southerly aspects, vegetation was most likely shaped by a low-severity fire
regime, similar to that of southwestern ponderosa pine where frequent fires killed most tree
seedlings and maintained open savannas or woodlands with shade-intolerant hardwoods and
scattered, open-grown conifers. The age structure of live Douglas-fir observed for these sites
suggests the survival of trees to a fire-resistant size was infrequent, resulting in low conifer
densities relative to northerly sites.
In riparian forests on northerly aspects, patches of high-severity fire within the moderate-severity
matrix apparently created canopy gaps in which new cohorts of Douglas-fir could establish
within existing stands and perpetuate Douglas-fir overstory dominance. Fire exclusion has been
associated with an increase in tree density and an increase in the recruitment of white fir, a fire-
sensitive, shade-tolerant species. Without large canopy gaps, Douglas-fir recruitment has been
restricted to the shaded understory where it grows very slowly and is unlikely to replace the large
canopy dominant Douglas-fir trees that recruited before 1900. The Douglas-fir dominated
canopy may eventually be replaced by white fir, which does not produce high quality, large
diameter, more decay-resistant standing snags and coarse woody debris that are desired
for both terrestrial and aquatic species habitat.
The dominant trees in riparian forests would likely have been the individuals that recruited into
canopy gaps after fire where they were able to develop full crowns and grow rapidly out of the
"lethal flaming zone". Until the late 19th or early 20th century, it appears most tree recruitment
into the overstory of northerly aspect riparian forests occurred in large canopy gaps (greater than
30 meters in diameter) created by fire.
Vegetation Change Due to Managed Disturbance, 1995-2015
Over the past 20 years, the City has implemented active management of existing vegetation
structures to more closely create conditions that would reach their objectives. The intent has
been to begin to move forest vegetation closer to the more open stand conditions for the historic
forests while more closely emulating natural functional processes and ecologic outcomes over
time. In the process, vegetation has again been modified by this new disturbance regime that can
be generally characterized by the following factors:
• Frequent gradual reductions in stand density to improve tree vigor and reduce the
potential for insect-related mortality
• Thinning-from-below to improve forest structures, create fuel discontinuities and
decrease likelihood of high-severity fire
• Shift to more open stand conditions and encourage development of more shade-
intolerant species while also reducing likelihood for spread of high-severity crown fires
• Regular slash reduction of activity generated fuels to ensure ongoing reduction in the
potential likelihood and severity of fire when it occurs
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• Reintroduction of low-intensity fire through an active prescribed underburn program to
restore this important ecological and functional process to forest ecosystems
Stand and Landscape Patterns
The City of Ashland has implemented vegetation manipulation through planned disturbances on
a fine scale, with prescriptions and implementation occurring on a unit basis. These
prescriptions and the subsequent implementation has been site-specific and closely monitored in
a collaboration between City staff, contract personnel, and the Ashland Forest Lands
Commission. The results of that work are shown in chapters 8 and 10 of this document -
Inventory and Monitoring respectively, and describe current vegetation conditions for each unit,
as well as the past management activities that have produced current outcomes and projections
for additional vegetation modifications in the future. Although management on City lands will
continue to be done on a very site specific, fine scale approach, the following information
provides general guidelines for desired vegetation conditions by plant association group (PAG).
Plant Association Groups (PAGs)
Trees, shrubs and other plant life can be classified in many different ways fulfilling a variety of
purposes. The Ashland Watershed, including the City of Ashland forestlands, has been stratified
into designations called Plant Association Groups (PAGs) in order to expedite accurate
discussion and address the specific vegetation concerns and prescriptions. Plant Association
Groups provide a general picture of major vegetation patterns across a forest. Each PAG is
comprised of closely-related plant associations, or groupings of plants that occur together in
similar environments. These environments are typically defined by their temperature and
moisture regimes, soils, and history of natural disturbances, such as wildfires, diseases and insect
outbreaks. PAGs may also be characterized by features other than vegetation, such as cinder,
glacier, lava, meadow, rock and water. Together, the PAGs provide a picture of both the
vegetation and the non-vegetative features within a large area (Grenier, et al. 2010). The City
lands covered under the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan are primarily in the Dry Douglas-Fir PAG.
Table 9-2: PAGs on City of Ashland Forestlands
PAG Number of Acres Percent of City Forestlands
Dry Douglas-fir 675.8 59.8
Moist Douglas-fir 0.0 0
Oregon White Oak 20.6 1.8
Ponderosa Pine 130.1 11.5
Unclassified 131.0 11.6
Dry White fir 71.2 6.3
Moist White fir 102.3 9.0
Total 1,131.0 100.0
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Fig 9-5: PAGs on City of Ashland Forestlands by Parcel
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86
The following short descriptors of each PAG were assimilated from the USDA 2003
publication (USDA FS 2003)
Dry Douglas-Fir PAG
The primary disturbance agent in this PAG was frequent, low-severity fire, occurring on a
5 to 15 year average return interval. Insects, diseases, and fire return time interacted to
determine fire severities. These frequent fires burned in a mosaic pattern missing some patches,
allowing development of the mid-seral closed structure type. These most likely occurred in
riparian areas associated with perennial streams and springs, and on some lower slopes of north
aspects.
At the stand level, this PAG would commonly be considered uneven-aged with most of the
structure consisting of groups of trees. As a whole, stands may appear to have had up to three
layers due to the number of different age classes within the stand. Shrubs and grasses were a
substantial feature of this PAG with the relative abundance of shrubs over grasses depending on
the number of years since the most recent fire. A longer fire interval allowed more shrub
development.
Surface erosion and landslide potential were moderate for this portion of the landscape. Several
debris flow landslides occurred during 25, 50, and 100-year flood events, but probably not as
frequent as compared to current conditions. In addition, larger trees that existed in the past
would have aided in slope stabilization.
Moist Douglas-Fir PAG
The primary disturbance agent in this PAG was frequent, mixed-severity fire, occurring on a 15
to 25 year average return interval. Insects, diseases, and fire interacted to determine fire
severities. Although the typical fire was of mixed severity, low-severity fire tended to
predominate.
Seral stage dynamics in the moist Douglas-Fir PAG were very similar to those of the dry
Douglas-Fir PAG with a slightly more dominant shrub layer, and a slightly higher probability of
a stand moving from an open structure type to a closed type. Sugar pine was more common.
The ability of this PAG to retain soil moisture is high, due to slope aspects involved, and
therefore, it is slightly less stable than the Dry Douglas-Fir PAG. Moist soils, steep slopes, dense
dendritic drainage pattern, and high fire risk caused this PAG to be at a moderate-to-high risk for
landslides and at high risk for erosion potential. To a large extent, these disturbances occurred in
and/or adjacent to stream channels, springs, seeps, and concave drainage features. Moderate and
large conifer trees were frequently removed and transported down slope during these mass
wasting events. Sediment, large rock, and other debris were often carried and deposited far
down slope from the source of the landslide.
Oregon White Oak PAG
Human-caused fire, initiated on a regular basis, strongly influenced vegetation conditions in this
PAG. Well-established and uniformly distributed perennial grasses offered regular opportunities
for indigenous burning, and a five year average return interval is estimated.
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Oregon white oak was the dominant tree in these clay soils, with a lesser amount of California
black oak. Ponderosa pine was scattered on the landscape as the large overstory dominant trees.
It is probable that the trees in this open, savannah-like landscape were mostly older individuals,
ranging up to 300 or more years. Closed structure types were rare.
This PAG is considered low risk for landslide hazards due to decreased slope gradients and
gradation away from the coarser, less-cohesive granitic soils of the neighboring Ponderosa Pine
and Dry Douglas-Fir PAGs.
Pathogens thrived generally at lower levels compared with those seen today. Sparsely located
ponderosa pine were attacked by bark beetles during extended droughts but this sparse tree
distribution substantially reduced the likelihood of any spreading disease. Mortality was
probably related to site characteristics (e.g., shallow and/or clay soils) interacting with climatic
extremes.
Ponderosa Pine PAG
The primary disturbance agent in this PAG was frequent, low-intensity fire, occurring on a
5 to 10 year average return interval. This PAG is most commonly located on the dry, more
southerly aspects and these conditions, coupled with Native American burning in the nearby oak
woodlands, contributed to increased fire frequency.
Under this disturbance regime, mid-seral and late-seral open structure types were by far the most
common. Generally, vegetation tended to occur in clumps with a range of ages expressed
between individual trees or clumps of trees. At the stand level, this PAG could be described as
uneven-aged with ponderosa pine the most common conifer species, comprising 50 to 75
percent of the total composition, with the remainder in Douglas-fir and sugar pine. Pacific
madrone and Oregon white oak probably comprised less than ten percent of the pre-settlement
stands.
Vegetation and fuels were horizontally discontinuous in this PAG, with numerous openings
maintained by frequent fire. Grasses and herbaceous vegetation were much more common than
shrubs due to the frequent fire interval.
Surface erosion and landslide potential were low-to-moderate in this PAG, due to decreased
slope gradients on these southerly aspects. Although this PAG tended to have more bare soil
than others, surface erosion may not have been high due to abundant but thin grass cover.
Reduced risk for high-intensity wildfires also reduced risk of large landslides and erosion that
often follows a fire.
Low levels of ponderosa pine and sugar pine mortality occurred from western and mountain pine
beetle (less than 0.5 percent per year). Dwarf mistletoe was likely of very low occurrence in
pines or Douglas-fir.
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Dry White Fir PAG
The primary disturbance agent in this PAG was mixed-severity fire occurring on a 25 to 35
year average return interval. Low-severity fire tended to predominate.
Seral-stage dynamics in this PAG are similar to those of the Dry Douglas-Fir PAG. The mid-
seral open structure type was the most common. Some closed structure types were more likely
to develop and persist than in the Douglas-Fir PAGs. The longer fire intervals resulted in a more
dominant shrub layer and a higher probability of a stand transitioning from an open to a closed
structure type. Individual patches could have up to three canopy layers, particularly in the late-
seral closed type.
This PAG is completely within the rain-on-snow zone. Consequently, the risk for landslides to
disturb and/or remove vegetation is considered moderate to high. Surface erosion for this area is
also classified as high. Soil productivity and fertility would have periodically been adversely
affected when topsoil was removed during large-scale surface erosion occurrences. These
erosive actions upon the soils have caused vegetative cover to be reduced in areas that were
usually highly productive. It would take a long period of time for soils and vegetation to recover
from these large-scale erosion events. A majority of the damage occurred during the large flood
events that commonly occurred in a time span ranging from 10 to 25 years apart.
Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe was present at some unknown level, perhaps about 35 percent of the
stands. Dwarf mistletoe was probably found in scattered stands in all mid-seral and late-seral
stages, but it was likely most concentrated in the mid-closed and late-closed stages.
Moist White Fir PAG
Fire in this PAG was of mixed-severity, occurring on a 40 to 50 year average return interval.
The relative proportions of low and high-severity fire were roughly equal. Other substantial
disturbance agents included bark beetles, defoliators, dwarf mistletoe, and laminated root
disease. Both fire and root diseases were responsible for creating small to medium-sized
openings.
High productivity resulted in a predominance of closed structure types. The combination of
disturbance agents promoted greater variation between the relative proportions of structure types,
compared with the drier PAGs. Western white pine was a minor, but important species and
sugar pine was most abundant in this PAG. Shrubs and forbs were more predominant in all
structure types, and forbs tended to dominate the understory in the closed structure types.
The landscape included such wide variation in patch sizes that it is very difficult to describe with
averages. The Moist White Fir PAG had the highest level of within-stand and between-stand
variation compared with the other PAGs in the landscape.
This PAG is located on east and north aspects and would tend to retain a larger percentage of soil
moisture. It also falls completely within the rain-on-snow area for this landscape. Consequently,
the risk for landslides to disturb and/or remove vegetation in this PAG is considered high.
Surface erosion potential for this area is also classified as high with similar outcome potentials as
the Dry White Fir PAG.
89
Small to moderate scale epidemic outbreaks of bark beetles or defoliators were possible,
especially in the late seral closed structure type. Laminated root disease and dwarf mistletoe
were relatively common.
Vegetation: Dilemmas and Directions
The key to the preservation of water quality and the other forest resource values within the
Ashland Watershed is contingent upon the ability to manage the geographical distribution and
intensity of wildfires that will occur within the watershed. The majority of wildfires that have
burned in the Ashland Watershed during the last century have occurred at lower elevations
within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and have burned into the watershed in response to
upslope wind patterns, slope, aspect and vegetative patterns. Of these four factors, vegetative
pattern is the only one that can be pre-emptively managed. The effective manipulation of
wildfire fuel vegetation within the WUI and in the larger Ashland Watershed can significantly
reduce the threat of a catastrophic wildfire.
However, an inherent false dichotomy may appear to exist within the strategies currently
employed by City forestland managers as they manipulate and disturb the vegetation in the
Ashland Watershed.
On the one hand, as clearly outlined in City objectives, there is a strong desire to prevent,
suppress, and prepare for fire where it threatens lives and properties. In and near the city, a
single goal applies across yards and homes: protect lives and property. Effective vegetation
management to reduce the potential of wildfire within the WUI is of even greater importance
when these areas are located in or adjacent to municipal watersheds and also experience heavy
recreational use.
On the other hand, research and collected data suggest the imminent need to restore fire as a key
ecological process in the long-term health of the Ashland Watershed. Further compounding this
dichotomy, is the general desire of the citizenry to reside safely within a forested landscape that
has evolved historically and can only be kept healthy with frequent, low-intensity fires.
The restoration of a natural, landscape-scale patch diversity and balanced fire regimes close to a
WUI is an outcome few (if any) forestland managers have accomplished on a watershed scale.
This objective is being pursued by the City with an understanding that the current set of
watershed conditions reflects an interruption of vegetation cycles and ecological interactions that
are complex and not easily duplicated. What is universally understood by all stakeholders who
value our forestlands is that doing nothing other than fire suppression is not an option.
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Chapter 10
Monitoring: Plots and Protocol
Monitoring, in general, is obtaining accurate information over time and maintaining a long-term
record. Forest monitoring entails a purposeful and systematic observation and documentation of
characteristics of the landscape and responses of the landscape to various management strategies
including a "no management" option.
Monitoring is an essential and ongoing part of the restoration of City forestlands. It provides the
basis for an adaptive management approach by regularly assessing conditions that can give
valuable feedback and initiate appropriate changes in management activities. Over time, there
will be changes in understory vegetation and tree growth. It is imperative that the effects of
stand density reductions, prescribed fires, and other silvicultural treatments be monitored to
evaluate their effectiveness and inform future work.
There are two types of monitoring, qualitative and quantitative, both of which have intrinsic and
unique value.
Qualitative Monitoring
Qualitative observations are any observation made using the five senses. Qualitative evaluations
may involve value judgments and emotional responses. They are produced through anecdotal
evidence, surveys, community meetings, and sensory observations. The word "subjective' is
often applied to qualitative monitoring. The type of intimate understanding of the forestland and
the associated resources, as well as the public context in which their management exists, has
important values that cannot necessarily be obtained through quantitative, data-driven
monitoring. Complex biological relationships can be analyzed and assessed experientially over
time in ways that are not necessarily available through quantitative assessments alone.
This type of monitoring has been conducted for more than twenty years by City staff, the
Ashland Forest Lands Commission (AFLC), Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission, and
Small Woodland Services, Inc., the City's contract forestry and resource management consultant.
91
Figure 10-1: Qualitative Monitoring - Subjective Assessment
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Quantitative Monitoring
Quantitative monitoring employs repeated measurements of important numerically assessable
indicators that can be tracked over time. The resulting data sets offer important insights into
longer term trends and changes. Quantitative approaches are very useful in balancing
institutional and individual biases that are a normal part of organizational processes.
Quantitative monitoring can inform a qualitatively-oriented decision making process and provide
a base of unbiased information upon which to base those decisions. The maintenance and
repeated measurement of more permanent quantitative data can allow for a reliable assessment of
changes over time and offer a solid continuity, even though individuals in the decision making
process may change. The inherent reliability offered by quantitative monitoring can also help
develop a greater level of trust among community members than might occur through qualitative
methods alone.
92
Figure 10-2: Quantitative Monitoring - Objective Assessment
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Photo courtesy the City of Ashland
City of Ashland Forestlands Monitoring Protocols
Forestlands monitoring is most effective when it integrates knowledge and understanding that
emanates from both qualitative and quantitative sources. To date, the City has been fortunate to
be able to incorporate information from both forms of monitoring. Unlike larger ownerships,
such as federal agency holdings, where there is far more acreage than can be closely monitored,
the City ownership is of a size in which ongoing interactions by professionals and involved
citizens has resulted in an understanding of considerable depth and breadth, both ecologically
and socially, that might not be obtained otherwise. It is expected that the qualitative monitoring
that has provided the solid foundation for City forestlands management for more than twenty
years will continue with monitoring protocols and longitudinal data solidly in place.
To date, the City has invested in a series of 206 permanent inventory plots, with two rounds of
inventory data collection that allows for assessments of both current conditions and changes over
time. Analysis of that data has been largely dependent on episodic needs of City staff (e.g. to
help answer an important question), rather than as a regular analytical occurrence. This has been
due, in part, to budgetary requirements that prioritized implementation of projects over additional
post-monitoring analysis. Recent efforts to standardize inventory and monitoring on all City
lands, including on lands managed by Ashland Parks and Recreation, is a significant step
93
forward for the City of Ashland, particularly as more landscape level approaches to forest and
resource management are imperatively driven by wildfire prevention strategies.
Figure 10-3: Plot 4, Winburn Parcel, 2003 (note stump; left of center in photo)
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Photo Courtesy of Marty Main
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Figure 10-4: Plot 4, Winburn Parcel, 2009 (note stump; left of center in photo)
3~4, t
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Photo Courtesy of Marty Main
95
Figure 105: Plot 4, Winburn Parcel, 2013 (note stump; lower left in photo)
l GY ~ a
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Photo Courtesy of Marty Main
Monitoring provides information to help determine if management actions are meeting the
objectives of the Ashland Forest Plan. The monitoring plan is designed to do the following:
• Track ecosystem elements that are likely to change as a result of management actions
including tree vigor, ground layer vegetation, species composition, and soil cover
• Compare effects of treatments at different locations
• Ensure that the desired effects are produced
• Provide feedback on the effectiveness of our individual actions so we can respond in an
adaptive management framework
Phases of Quantitative Monitoring
Typically, quantitative monitoring consists of four phases:
1) Inventory or Baseline Monitoring: to provide an initial assessment of species
distribution and environmental conditions. (i.e., "What is there now?"). A problem
encountered during the development of the 2016 AFP was the inconsistency of available
inventory data. The Lower Watershed and Winburn Parcel both have a systematic forest
inventory consisting of formal plots. However, other parcels have inventory data
resulting from individual projects and local knowledge. This inventory data exists in
multiple formats: spreadsheets, narratives, and photographs. To solve this incongruence
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in data, a new inventory format was designed for the 2016 AFP. The 2016 Unit Attribute
Summary has 21 individual attributes for each AFP unit and is now consistent for all
lands managed under the plan. A GIS database has been created so that the information
can be analyzed to assist in developing management recommendations. The Attribute
Table and Data Dictionary can be found in Chapter 8 and includes both quantitative and
qualitative assessments.
2) Implementation Monitoring: to determine if management actions were accomplished as
planned. (i.e., "Did we do what we said we would do?"). For example, following the
2004 Restoration II project in the Lower Watershed Parcel, permanent plots were re-
visited post-harvest to determine if implementation occurred as it had been designed
(e.g., were the trees marked for removal the actual trees removed in the operation?).
3) Effectiveness Monitoring: to determine if a management action achieved the stated
objectives. (i.e., "Did our actions accomplish what we wanted them to?"). For example,
effectiveness monitoring has been used on the Winburn Parcel to determine whether
restoration work has reduced the number of small trees competing with the highly
desirable larger trees, and whether pine species have been retained while white fir has
been reduced. This was represented by measurement of trees per acre of each species,
and basal area of each species, both before and after work was completed.
4) Validation Monitoring: to determine if the assumptions and models used in developing
the existing management plan have proven correct, and modify them as necessary (i.e.,
"What have we learned from what we have done?"). For instance, improved tree vigor is
an important gauge of density management effectiveness. This is most easily represented
as diameter growth rate in rings-per-inch acquired through increment boring. Forest
inventory plots can help determine if tree vigor is actually improving through increasing
the rate of diameter growth. For example, ongoing monitoring on the Winburn Parcel
Restoration III project will determine if goals to increase the health of pine and other
leave trees was achieved by reducing stand density.
Monitoring of City Forestlands Management to Date
What is learned from City forestlands monitoring efforts is key to guiding future adaptive
management strategies. When resource objectives are met, those management practices are
continued. When resource objectives are not met, monitoring data assists our forest managers in
changing management techniques to reach stated objectives. Since 1995, four significant forest
management projects have occurred on City forestlands:
1) Restoration I, beginning in 1996 and continuing to date, has focused primarily on
stand density and fire hazard reduction through thinning of non-commercial size
classes of trees, with follow up slash treatment, throughout the City forest lands.
2) Restoration II, beginning in 2004 on the Lower Watershed Parcel, was primarily
additional stand density reduction through helicopter thinning on 183 acres, with
follow up treatment of activity-generated fuels.
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3) Restoration III, beginning in 2013, consisted of helicopter thinning and follow up
treatment of activity-generated fuels on 74 acres of the Winburn Parcel.
4) Restoration IV, the name given to the ongoing practice begun in 2013, primarily
involves prescribed underburning that has been implemented following completion of
the various projects in Restoration I-III. These treatments have recently been
elevated by City forestland managers to a long-term ongoing management practice,
used once units have undergone stand reduction activity so that fire can be utilized as
a planned low-severity disturbance event.
Each of these four projects (Restoration I-IV), has included a different mix of qualitative and
quantitative monitoring. The following sections and tables describe each phase of quantitative
monitoring done for each of the four projects and provide examples of each.
Baseline Monitoring Results to Date
The City established 206 permanent monitoring plots and initiated data collection on both the
Lower Watershed Parcel (137 plots on 486 acres) and the Winburn Parcel (69 plots on 160 acres)
in 2000-2002. More data was collected in 2007-2009. Data collected at each plot included:
• site data such as slope percent, aspect, location;
• stand exam tree data such as live/dead, species, Basal Area (BA), Diameter at Breast
Height (DBH), Quadratic Mean Diameter (QMD), Relative Density Index (RDI), Trees
per Acre (TPA), height, crown ratio, dwarf mistletoe, rating, radial growth, age, crown
closure;
• fuels by size class (Brown's transects);
• species, size, decay class of coarse woody material;
• soil types such as bare soil, rock, litter, live vegetation, duff cover, duff/litter depth;
• vegetation composition details such as layer, species, and percent cover; and
• photos.
Plots were not established in Riparian Management Areas (RMAs) as no active management
projects were planned. Plots were also not established in scattered smaller parcels under City
jurisdiction. No plots were established on lands administered by the Ashland Parks and
Recreation Department.
Data from these plots have been summarized and analyzed a number of times by the City,
primarily on an ad hoc basis. There are, however, a number of variables that have never been
summarized and/or analyzed because there was never an explicit need by the City to do so. The
capacity to perform needed retrospective summaries/analyses at any time is in place because the
actual plot data for all variables is permanently stored in City of Ashland files. The City plans to
re-visit the plots again (budget depending) within the next several years. This ongoing data
collection provides the opportunity to assess long-term changes in the biophysical features on
City forestlands.
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Implementation Monitoring Results to Date
Implementation monitoring is used to determine if management actions were accomplished as
planned. Three major projects have occurred on the City ownership in which follow-up
quantitative implementation monitoring has occurred. The results of quantitative monitoring
were presented in a number of documents (Main 2003, Main 2006, Main 2007, Main 2010, Main
2013, Main 2014).
An example of implementation monitoring that has been completed occurred in the 2004
helicopter thinning project (Restoration II) on 183 acres of City lands in the Lower Watershed
Parcel. The data are summarized in Table 10-1 (Main 2003).
Table 10-1: Trees Removed in Restoration Project Phase II
Diameter Live trees Dead trees
<17" dbh 4202 1563
>17" dbh 120 283
Following the harvest, a revisit to permanent plots confirmed that what had been planned had
actually occurred: the trees marked for removal were the ones removed. This is shown in Table
10-2.
Table 10-2: Trees Removed by Unit in Restoration Project Phase II
17" dbh < 17" dbh > 17" dbh > 17" dbh Trees /
Unit Acres Live Dead Live Dead Total Acre
A2 7.0 62 43 0 4 109 15.6
B arranc a 1.8 0 111 0 3 114 63.3
B 2, 3, 33.1 485 787 2 48 1,322 39.9
and 4
B 5, 6, 9.4 298 143 3 20 464 15.6
and 7
DI 7.5 25 150 0 31 206 27.5
D2 4.2 209 9 3 6 227 54.0
E 2, 3, 4, 11.0 218 92 9 38 357 32.5
and 5
F 4.5 126 30 4 161 35.8
H 3.5 26 35 2 27 90 25.7
J 5.0 104 6 13 10 133 26.6
Kl and 2 7.0 20 14 6 39 79 11.3
K3 4.3 96 47 6 17 166 38.6
Ll 3.5 89 2 10 0 101 28.9
M 15.0 320 2 21 2 345 23.0
N 21.3 984 16 8 7 1,015 47.7
P/Q 40.3 905 36 33 14 988 24.5
S2 5.0 235 40 3 13 291 58.2
Totals 183.4 4,202 19563 120 283 69168 33.6
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Effectiveness Monitoring Results to Date
Effectiveness monitoring is used to determine if a management action achieved the stated goals.
This is dependent on clearly articulating desired goals and simultaneously selecting appropriate
monitoring indicators to quantitatively measure achievement of the specific goals. If goals and
monitoring indicators are not developed concurrently, it is common to have goals that cannot be
measured quantitatively and must then be assessed only by qualitative methods.
The following goals have been developed for projects on City ownership:
Restoration I (R-I) Goals:
1) Protection of watershed values and maintenance of water quality and quantity for the City
2) Maintenance and/or promotion of forest and ecosystem health
3) Reduction in wildfire hazard and risk
Restoration II (R-II) Goals:
1) Promote healthy forest stands for the long term through reducing stand densities by
thinning understory and middle-canopy trees
2) Maintain structures, features and processes critical to the functioning of mature forests
such as large trees, snags, down logs, multi-layer canopy, soil structure and nutrient
recycling
3) Significantly reduce the likelihood of a large scale, high-intensity wildfire through
activities that will restore a disturbance regime more closely emulating the historic range
of natural disturbances. Although highly variable, these natural disturbances included
frequent, low-intensity fires as opposed to infrequent, high-intensity fires. This goal will
not be accomplished with a single management action and may take years or decades to
complete
4) Minimize the need for continued intervention in the landscape and eventually allow
natural fire cycles and other disturbance events to occur
5) Protect and improve riparian transition zone habitat, specifically those areas where the
vegetation shows a distinctly different plant community compared to the adjacent uplands
6) Increase stability of surface soils by increasing effective ground cover, including coarse
woody debris, mosses, native grasses and low shrubs
7) Develop an approach for reducing stand density while protecting slope stability in
moderately sensitive geologic areas (Hazard 2 Zones)
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8) Encourage and preserve native species diversity on a landscape level
Restoration III (R- III) Goals:
1) Employ ecologically-responsible stewardship principles and an open and transparent
community decision-making process
2) Promote forest health through reducing stand densities
3) Maintain structures, features, and processes critical to the functioning of late seral forests,
such as tree densities and biodiversity appropriate to the forest type, large snags, down
logs, multi-layer canopy, soil structure, and nutrient cycling
4) Significantly reduce the likelihood of a large-scale, high-intensity wildfire through
activities that will restore a disturbance regime more closely emulating the historic range
of natural disturbances, including reintroduction of natural and/or prescribed fire
5) Protect and improve aquatic and riparian transition zone habitat
6) Increase stability and productivity of surface soils by increasing effective ground cover,
including coarse woody material, mosses, native grasses and low shrubs
7) Maintain and protect wildlife by preservation of key habitat characteristics and retention
of structural diversity across the landscape
Restoration IV (R-IV) Goals:
1) Return low-intensity fire as an ecosystem process
2) Reduce one and ten hour fuels by 30% to 60% to minimize potential for wildfire
ignition/spread
3) Reduce developing understory vegetation, especially sprouting madrone, whiteleaf
manzanita seedlings, hairy honeysuckle and other shrubs by 25% or greater to promote
native grass and herbaceous vegetation
4) Maintain existing overstory conifers and hardwoods by limiting overstory mortality to
10% or less
5) Maintain 1000 hour fuels for large woody debris by retaining 50% or more of these fuels
6) Protect existing duff layer with objective to retain 50% of the duff depth over 75% or
more of the area
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Using data from permanent monitoring plots, a number of the above-described goals were
quantitatively assessed for effectiveness. [Basal Area (BA), Diameter at Breast, Height (DBH),
Quadratic Mean Diameter (QMD), Relative Density Index (RDI), Trees per Acre (TPA)]
For example, reductions in stand densities have been quantified to help assess effectiveness in
achieving goals R-I.2, R-1.3, R-11. 1, R-I1.3, R-II1.2 and R-III.4. Monitoring data from
Restoration III has made clear that stand density reduction had occurred (Tables 10-3 and 10-4).
Table 10-3: Pre and Post Stand Density in Winburn Parcel Units
Unit pre-Helicopter (2007-08) Post-Helicopter Post-Helicopter (w/
(#plots) NCT)
TPA BA QMD RDI TPA BA QMD RDI TPA BA QMD RDI
1 (n=19) 335 222 11.0 0.74 222 185 11.5 0.52 135 139 13.7 0.42
4 (n=4) 102 250 21.2 0.64 74 51 23.1 0.53 74 215 23.1 0.53
5 (n=5) 204 225 14.2 0.68 124 6 15.6 0.48 90 155 17.8 0.43
It was also confirmed (Table 10-4) that a reduction in trees per acre of shade tolerant species had
occurred, while no shade intolerant species had been removed. This was an important species
composition shift pertinent to Goal R-III.3.
Table 10-4: Pre- and Post-Thinning Stand Density by Species in Winburn Parcel
Tree Species Unit 1 Pre-Treatment Unit 1 Post-Treatment
TPA BA BA% TPA BA BA%
Black Oak 3 <1 <1 3 <1 <1
Douglas-fir 203 150 68 129 95 60
Incense-cedar 30 6 3 6 4 3
Pacific 26 9 4 19 6 2
Madrone
Ponderosa 6 30 14 6 30 19
Pine
Sugar Pine 1 5 2 1 5 3
White Fir 66 21 9 57 17 11
Tree Species Unit 4 Pre-Treatment Unit 4 Post-Treatment
TPA BA BA% TPA BA BA%
Black Oak 0 0 0 0 0 0
Douglas-fir 93 235 94 73 187 98
Incense-cedar 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pacific Madrone 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ponderosa Pine 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sugar Pine 0 0 0 0 0 0
White Fir 9 15 6 1 5 2
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Tree Species Unit 5 Pre-Treatment Unit 5 Post-Treatment
TPA BA BA% TPA BA BA%
Black Oak 0 0 0 0 0 0
Douglas-fir 177 194 86 106 137 83
Incense-cedar 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pacific Madrone 8 4 2 0 0 0
Ponderosa Pine 4 20 9 4 20 12
Sugar Pine 0 0 0 0 0 0
White Fir 15 7 3 15 7 4
Discussions, both qualitative and quantitative, of other stand attributes that changed during the
Restoration III project are discussed in greater detail in the Winburn Parcel 2013 Treatment
Summary (Main 2013). The value of using both qualitative and quantitative monitoring was
evident during the development of that report.
For example, post-treatment results for basal area and RDI in Unit 4 (Table 3) were somewhat
higher than planned and implemented during the project. This may have been due to the low
number of plots (n=4) in the small unit. The subsequent addition of six systematically-arranged
plots resulted in an actual basal area of 192 ft2/acre, rather than the 215 ft2/acre previously
reported. The higher retention of basal areas and RDI than might typically be retained in many
prescriptions was the result of two qualitative judgements not reflected in the data:
• High height/diameter ratios and small crowns in the unit made it appropriate to leave
more trees for potential loss from windthrow, helicopter damage, etc.
• This site was judged to have a higher potential maximum stand density index (SDI) than
other sites which would result in an RDI that was lower than indicated by the data alone.
Several of the goals outlined above could not be quantified, such as Goal RIIA, RIII.1, and
portions of others. In some cases, these could be assessed qualitatively. In many cases,
additional qualitative assessments could improve the analysis.
In Restoration IV, an overarching goal has been to return low intensity fire as an ecosystem
process where appropriate - a goal partially accomplished by utilizing prescribed burns.
Accomplishment of this goal can be a qualitative assessment (i.e., the goal was accomplished if
fire was re-introduced as an ecosystem process).
Quantitative assessment of this goal can be accomplished with more elaboration, such as
measuring flame length to indicate low-severity fire. Retention of a duff layer, an important
factor in reducing the potential for soil erosion, can be quantitatively assessed after prescribed
underburning. Effectiveness monitoring in Unit E2 found that significant increases in percent of
bare soil occurred after prescribed underburning (Main 2014).
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Table 10-5: Unit E2 Pre and Post Burn Soils1
Date Bare soil Live vegetation Duff/Litter Duff Depth (inches)
(n = 200') (n = 200') (n = 200') (n = 20)
Pre-burn
(6-7/2007) 7.9 24.0 68.1 0.75
Post-burn 55.5 3.0 41.5 0.4
(1/2014)
Post-burn 37.3 18.7 44.1 0.46
(7/2015)
Soils inventory protocol developed by David Steinfeld, USFS Soil Scientist
Additional effectiveness monitoring will continue on prescribed underburns on City forestlands
and will be used to inform adaptive management by trying other methods for protecting duff
layers. Eventually, validation monitoring may be employed through repeated permanent plot re-
measurements to determine the level of validity assumed wherein prescribed underburning can
be used while protecting duff and watershed values.
Validation Monitoring Results to Date
Validation monitoring verifies or refutes the assumptions that guide proposed management
actions, and modify them as necessary (i.e., "What have we learned from what we have done?").
For instance, improved tree vigor is a very important gauge of density management
effectiveness. This is most easily represented as diameter growth rate in rings-per-inch acquired
through increment boring. This data has been collected on all forest inventory plots on the City
ownership and can help determine if thinning has improved tree vigor as measured by increasing
diameter growth over time. For example, ongoing monitoring on the Winburn Parcel
Restoration III project will determine if goals to increase the health of pine and other leave trees
was achieved by reducing stand density.
In "Post-Treatment Monitoring- Lower City of Ashland Ownership" (Main 2006), radial growth
had not improved in the years following thinning treatments, although understory vegetation had
increased significantly. This raised the question as to the validity of the underlying assumption
that thinning would improve vigor of the retained trees on this portion of the City ownership,
with notable differences by sites, species and crown ratios.
Longer time frames are often needed to measure the validity of underlying assumptions and
models. The short interval following the 2004 Restoration II helicopter thinning may not have
been enough time to determine outcomes for validation monitoring, especially given the
presence of high populations of flatheaded borers in Douglas-fir that can affect stand level
responses to thinning.
On the Winbum Parcel, inventory data collected over 13 years suggested no increase in mortality
of older legacy trees even when higher basal areas were retained around those trees. The
removal of smaller, more competitive size classes, both around individual legacy trees and later
on a stand level basis, likely helped produce that outcome. The extensive data set, with one
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repeat measurement and a second planned in the next several years, should offer ample
opportunity to conduct validation monitoring as needed by the City.
Monitoring Under the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan
The 2016 AFP goals (see Management chapter) are more general than some of the project level
goals discussed above for R-I, R-II, R-III and R-IV. While both qualitative and quantitative
monitoring has been and will continue to be important in guiding City forest management, future
monitoring under the AFP will emphasize specific quantitative indicators. In addition to
monitoring which provides new data, both the Lower Watershed Parcel and Winburn Parcel have
extensive data from past monitoring that is available for future review and analysis.
Given the limitations on both fiscal and human resources, monitoring, in the short term, will
focus on the indicators that make the most effective use of those resources and that build on past
monitoring. Ultimately, by considering all of the quantitative information supplied by indicator
assessments, a final, more comprehensive qualitative assessment can be made as to progress with
each individual goal.
The 2016 AFP describes management actions and subsequent monitoring by the City of Ashland
on City forestlands. These are the monitoring indicators marked below with an asterisk
Other monitoring indicators, while providing important information toward achievement of 2016
AFP goals, are outside of the scope of this plan (e.g., Ashland Creek watershed stream
temperature as measured by USGS gauges upstream of City forest lands).
Monitoring Indicators for Goal I-A: Promote healthy, resilient forest ecosystems
1. Stand Vigor*
A. Radial growth
B. Crown ratio
C. Basal area, relative density
D. Insect and disease extent and ratings
2. Tree species composition*
3. Stand density*
A. Basal area and relative density by unit
B. Seedling stocking
4. Plant species abundance and composition*
5. Existing or developing late seral forest conditions
A. Tree size class distribution by species
B. Snag and large woody debris
C. Canopy closure
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6. Frequency and magnitude of natural disturbance regimes, and deviation from them*
A. Regional aerial insect mortality detection surveys
B. Dwarf mistletoe disease- extent, severity
Monitoring Indicators for Goal I-B: Significantly diminish the likelihood of a high severity
wildfire through active vegetation and fuels management that emulates the historic range
of natural disturbances
1. Strategic location of fuel reduction treatments*
A. Areas, total acres on City of Ashland ownership
2. Possibility for stand level crown fire initiation*
A. Surface fuels
B. Understory cover
C. Height to crown base
3. Possibility for sustaining crown fire*
A. Horizontal discontinuity of fuels
B. Canopy closure
C. Crown bulk density
Monitoring Indicators for Goal I-C: Maintain water quality and quantity for use by the
City of Ashland and for the enhancement of aquatic life in the watershed, minimizing the
potential for soil erosion and landslide events
1. Soil resources and surface erosion*
A. Understory cover
B. Percent bare soil
2. Slope stability*
C. Slope stability hazard mapping
D. Location, size and extent of recent landslides
3. Water quality
A. Stream temperature
B. Turbidity/total suspended solids
4. Aquatic habitat
A. Fish habitat and abundance (via ODFW or USFS Stream Surveys)
B. Stream bottom composition
5. Riparian Management Areas
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A. Collect baseline data for Riparian Management Areas
Monitoring Indicators for Goal II-A: Encourage citizen input and increase public
awareness and education in the process of maintaining the health of the forest lands, the
urban interface and the Ashland Watershed
NOTE: Social indicators are difficult to measure solely on City forestlands. A broader
discussion of social monitoring and indicators has been pursued at the landscape level and
references to those studies are in the Social Chapter. Indicators listed here will be measured in
conjunction with broader efforts as funding allows.
1. Community knowledge and acceptance of restoration activities and the perceived
Benefits
A. Prescribed burning/smoke management
B. Ecologically sensitive timber harvesting
C. Protection of municipal water supply
D. Protection from wildfire
2. Opportunities for fostering connection to the watershed and sense of responsibility
for outcomes
A. Number of individuals and hours worked by volunteers or students on work
projects and monitoring
B. Number of public tours given on City forest lands, and number of people
participating
C. Number of programs and presentations given, and number of people attending
D. Number of reports, brochures, videos and other outreach materials produced and
distributed
Monitoring Indicators for Goal II-B: Integrate recreational opportunities into the larger
context of active forest management.
1. Ashland Woodland & Trails Association data on numbers and types of recreational
users of trails on City forestlands
2. Miles of trail built and maintained on City forest lands
3. Number of trail signs installed and maintained on City forest lands
4. Number of recreational opportunity maps and brochures published and distributed
Conclusion
A proficient monitoring process will continue to provide information to shape the improvement
of both planning and implementation of future work on City of Ashland forestlands. These
monitoring protocols will offer an ongoing assessment of the 2016 AFP's overall effectiveness.
With new information and ecological understandings that result from good monitoring, necessary
adjustments to planned activities will occur in the ongoing spirit of adaptive management.
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Chapter 11
Forestlands Management: Goals and Guidelines
The original Ashland Forest Plan (AFP) stated that the primary mandate of City administration is
to "manage the city forest lands in a manner which maintains and enhances the Ashland
Watershed and provides the City with a sufficient, high quality source of water." The 1992 AFP
further states: "In order to emulate the historical role of fire in the ecosystem, a carefully applied
program of tree salvage, thinning, and prescribed fire will be introduced" (McCormick et al,
1992).
Goals
Pursuant to this mandate, the Ashland Forest Lands Commission (AFLC), adhering to its mission
to "develop forest management plans for the City's municipal forests", holds forth with the
following five goals that will continue to guide our work. These goals will apply to all City
forestlands administered under the 2016 AFP.
Ecological
• Promote healthy, resilient forest ecosystems including appropriate native plant and
animal habitat
• Significantly diminish the likelihood of a high-severity wildfire through active vegetation
and fuels management that emulates the historic range of natural disturbances
➢ We acknowledge that fire will occur on City lands in the future and that our
management efforts are designed to allow it to occur at times, locations, scales
and intensities that more closely meet current resource objectives.
• Maintain water quality and quantity for use by the City and enhance aquatic life in the
watershed while minimizing the potential for soil erosion and landslide events
Social
• Encourage citizen input and increase public awareness and education in the process of
maintaining the health of the forest lands, the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and the
broader Ashland Watershed
• Integrate recreational opportunities into the larger context of active forest management
Guiding Principles
• Restoration projects will be planned to embrace ecosystem health. Thus, management
activities will be based on thorough site evaluations, where applicable, by experts in
botany, fire ecology, fisheries, fuels, geology, hydrology, silviculture, soils, and wildlife.
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• Proposed active management and restoration treatments will not be broad brush strokes
but site-specific activities based on environmental site conditions including existing
vegetation, past management actions, current management objectives, and Desired Future
Conditions (DFC).
• Forest management activities will generally be designed to maintain or enhance
development of older forest conditions.
• Proposed active management and restoration treatments will continue to draw from the
mounting volume of data emerging from the monitoring of our own site-work that has
been ongoing since 1995. Monitoring and data collection protocols will be continued and
broadened to allow for regular and continued adaptive management.
• No trees will be removed simply for economic value. What is left behind is more
important than what is removed. Timber and other forest commodities will be generated
only as a by-product of designed management and restoration activities
• As has been successfully practiced for over 20 years, management decisions will be
considered within the social context of local citizen involvement using the Ashland
Forest Lands Commission as the venue for public input and interaction.
Management Basis
Achieving goals for forest ecosystems generally involves manipulating vegetation - a process
humans have been involved in for thousands of years. This portion of the 2016 AFP describes
the various factors that have guided active forest management over the past 20 years and
includes updated strategies and directions that will guide implementation of this next phase of
forest management.
In the early 1990s, the City began a project of actively, manipulating vegetation on their
ownership to achieve land management objectives. However, before beginning that process, a
clear understanding of the wide diversity of vegetation types was needed. Given the range of
vegetation conditions on the City ownership, a more formal process of categorizing City
forestlands vegetation into units was initiated with associated suggested management activities
based on that categorization. Each of these units also received a prescription for needed
management activity - a planned disturbance(s) designed to achieve management objectives - on
both a unit and landscape level. More recently, lands held and managed by the Ashland Parks
and Recreation Commission have also come under the forestry management umbrella of the
AFLC and have been stratified into management units.
Although the large percentage of the acreage owned and administered by the City and addressed
in the 2016 AFP is located in forests dominated by mixed conifers and hardwoods, other non-
forested parcels are included. These non-forested parcels contain grasslands, shrublands, small
tree-diameter woodlands and openings on less productive sites with their own unique set of
values and opportunities. Due to the urban/semi-urban location of most of these small parcels,
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fire management goals are paramount, while hydrological and slope stability goals are less
emphasized. Recreational opportunities tend to be highlighted on these smaller parcels and
management of these lands will use site-specific approaches often unique to the parcel itself
(e.g., retaining certain unique vegetation and habitat types such as Oregon white oak
woodlandsor small whiteleaf manzanita brushfields).
With this initial categorization of units, the City began actively working to adjust forest stand
structure, density and species composition to help achieve the goals in ways that more closely
emulates historical patterns of disturbance. Prescribed management activities will encourage the
development of forest conditions that allow for the occurrence of functional processes, such as
frequent, low-to-moderate-severity fire or insect infestation in a frequency, severity, scale and
duration that are closer to that which occurred historically.
The need for active management can change both spatially and temporally. The importance of
both qualitative and quantitative monitoring allows, through adaptive management, appropriate
alterations in management direction.
Early assessments of forest and vegetation conditions on the City forestlands found a range of
site and/or stand characteristics that suggested a strong need for active management to achieve
City objectives. Individual units were analyzed for three general characteristics:
• The inherent fire susceptibility of the vegetation in the unit and the benefits of, on a
landscape level, altering that vegetation to achieve fire management objectives
• Existing stand and vegetation structure, density and/or species composition that was far
from desirable and in some cases threatened by insects, disease, and excessively high
stand densities
• Site conditions with an inherent high susceptibility for slope failure
These three priority conditions were mapped, analyzed and guided forest management decision-
making and subsequent implementation of forest and resource management activities.
After 20 years of carefully planned and strategically targeted management activities, the
resulting forests and stands have been altered in ways that have resulted in the following:
• Reduced potential for impacts from high-severity fire
• Structures, densities and species compositions that are more vigorous, and offer a greater
likelihood of resistance to, and resilience from, high-severity disturbance
• Stand conditions that continue to minimize the likelihood of slope failure
These changes have been well documented. Qualitative valuations have been performed through
periodic work done by City staff, AFLC and our contract forester, and quantitative assessments
through regular data collection and analysis on the 206 permanent plots on the City ownership.
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Vegetation Management
Initial management practices were guided by silvicultural prescriptions developed for each unit
with eventual review and analysis by City staff and the AFLC. To achieve City forest
management goals, implementation has largely occurred at a unit-level or stand-level basis.
Restorative prescriptions in forested areas largely call for stand density reduction by thinning-
from-below which improved tree and stand vigor and accelerated development of older forest
conditions. The resulting activity fuels from these operations have been hand-piled and burned.
In some cases, this was followed by prescribed underburning and removal of surface and ladder
fuels with the subsequent reduction in wildfire potential in the post-treatment forest.
In the first decade of active management on the City property, thinning-from-below primarily
occurred in tree size-classes less than eight inches diameter at breast height (dbh) that had
limited commercial value. Thinning-from-below has also been employed in two cases (2004 and
2013) on the City ownership where size classes of trees to be removed retained adequate and
useful market value. Once retrieved, through the use of helicopters, their sale helped offset the
costs of management.
This general stand management strategy of thinning-from-below was combined in specific places
with variable density thinning and/or radial thinning around older mature trees where the
removed trees were most often of shade intolerant species. The implementation of this range of
silvicultural practices, each determined on a site specific, unit-by-unit basis, encouraged
continued development of older forest structures by retaining and nurturing the larger and older
trees in any stand. Following initial attempts to improve overall stand density, succeeding
entries have included strategies that encourage a modified clumped distribution of trees at
various scales more typical of historical forests.
Throughout this time, forest management activities have largely been implemented on the stand
level on City forestlands, with improvements in density, structure and species composition more
important than focusing on individual trees. However, in the interest of conserving older legacy
trees, radial thinning around legacy trees has been prioritized and implemented on City
ownership. This targeted thinning treatment occurred mainly during the first five years of active
management primarily as a stopgap measure to buy more time until more extensive stand level
treatments were accomplished.
Initial radial thinning mainly focused on smaller, non-commercial size trees which are more
competitive for site resources which disproportionately affects the vigor and survivability of the
desired legacy tree. These small trees contribute to a significant increase in potential fire
behavior around a legacy tree, whether the fire is planned or not. Our past experience has
justified this management approach: prior to initiating the first prescribed underburning on City
forestlands in 1997, radial thinning of non-commercial trees and shrubs was implemented around
all older legacy trees in the unit, promoting reduced fire behavior and impending small-tree
competition impacts to the legacy tree.
111
Figure 11-1: Unit C2 in 1996 Pre-Treatment
a
Photo courtesy of Marty Main
Figure 11-2: Unit C2 after non-commercial thinnin
t
Photo courtesy of Marty Main
112
Figure 11-3: Unit C2 after non-commercial thinning slash was burned
Photo courtesy of Marty Main
Figure 11-4: Unit C2 post underburn in 2015
r,
kf
INA
'
" .I
.
s ` St'dv
t '
y
S
- - rf
i a
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5--RAS W,_ I,
Photo courtesy of Marty Main
113
On the Winburn Parcel where the large majority of legacy trees on City forestlands exist, a three-
stage process has been completed encouraging survivability of larger, older legacy trees:
1) Initial removal of 90% of the smaller trees (up to eight inches dbh) in the immediate
vicinity of individual legacy trees in 2000
2) A more extensive stand-level thinning in 2003 of smaller trees in units that contain legacy
trees
3) In 2013, additional stand-level thinning of larger-sized but suppressed trees, using
helicopters, as well as additional smaller tree radial thinning around legacy trees as
needed during the treatment of activity fuels
Monitoring data has revealed that around individual legacy trees, basal areas were reduced from
198 to 171 ft2/acre in the first treatment in Unit One in 2000, and to 90 ft2/acre after the second
treatment in 2013. On a stand level, initial 2000 pre-treatment unit densities of 218 ft2/acre were
ultimately reduced to 139 ft2/acre following treatments in 2013.
These multiple-entry, conservative interventions around older, highly-stressed, legacy trees
gradually released them from unfavorable stand conditions that was the result of over 100 years
of growth without disturbance. These interventions were also accomplished over a 13 year time
frame that included significant drought events with minimal loss of legacy trees (i.e. losses were
below endemic levels). This mirrored the results of a retrospective study by Latham and
Tappeiner who found that release and improved vigor occurred in conifers 168-650 years old in
southwestern Oregon over a wide range of post thinning retained basal areas (up to 252 ft2/acre)
and concluded that "vigor of the trees can be improved without intensive density reduction"
(Latham, P. and Tappeiner, J. 2002). On the Winburn Parcel, a wide range of retained densities
around legacy trees occurred (20-180 ft2/acre), with tree retention around the legacy tree
focusing on vigorous and larger trees of desired species at various spatial configurations rather
than imposing a pre-determined spacing guideline for tree removal. Thinning styles and
intensities were also adjusted to fit the different species of legacy trees, including hardwoods
such as oaks and Pacific madrone.
A primary long-term strategy exercised on City forestlands is to gradually shift stands towards
older forest conditions, with the concomitant forest health and fire management benefits, while,
at the same time, encouraging the retention of legacy trees of various species and ages. On the
Lower Watershed Parcel, Oregon white oaks are often the only legacy trees and these oaks may
be as or older than any of the oldest conifers on the entire City ownership. These legacy trees
will be promoted through individual tree and stand-level practices. Even in stands without
existing individual legacy trees, implementation of pre-legacy thinning in the vicinity of the
oldest, most vigorous trees of desired species is prioritized in order to encourage development of
older forest structures.
Over the past 20 years, forest thinning on a stand level basis, whether commercial or non-
commercial, has shifted forests on City forestlands to less dense, more open forest conditions
that has resulted in more vigorous trees and stands. This has improved stand resistance to high-
severity wildfires, as well as resiliency from insect and disease attack. An occasional high-
intensity, stand-replacing disturbance may be beneficial to dry forest ecosystems over time and
114
within more remote locations. However, the close proximity of City forestlands to lives and
property that would be threatened by a rapidly expanding high-severity fire will demand
continuing forest management on a path of reducing the likelihood of a stand-replacing wildfire
event.
The above-described forest management activities have more recently been favorably viewed on
a regional (and even national) basis as the primary strategy in dry forests for retaining our
existing array of forest values. At this point, the City has one of the longest track records of
actively applying these management strategies. While these strategies have mainly been
implemented on the stand or unit level on City forestlands, future collaborative and federal
agency directions now suggest an increasing trend towards a wider landscape context across
other ownerships in the Ashland Watershed, a process in which the City is actively involved. It
is important to note that the very first accomplishment of cross-boundary work by the Forest
Service in the nation occurred on City forestlands in the 1997 prescribed underburn near Reeder
Reservoir.
Riparian Management Areas
Production of high quality and quantities of water from the Ashland watershed for use by the
City remains a primary goal guiding City forestlands management on both City ownerships and
in the larger Ashland Watershed. The key to successfully achieving this objective is promotion
of healthy, fully-functioning aquatic and terrestrial riparian ecosystems, as well as the associated
upland forest ecosystems previously described.
A single, specific management plan for the aquatic and riparian resources on the City ownership
in the watershed has not been developed. To date, little management activity has occurred
within the newly created Riparian Management Areas (RMAs).
City forestlands administered under the 2016 AFP present 5.37 miles of streams flowing through
them and 96.17 acres of RMA. Outside of the City limits, management direction for streams on
non-federal lands, including those owned by the City, is provided by the Oregon Department of
Forestry (ODF) under the Oregon Forest Practices Act. Streams that flow within the City limits
are governed by the City Riparian Ordinance. The remainder, which is the large majority of
streams in the Ashland Watershed, are located on Forest Service ownership and are governed by
a separate set of rules specific to that organization.
Intermittent and ephemeral streams, which are not mapped as such in the current data set, will be
treated per the regulations governing that class of stream based on site specific review during
unit level implementation.
115
Table 11-1: Stream Segments Managed under the City Riparian Ordinance (1.32 miles /
15.77 acres)
Streams Inside Ashland City Limits (Ashland Riparian Ordinance)
Miles Miles Miles Total Riparian Riparian
Creek Perennial perennial Intermittent Stream Management Management
Name Stream
with Fish Stream Stream Miles Acres Area
Ashland 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.23 4.73 APR-2
Creek AP
Ashland
Creek LW 0.31 0.00 0.00 0.31 2.93 LWR-1
IN City
Bear Creek 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.25 5.87 APR-1
Clay Creek 0.00 0.00 0.39 0.39 1.22 OTWR-l
SMPR-3
Hamilton
Creek 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.06 ARR-1
(AR)
Westwood 0.00 0.00 0.13 0.13 0.96 WR-3
Park
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Table 11-2: Stream Segments Managed under the Oregon Forest Practices Act (3.9 miles /
80.41 acres)
Miles Miles Miles Total Riparian Riparian
Creek Perennial Perennial Intermittent Stream Management Management
Name Stream Stream Stream Miles Acres Area
with Fish
Ashland
Creek LW 1.45 0.00 0.00 1.45 34.42 LWR-1
Out City
LW Trib 1 0.00 0.00 0.13 0.13 0.80 LWR-4
LW Trib 2 0.00 0.00 0.19 0.19 0.64 LWR-3
Paradise 0.00 0.00 0.19 0.19 0.81 SMPR-1
Creek
Reeder Res 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.46 LW-Res
Weasel 0.40 0.00 0.00 0.40 6.52 WR-4
Creek
West Fork
Ashland 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.77 17.92 WR- 3 WR-
3
Creek
Winburn 0.00 0.00 0.21 0.21 0.45 WR-1
Trib 1
Winburn 0.13 0.11 0.00 0.24 1.58 WR-8
Trib 2
Winburn 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.78 WR-7
Trib 3
Winburn 0.14 0.00 0.00 0.14 1.58 WR-5
Trib 5
Winburn 0.08 0.00 0.02 0.10 0.45 WR-6
Trib 6
Many of the stream segments in the above tables have been considerably altered by various land
uses that have compromised riparian and aquatic function. This is especially true within the city
limits of Ashland, as well as in the segment between the city limits and Reeder Reservoir. In
these settings, objectives can be quite different than in more wildland settings. Existing
infrastructure, property values, intense human usage and multiple values are already in place
adjacent to the RMAs.
Above Reeder Reservoir, and specifically on the Winburn Parcel, aquatic and riparian functions
are more intact. Even in this parcel, the lack of fire disturbance is affecting vegetation
development. Although very little active management has occurred to date to improve
conditions in the aquatic/riparian network on City forestlands, work could be undertaken to
improve these zones and, in most cases, that work would involve alterations in existing
vegetation.
117
Riparian vegetation provides many important ecosystem services that contribute to healthy
aquatic ecosystems including:
• bank stability and mitigation of erosion;
• natural water filtration, trapping waterborne sediment;
• shade structures and subsequent reduction of water temperatures;
• reduction of flood-stage flows and promotion of slower, year-round release of water;
• substrate framework for insects and other organisms with soil nutritional inputs; and
• large woody material that provides cover and improves functional habitat for fish and
other organisms.
To date, the RMAs have been a lower management priority and the City has only cautiously
intervened. Increased knowledge and understanding about these types of riparian/aquatic
systems and how they function has been developed in recent years (Bear Creek Watershed
Council 2007, Messier et al. 2012). Key to this understanding is the emerging knowledge that
stream systems are used to having regular disturbances within a wide range of frequency,
intensity, duration, and scale.
A century or more of alteration in the historic fire regimes in dry forests has also affected
system-level functioning of the RMAs on the City forestlands. Changes in disturbance regimes
have shifted many of these forests into a new successional trajectory with these undesirable
traits:
• Uncharacteristically high tree densities
• Increased recruitment of fire-sensitive species
• Temporal patterns of tree recruitment unlike those of the past
This increased understanding of riparian functions, suggests that the City may consider a more
proactive approach to management of the RMAs based on an individualized approach for each
RMA. Large-scale, high-intensity storm events are undesirable for the City, particularly in larger
stream segments where flow intensities and impacts can be devastating (e.g. 1997 flood in
Ashland). In smaller stream segments, including intermittent/ephemeral streams higher in the
Ashland Watershed, upland forest disturbances, such as fire, will likely have a greater effect than
those effects resulting from storm events. Emulating this continuum of disturbance within
RMAs on City forestlands is a guiding principle for active intervention to improve
hydrologic/ecologic functioning.
If thinning and prescribed fire treatments are to be applied within RMAs, City management will
need to balance those objectives with the in-stream habitat requirements for fish and water
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quality. In particular, the need for a steady supply of large woody material and a well-shaded
aquatic environment may appear incompatible with the restoration of more open forests such as
likely occurred on more southerly aspects, and particularly on more savanna or woodland
conditions. Ironically, reductions in tree density upslope as a function of forest restoration or
fuels reduction to reduce fire intensity may increase water infiltration into the soil, reduce
transpiration loss, and result in greater stream flow and cooler in-stream temperatures.
Treatments may include the creation of canopy gaps, retention of untreated areas, clumps and
irregularly-spaced trees. Generally, smaller trees (Cohorts 2 and 3) will be thinned from below
to establish the more desired open forest structure and to the extent possible, the largest trees of
all species in the stand would be retained. Therefore, density reduction will primarily include
trees in the less than 100-year age class and less than 17-inch diameter size. Trees of larger size
classes may be considered for removal only if sufficient amount of snags and the coarse woody
material (CWM) components have already been retained. In addition, trees to be thinned are
also candidates for retention as in-channel structures if that ecosystem component is lacking.
Proposed treatments are site-specific based on Plant Association Groups (PAGs). For instance,
on stable slopes with southerly aspects, more open stand conditions will be promoted to maintain
and encourage pine and hardwood species. On moist, northerly aspects, management will
primarily encourage a more closed canopy stand condition with some exceptions.
Table 11-3: Ri arian Management Areas
Forest Type Amount Objective(s)
Closed Greater than 50% of the acres • Maintain a closed canopy forest that
Canopy can survive an underburn
• Promote the development of large
than 24" dbh) conifers
Gap plus refugia acres
• Target species include sugar and
combined equal remaining
Gap ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir or
acres not being managed for
Closed Canopy forest incense cedar
• May be natural regeneration or
planted stock
• Promote development of fire
intolerant species including alder,
Gap plus refugia acres
combined equal remaining bigleaf maple, and Pacific yew
Refugia acres not being managed for • Maintain heavier fuel loading and
Closed Canopy forest increased understory species diversity
compared to the closed canopy forest
type
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Ashland Ponds
Ashland Ponds will have a specific management strategy developed for that parcel. This unique
parcel is the only one on all City ownership with potential for anadromous fisheries
enhancement. Both Bear Creek (0.25 stream miles / 5.9 RMA acres) and Ashland Creek (0.23
stream miles and 4.7 RMA acres) have opportunities for aquatic habitat improvement. These
opportunities include
• adding stream shading,
• creating off-channel rearing habitat,
• improving bank stability,
• placing of instream structures (whole trees with root wads and large boulders), and
• reconnecting the stream with its floodplain.
Numerous restoration projects have been cooperatively implemented on this parcel by Ashland
Parks and Recreation and the Lomakatsi Restoration Project.
Snags and Coarse Woody Material
A number of activities and historic processes have affected the snag and coarse woody material
(CWM) component of City forestlands. Actions such as mortality salvage logging can
immediately change forest structure by removing the snags and subsequently changing downed
log volumes. A subtler change in the dead wood component has also occurred through fire
exclusion, which has increased the amount of CWM on the forest floor particularly in the small
to medium size classes. Downed logs previously consumed during wildfires now have a longer
forest floor residence time as they decompose rather than burn. This has allowed a higher
volume per acre of downed logs to accumulate than would have occurred with a more frequent
fire return interval. In addition, the increased mortality rate among trees of all sizes from insects
and disease has increased the amount of snags and eventually CWM developing in the Ashland
Watershed. At the same time, the absence of a fire that would have killed live trees, thus
creating snags, has reduced the natural recruitment of downed logs and snags (City of Ashland,
2009).
Snags
Snags, particularly larger diameters, offer critically important wildlife habitat values as well as
contributing to the essential CWM component of the forest floor. Large snags over 21 inches
dbh are particularly valuable. At least 96 wildlife species in Oregon and Washington are
associated with snags as they use snags for shelter, roosting and hunting. Most species utilize
snags greater than 14 inches dbh. Cavity nesting species are particularly dependent on large
snags.
120
Snags can compromise wildfire suppression activities by rapidly escalating the rate-of-spread
through firebrand production at their tops representing a significant safety hazard that can limit
or even prevent fire-fighter deployment into critical fuel management zones. Similar problems
can occur during prescribed fire but are mitigated through preplanning and treatment design.
Given these potentially conflicting management objectives, snag retention has been adjusted on
City forestlands to maximize benefits and minimize concerns. In particular, snags are less
desirable in the Lower Watershed Parcel, particularly close to homes and improvements, where
fire management goals are paramount. Snags are also less desirable close to trails and other
areas that receive a considerable volume of public use.
In more wildland settings, ridges, upper thirds of slopes, and RMAs or lower third of slopes are
very important for late successional dependent species such as fishers and other forest
carnivores.
Snags on ridges are essential for bats. Bats generally are thought to prefer snags near ridge tops
for day roosts. Snags taller than the general canopy are preferentially used by bats, particularly
as maternity roosts with these snags providing the warm microclimate necessary for rapid fetal
and juvenile development. Clusters of snags are especially important.
Snag management along ridges and upper slopes will seek to retain snags at current levels unless
their retention will create a wildfire control hazard. Snags that increase fire hazard will be felled
and left on site as CWM unless they, in turn, increase wildfire hazard as ground fuel overload.
Snags should be retained as high as possible on slopes.
Snags that extend above the primary canopy, but do not extend above the level of the ridgeline
will be priorities for retention. Areas around clusters of three or more snags are a priority for
understory vegetation slashing and pruning. Activity fuels will be off-zone hand piled and
burned to reduce the potential for ignition around snag clusters.
In RMAs and upslope areas prone to landslide, snags of all size classes contribute the large
woody debris component that is critical to creation and maintenance of stream structure and
function. Recruitment of large woody material to stream beds provides support for the aquatic
ecosystem by creating physical habitat structure as well as nutrient cycling and other in-stream
processes. Snags in various size classes also are important to the recruitment and decay
sequences as downed logs revitalize and build forest soils.
Table 11-4: Snag Recommendations from Restoration II
Ponderosa Pine Dry Douglas-fir Moist Douglas-fir Dry White Fir Moist White Fir
3 - 4 snags > 3 - 4 snags > 17" 4 snags > 17" dbh Average 4 large 3 to 6 snags / acre
17" dbh /acre dbh / acre / acre snags / acre
(City of Ashland 2003)
Snag inventories were conducted on the Winbum Parcel in 2000 to provide baseline data.
121
Table 11-5: Winburn Parcel Snags in 2000
Unit Snags / Acre
Number
> 18" dbh All Sizes
1 3.3 8.1
2 4.2 6.8
3 4.5 4.5
4 7.1 7.1
5 4.6 13.0
6 6.1 10.5
(City of Ashland 2009)
Coarse Woody Material
Coarse woody material (CWM) performs vital ecological services, including stabilizing surface
soils, increasing organic content in soils and providing habitat for the many organisms that
depend on wood in various stages of decay. The volume of CWM retained on City forestlands
will depend on site-specific considerations such as existing plant communities, topography, slope
gradient, fire management considerations, the potential for insect outbreak, and others.
Although CWM data has been collected at two different times on permanent plots in the City
ownership, only a limited amount of summary and analysis of that data has occurred, and this
only from the original data collection in 2000-2002. Although some changes may have occurred
since then, the summary data is still instructive.
Table 11-6: Coarse Wood Material Recommendations from Restoration II
Ponderosa Pine Dry Douglas-fir Moist Douglas-fir Dry White Fir Moist White Fir
Few - no Moderate to Moderate High level - 8 to 10
numbers given high levels -no No numbers given level - 2 to 6 logs / acre
numbers given logs / acre
(City of Ashland 2003)
Coarse woody material inventories for the entire Winburn Parcel were generally high, at least in
part due to logging slash left after the 1990 logging.
Table 11-7: Winburn Parcel Coarse Wood Material by Unit in 2000
Unit
Number Down Logs / Acre
5 to 9" 10 to 19" > 20"
diameter in diameter diameter
1 1 18 11
2 9 15 14
3 0 11 24
4 0 0 3
5 0 3 8
6 0 5 20
(City of Ashland 2009)
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None of the inventory data from 2007-2009 has yet to be summarized and analyzed.
Furthermore, current comparisons between data sets and summaries used in this report should be
cautiously accepted because data collection protocols and models for calculating summaries may
also have been different. Additionally, none of the data collected has yet to be summarized by
decay class. Such a summary would provide valuable comparisons with earlier data sets and
render important insights that could guide CWM management on the City forestlands.
CWM distributions are complex. Surprisingly, more than 50% of the acres analyzed throughout
southwest Oregon show no CWM at all, indicative of the highly variable nature of CWM
distribution. In general, however, the highest volume of downed logs should be left in RMAs for
the same reasons mentioned above for snag retention. Away from streams, the southerly aspects
historically would have very few downed logs. Three out of four acres would have no downed
logs at all with the remaining acre having 50 to 75% less than seen on the northerly aspects (City
of Ashland, 2003).
A dilemma similar to the snag-retention conflict exists between retention of downed logs for
their important contributions to site productivity and other values, and the negative impacts that
result from a wildfire management perspective when excessive amounts of CWM exist in fuel
reduction zones. The above data suggest that amounts of CWM may be within acceptable ranges
on both the Lower Watershed Parcel and on the Winburn Parcel. However, fire management
concerns on the Lower Watershed Parcel, coupled with its lower site potential and more frequent
historical fire regime, suggest that lower amounts of CWM are appropriate vis a vis the Winburn
Parcel.
Pathogen Management
Insects and diseases that damage or kill forest vegetation are important parts of healthy,
functioning forest ecosystem serving many important ecological roles. They are an essential
form of disturbance that can effectively reduce stand densities, improve overall stand vigor,
provide important wildlife habitat values, supply CWM for the forest floor, facilitate nutrient
cycling, and perform numerous other ecological functions (City of Ashland, 2009). Many of
these pathogens tend to cause tree mortality in small groups causing gaps that can encourage
early seral vegetation while creating vital gaps in crown fuels that can reduce the potential for
developing a high-severity crown fire.
In most healthy forest ecosystems, insect-related mortality is usually light and scattered, with
primarily the weakest trees being attacked. However, in forests of increasing levels of stress or
declining in forest health, damage from insects can increase dramatically and reach
uncharacteristically high-severity and perhaps attain a large-scale disturbance. Bark beetles,
which are sensitive to "stressed" trees, attack weakened trees that are suffering from a range of
severe cumulative stress factors that include drought, disease, soil compaction, soil disturbance,
and logging damage. The most common form of stress in the Ashland Watershed is high stand
densities, primarily the result of a change in fire regimes through fire suppression and the
subsequent lack of more frequent, low-intensity fires. Increased stand densities over time reduce
the availability of site resources for individual trees including soil moisture, nutrients, and
available light. The resulting reduced tree vigor simply makes trees more susceptible to
successful attack by insects and diseases.
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Insects
Insects attack trees under stress. Once an insect, especially the bark beetle, gains entry to a
stressed tree, it can chemically communicate this fact to others of its species, thereby causing a
"mass attack," which kills trees outright. As insect populations increase, stand level mortality of
conifers can result in a disturbance regime of increased scale and severity.
A general preventative prescription calls for fostering vigorous growing conditions for
potentially susceptible host trees. Ecologically-based silvicultural strategies to reduce the
likelihood of higher severity disturbance from insects will focus on continuing to reduce stand
densities in most of the stands on the City forestlands. Ideally, these treatments would be applied
well in advance of a drought, allowing time for improved tree vigor to repel insect infestation.
Additional silvicultural practices to limit the frequency, scale, and severity of insect-related
disturbances include:
• rapid disposal of available insect breeding habitat (i.e., green slash produced during
thinning activities) which is particularly important for pines;
• seasonally appropriate thinning (usually autumn) when most beetles are dormant and the
resulting slash has time to desiccate before beetle re-emergence the next spring;
• stand management practices that maximize species and structural diversity including the
use of a gap-based approach for development of a more heterogeneous stand structure.
The natural disturbance process of insect-related mortality, currently at an increased potential of
severity and scale as a result of forest management practices over the last 150 years, may further
increase in scale, severity and frequency in the wake of predicted global warming scenarios.
Table 11-8: Common Insects on City Lands
Insect Objectives / Considerations
Douglas-fir beetle
Minimize damaged (fire kill, windthrow, and logging slash) host
(Dendroctonus beet
trees.
pseudotsugae)
Douglas-fir twig weevil Damage is most common on young, open grown Douglas-fir.
Damage is pronounced during drought years. Effects are of
(Cylindrocopturis furnissi) .
minor importance in natural stands.
Fir engraver activity is strongly associated with root disease,
drought and defoliation. During outbreaks, significant mortality
Fir Engraver Beetle
may occur over large areas. Management of root disease will
(Scolytus ventralis) also manage for the fir engraver (see management of laminated
root disease below).
Flatheaded Fir Borer In southwest Oregon, flatheaded fir borers may behave
Phaenops drummondi aggressively attacking and killing Douglas-fir and white fir that
are encroaching on sites that were historically occupied by oaks.
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Remove encroaching Douglas-fir and white fir from white oak
sites.
During outbreaks, the mountain pine beetle attacks apparently
Mountain Pine Beetle
(Dendroctonus healthy trees and can cause extensive tree mortality over large
ponderosae) areas. Stand susceptibility is strongly correlated with high
stocking levels and tree age.
Do not create fresh pine slash during spring or early summer.
Pine Engraver Beetle (Ips Thin clumps of pole sized pine. Thinning should be done
pini) between August and December so slash will dry and not be
suitable for the first generation of beetles flying in the spring.
Minimize injury to standing trees. Ordinarily not very
Red Turpentine Beetle aggressive and do not become epidemic. During periods of
Dendroctonus valens) drought or through repeated attacks, these beetles sometimes kill
scattered individual trees.
Populations fluctuate at low levels breeding in declining mature,
windthrown, diseased, or otherwise weakened trees. Outbreaks
Western Pine Beetle are most common with large old growth and overcrowded
(Dendroctonus brevicomis)
second growth stands. During periods of drought, western pine
beetle may become prominent and overcome healthy trees.
(Goheen and Willhite 2006)
125
Figure 11-5: Pine engraver beetle: Ips species most likely Ips paraconfusus, the California
five spined I s from the Ashland Watershed
-1
4
t
Photo courtesy of Frank Betlejewski
Forest Diseases
Damage to conifers from forest diseases is often insidious, scattered in occurrence, and difficult
to monitor and manage. Forest diseases tend to weaken trees and make them susceptible to
demise from other agents such as insects, fire or untenable stand densities. Management
strategies that reduce damage from forest diseases, or at least do not aggravate them, are an
important aspect of forest management on City forestlands.
At the same time, like insects and other forms of disturbance, forest diseases are natural and
important parts of healthy forest ecosystems. Balance is a key concept and the degree to which a
specific disease has moved outside its normal range of disturbance will dictate the
appropriateness and degree of a management response in line with City forestland objectives.
Many forest diseases have increased over the past 150 years, especially with the advent of fire
suppression and exclusion.
The two most important forest diseases currently affecting City forestlands are dwarf mistletoe
disease and laminated root disease in Douglas-fir.
Dwarf Mistletoe (Arcuethobium species)
Dwarf mistletoe is a native parasitic plant that can hypothetically infect all conifers in the
Ashland Watershed. Each conifer species has its own, host-specific species of dwarf mistletoe.
Dwarf mistletoe is rare on all species in the Lower Watershed Parcel. Inventory results in the
126
year 2000, prior to active management on the Winburn Parcel, indicated that 26% of the
Douglas-fir were infected. In addition, this parasite is well established on ponderosa pine,
Douglas-fir and white fir. It is most prominent on Douglas-fir.
When seeds of dwarf mistletoe mature, they are forcibly ejected out into the forest canopy
potentially infecting adjacent trees of the same species up to 50 feet from the source tree. The
seeds may also be spread over long distances by birds and other animals when the seeds stick to
their feathers or coats. The disease will eventually kill the infected tree, although more typically,
the disease makes the tree susceptible to demise from other agents, most notably bark beetles as
the reduced tree vigor invites attack.
Since they prefer high levels of sunlight, dwarf mistletoes can spread more rapidly in open stands
than in closed stands. For this reason, partial cutting and/or thinning has been known to rapidly
increase dwarf mistletoe infections if a diligent job of removal is not accomplished. A second
entry to remove infected trees that were missed in the first entry is not uncommon. The most
undesirable element of dwarf mistletoe infection occurs when poor quality, infected overstory
trees spread the pathogen to young, healthy saplings in the understory, thereby ensuring the long-
term continuation of the disease. The pathogen is a slow, subtle form of disturbance that can
significantly change stand conditions over time.
Heavily infected trees with abundant vertically arranged brooms - copious foliage masses
produced by the tree in response to the disease - are more susceptible to conflagration in a
prescribed or wildland fire. Heavily infected trees can also be wildfire hazards by transporting
low-to-moderate intensity fire into upper canopy layers thereby increasing crown-fire
development, spotting, and wildfire rates-of-spread. The lack of frequent, low-to-moderate
intensity fire in the last century has significantly increased the abundance and severity of this
disease. In heavily infected stands, dwarf mistletoe can initiate unfavorable stand conditions and
development trajectories with the loss of large Douglas-fir and associated structural and habitat
values and the infection of younger Douglas-fir causing undesirable long-term changes in species
composition.
Large dwarf mistletoe produced brooms of Douglas-fir, are important nesting locations for
spotted owls in the Ashland watershed, particularly those in larger trees in the lower slope
positions preferred by the owls. At least three nest site locations have been documented within
one-half mile of the Winburn Parcel. Large brooms are also used by prey species for the owl, as
well as animals such as the Pacific fisher.
Balancing multiple objectives in managing dwarf mistletoe is challenging. On the Winburn
Parcel, and much less commonly on the Lower Watershed Parcel, this will be assessed on a site-
by-site basis. Where mixed tree species occur, isolation can also be used to minimize spread
where an infected Douglas-fir is surrounded by non-host species (pine, white fir, hardwoods,
etc.) (City of Ashland, 2009).
Other silvicultural options to be considered on a site-by-site basis include 1) girdling infected
trees and retaining them in place in areas deficient of snags or large woody debris, 2) removal of
low level infected limbs through manual pruning (pruning has only been shown to be effective
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long-term in ponderosa pine) 3) retaining infected trees in places where the pathogen is less
likely to spread, such as in low spots in the topography (e.g., draws), as opposed to ridges or
other high locations where seeds can spread much longer distances, 4) encouraging vigorous
growth in dense stands of Douglas-fir that can occasionally shade out and kill low level
infections of shade intolerant dwarf mistletoe, 5) clumping the distribution of infected trees into
small widely separated groups thereby reducing spread and levels of contiguous infection.
The City's current program of utilizing low-intensity prescribed fire to accomplish multiple
objectives, including protection of municipal watershed values, will likely remove some smaller
stature trees infected with dwarf mistletoe, but not affect brooms located higher in larger trees.
Prescribed underburning, then, will not significantly reduce dwarf mistletoe in most situations
where retained infected overstory trees continue to re-infect understory trees after an underburn.
True Mistletoe (Phoradendron species)
Host tree species include hardwoods and conifers, but mostly hardwoods. True mistletoe can be
common on oaks. True mistletoe is spread mainly by birds such as robins, bluebirds, thrushes,
and cedar waxwings which feed on the berries. Birds digest the pulp of the berries and excrete
the living seeds onto the twigs and branches of the host species, where they germinate and infect
the host tree. Incense-cedar is also a true mistletoe host. Management techniques include
removal of heavily infested trees and pruning infected limbs from trees with light infection.
Laminated Root Disease
Laminated root disease, is caused by the native fungus Phellinus sulphurescens. It is a disease
that affects both Douglas-fir and white fir. Pines and incense cedar are resistant to the disease
and hardwood trees are completely immune. Laminated root disease survives in the soil up to
fifty years after the death of an infected tree and therefore is a disease "of the site." It requires
root-to-root contact to spread and cannot grow freely through the soil. Disease hubs expand
radially an average of one to two feet per year, although many healthy-appearing trees on the
edge of expanding centers can be infected without showing symptoms. Windthrow of infected
trees is common and is easily observed by the presence of root balls created when roots have
rotted off just below the root crown (Thies & Sturrock, 1995). On City forestlands, this disease
has only been found in a few small locations on the Winburn Parcel and does not appear to occur
on the Lower Watershed Parcel.
Options for managing laminated root disease are listed below:
• Thin stand densities while favoring root disease resistant species especially pines, incense
cedar and hardwoods
• Thin early and avoid partial harvests
The preferred treatment for minimizing the effects and spread of laminated root disease would be
removing all Douglas-fir and white fir in and around infested sites and planting and encouraging
pines or incense cedar or hardwood species (Nagle 2009).
Other Pathogens
128
There are numerous other pathogens that exist on City ownership, but none are currently of
enough significance to warrant particular management action. Regular monitoring for outbreaks
of pathogens should continue to be a priority on City forestlands. It is always appropriate to map
and inventory existing insect and disease locations for future reference. This is especially true
for diseases "of the site" such as laminated root disease.
Prescribed Burning
The history of wildfire in the Ashland Watershed, as well as the escalation of wildfire events
throughout the American West, makes a strong case for adopting robust precautionary measures
to protect lives, homes, and the watershed. Taking this cue, the City has a history of active forest
management employed to protect residents as well as to minimize the spread and impact of fire
to the City's forestlands and the larger watershed.
Since 1995, the City has been aggressively manipulating vegetation in strategic locations
throughout their forestlands such that fire, planned or unplanned, can burn in a more benign
manner that more fully accomplishes management goals within the City forestlands and the
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Many of these treated sites have now become well-suited for
prescribed underburning that reduces surface and ladder fuels and returns fire as a critical
ecosystem process. To that end, the City has embarked on an aggressive program of annual
prescribed underburning if site conditions are within the parameters of a carefully developed
burn plan. Ongoing prescribed underburning is a critical part of the long-term forest
management strategy on City ownership and is key to continued reduction of fuel loading and
subsequent protection of soils and hydrologic function in the Ashland Watershed. The specific
objective is to develop opportunities where applied fire can reduce fuels, while maintaining
sufficient ground cover. Spring burning is most often preferred over autumn burning, at least
initially, to protect soils, minimize duff and litter consumption, and maintain hydrologic
functioning.
129
Figure 11-6: Unit A2- Prescribed underburn, sprin 2013
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Figure 11-7: Unit A2 early 2014
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Photo courtesy of Marty Main
130
Figure 11-8: Unit A2 in 2016
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In the process of implementing stand management and the use of prescribed fire, the City has
been encouraging a change in tree species composition back to one that is more diverse and more
representative of historical compositions. In the absence of the cleansing, more frequent, low-
severity fires, an unhealthy density of small, shade tolerant and/or fire sensitive trees (small
Douglas-fir, white fir and Pacific madrone) have grown in since the settlement era. The number
of Douglas-fir and Pacific madrone have increased dramatically in both the Douglas-fir and
white fir plant association groups (PAGs), with similar increases in white fir in the white fir
PAGs. This has adversely affected the development of more shade-intolerant and less fire
sensitive pines, oaks, and other early successional shrubs and grasses. Carefully applied, low-
severity, prescribed underburning selects against the more shade tolerant and/or fire sensitive
species and restores a closer approximation of historical species compositions.
In the past, shade tolerant species were numerically dominant on cooler, more northerly aspects.
On warmer and dryer settings, the proportion of shade intolerant to shade tolerant trees was
about equal. In the absence of disturbance in contemporary forests, the proportion of shade
tolerant trees far exceeds the proportion of shade intolerant trees, regardless of solar insolation.
Long-term stand management on the City lands will continue to emphasize a return to species
compositions more reflective of historical numbers and locations, while reducing ladder fuels
and wildfire hazard in the process.
131
In all areas planned for prescribed underburning to date, and likely in the future, pretreatment
will be required prior to any underburning. Pretreatment is required in most situations because
the existing vegetation, developed outside of the natural fire regime, has resulted in conditions
where fire can easily escalate outside of desired low severities. Pretreatment includes, but is not
limited to: cutting, hand piling, and hand-pile burning of understory vegetation. Pretreatment
allows for the opportunity to safely introduce low-severity prescribed fire and maintain or reduce
the risk of high-severity fires.
Prescribed underburning is complicated by a host of competing factors that can make its use
problematic:
• fuel hazard reduction
• duff retention
• soil protection
• smoke management
• liability exposure
• availability of trained personnel
• coordination with adjacent outside agencies and private landowners
• conflicting management objectives
• narrow environmental windows to accomplish the work
• poor access and associated difficulty in mop up
• limited road access on City lands and associated limited access to water
• high costs of the necessary pretreatment
To date, the City has conducted eight prescribed underburns covering over 100 acres in an
ongoing program with more underburns expected annually.
Soils and Landslides
Soils and their essential hydrologic function are key elements of the Ashland Watershed that
protect and promote forest health and our municipal water supply. These elements are
fundamentally related and can be significantly altered by a variety of forest and resource
management actions.
Soils
Soils on most of the City forestlands are similar to those found elsewhere in the Ashland
Watershed: decomposed granite derived from intrusive igneous rocks formed during the Jurassic
Age, 145 to 164 million years ago. These gravelly, sandy loams are moderately deep, coarse-
textured soils that are generally well drained. The lack of cohesion of these soils allows them to
be easily detached and eroded. This is particularly true during major storm events when a high
probability for surface (sheet and gully) erosion, as well as mass soil movements such as debris
slides and debris avalanches can occur. The 1999 Forest Service EIS, "Ashland Watershed
Protection Project", describes the soils:
Soils have been classed as having severe and very severe erosion hazard rating on the
steeper slopes because of a combination of factors which include non-cohesive sandy
132
texture of the soil, general lack of coarse fragments, and steeper slope gradients. On
gentler slopes however, the erosion ratings are moderate. Topsoils are generally less
erosive than subsoils because of the soil organic matter and root systems that bind the
sands together. The subsoils, when exposed, are highly erosive. Areas in the Watershed
where exposed subsoil can be observed are: on many of the cutbanks of roads transecting
the Watershed, bike trails, recent landslide scars, and over-steepened slopes adjacent to
perennial and intermittent streams. (USDA FS 2001).
Minimizing surface soil erosion is important in the management of City forestlands. The easily
detached soils are a major factor in contributing sediment to the hydrologic network- into Upper
Ashland Creek flowing into Reeder Reservoir from the Winburn Parcel and into Bear Creek
from the Lower Watershed Parcel- affecting water quality throughout and storage space in the
reservoir and in creek beds. Surface soil erosion also tends to accumulate in ephemeral and
intermittent draws higher in the landscape, increasing the likelihood of slope failure and debris
slide development in these landslide-prone locations.
Surface soil erosion and sediment delivery into the aquatic system is controlled by a variety of
factors:
• soil type
• ground cover
• root strength
• root abundance
• slope gradient
• number and size of landslides
• magnitude and timing of precipitation
• proximity of landslides to draws or live streams
Fire, and especially high-severity fire, can reduce protective vegetation as well as duff and litter
layers, while increasing runoff rates, surface erosion, likelihood of mass wasting events, and
eventual sediment delivery into the aquatic system. Creation of a water repellant soil crust can
often develop following a high intensity wildfire further increasing surface erosion and runoff
rates.
Minimizing surface soil erosion depends on maintenance of adequate duff and litter as protective
layers over the soil. This is challenging when implementing prescribed underburning and care is
taken to retain adequate amounts of these soil covers during burning. This conflict between
retaining vegetation and duff to protect soils while removing it to reduce the potential for
wildfire is a constant balancing act. The City has already initiated a monitoring program to
assess changes in fuels, vegetation and soils following prescribed underburning.
Landslides
A classification technique referred to as Landslide Zonation and Risk Evaluation was completed
for the City forestlands and has been used to guide forest management activities ever since. This
technique identifies and maps landslide features and active soil movement through detailed field
reconnaissance. It also assigns activity levels and influence zones to all landslide terrain and
subsequent determination of hazard levels. With this information, the City will continue to
133
modify forest management activities such that the likelihood for slope failure is minimized. This
mitigation effort is accomplished by maintaining trees and associated canopy cover to help
stabilize soil profiles. Vegetation older than 25 years of age, especially conifers, hardwoods and
brush species, have larger, deeper root systems than younger vegetation. Roots are the "twine"
that provide soil cohesion, while simultaneously transpiring significant amounts of water that
would otherwise increase soil overloading and encourage slope failure (City of Ashland, 2003).
Loss of roots due to excessive tree mortality either from tree thinning, insects, disease or fire
exacerbates the potential for both surface erosion and mass soil movement, at least until
vegetation fully reoccupies the site. Generally, the period of 5 to 10 years following the demise
of deep-rooted vegetation and the eventual root decay, is the most likely time for slope failure to
occur.
Ecologically based tree thinning that retains enough canopy cover and root mass to maintain full
site occupancy and protect forest soils while creating stand structures that reduce the likelihood
and severity of fire is a balanced management strategy that tries to maximize benefits and
minimize risks on the City ownership. Light thinning from below, in small steps or stages over
several years, has been utilized by the City to allow leave trees to develop the additional root
structure necessary to stabilize soils while continuing to reduce fire hazard. Trees prioritized for
retention include the larger, fire-resistant species (i.e. older pines, Douglas-fir, incense-cedar )
and sprouting hardwoods which maintain rooting structures post-fire and have the potential to
more quickly stabilize the site.
Thinning and other tree removal practices have been restricted on slopes greater than 65%, with
only smaller trees < 7" dbh considered for removal to encourage more vigorous stands in the
long-term. Achieving fire management objectives is more difficult on these steeper slopes which
are more prone to problematic fire behavior given the fact that vegetation modification has much
less of an effect on fire behavior in steep terrain. In addition, on slopes with gradients of 55-
65%, full site occupancy of well-distributed trees is desirable to encourage an adequate root
network for holding soils in place. Stand densities are managed to insure that full site occupancy
is retained while allowing available site resources to grow trees vigorously for many years to
come.
Thinning-from-below has been widely used to create optimal vertical fuel discontinuity for fire
management benefits. Slope stability concerns are generally less problematic on slope gradients
less than 55%. Adjustments in stand thinnings to create more structural diversity, including
more gaps and open forests with greater horizontal fuel discontinuity, have been, and will
continue to be implemented in strategic locations on the gentler slopes in deference to
challenging soils and slope stability features.
Adaptive Forest and Resource Management
The City of Ashland has demonstrated a fundamental commitment to continue its current
direction of active forestlands management as described in this 2016 AFP. The ongoing adaptive
management that has been in operation since the first Ashland Forest Plan in 1992 has resulted in
the following understandings that will guide forest management into the future.
134
Wildfire Risk Management
The increased potential for high-severity fire has relentlessly extended throughout the western
United States in recent years as the smoke-filled skies of summer too often remind us.
Continued, and even heightened, efforts to reduce the potential for a damaging wildfire while
sustaining current stand and fuel treatment regimes is a paramount goal in the future
management of City lands.
Wildland Urban Interface and Beyond: Private and Public
Minimizing the potential for large-scale, high-severity fire requires a significant level of
coordinated planning on a broad landscape level irrespective of ownership. Initial planning done
by the City resulted in effective work on private lands in the WUI through Ashland Fire &
Rescue grant programs starting in 2001 up to present (Main and Uhtoff, 2002). Cost-share
grants with City and privately-owned properties allowed for non-commercial fuels thinning and
slash disposal on 352 properties and 1,308 acres between 2001 and 2009 with a three-fold focus
on structures, property and watershed protection. The program continued in 2010 under the
Firewise Communities banner, a national recognition program for neighborhoods working
collectively to reduce wildfire danger. Ashland now has 23 certified Firewise Communities and
a handful have reached their five-year anniversary. In the process, not only has protection of
lives and property from advancing wildfire been enhanced but also the likelihood of wildfire
initiating in the WUI and advancing onto City lands and into the Ashland Watershed has been
significantly reduced
On an even larger scale, the inter-jurisdictional collaboration, Ashland Forest Resiliency Project
(AFR), was launched in 2009 after considerable community and City input over the previous five
years. The initial 7,600 acre fuels treatment and restoration footprint on Forest Service land in
the Ashland Watershed is expected to be complete by summer of 2018. The City has been a key
partner in the creation of AFR and now contributes over $175,000 per year from a special fee
attached to citizen water bills as an annual input toward Forest Service fuels reduction projects
on acreage surrounding City forestlands. This fund is over and above the annual City and Parks
forestland budgets. In 2014, the AFR treatment footprint was expanded even further to include
privately owned parcels and adjacent agency forestlands, totaling 58,000 acres. The recognition
of the importance of forest restoration across the landscape and the indiscriminant nature of
wildfire's impacts has spawned these funding opportunities that required an outsized
collaboration across boundaries. The AFR partners were fiscally successful in both 2015 and
2016 under this program, securing a total of $5.6 million dollars for landscape level fuels
reduction and forest restoration.
Reducing Stand Densities
Fire histories offer us a look back at pre-settlement stand reconstructions and have increasingly
validated stand thinning as an appropriate strategy for creating more resilient forests that are less
prone to severe fire in the dry forest ecosystems of southern Oregon. There appears to be
validity in reducing stand densities even further in order to protect and promote older forest
characteristics. There are likely opportunities to complete a second, or in some cases, even a
third phase of stand density reduction to provide desired benefits while still maintaining other
resource objectives. The City will continue to reduce stand densities and create more open
135
forests to improve tree and stand vigor and reduce the likelihood of high-severity disturbance,
especially from wildfire
Encourage Landscape Diversity
The Lower Watershed Parcel, as well as much of the adjoining private and agency lands, are
dominated by relatively homogenous, even-aged forest structures. A greater diversity of stand
structures on a landscape basis, with associated gaps and breaks in fuels, both horizontally and
vertically, is desired. As the City forestlands are nudged toward healthy stand densities, reduced
wildfire potential, and improved tree and stand vigor, the encouragement of these more diverse
stand structures can be accomplished through additional thinning and/or prescribed fire. As part
of a strategy to increase structural variability on City lands, increasing development of native, yet
uncommon early successional vegetation, especially those species that do not exacerbate fire
behavior, will be prioritized. The City's long background in the use and encouragement of native
grass communities will be valuable in this endeavor. In addition, the City will not be reluctant to
nurture native, yet uncommon, plant species and communities. These include oak woodlands,
intact shrub communities, rocky outcrops with associated vegetation and individual rare or
sensitive plants.
Riparian Management Revitalized
To date, very little work has been implemented in the RMAs within City forestlands.
Throughout the next management period, appropriate stream-segment specific modifications of
vegetation will be targeted to improve aquatic and hydrologic function. Active management
within the RMAs will promote processes consistent with disturbance regimes that are thought to
have historically existed in riparian communities in dry forests in southwestern Oregon.
Prescribed Fire
Prescribed fire will continue to be carefully applied to reduce hazardous fuels thus re-introducing
fire as a fundamental ecosystem process. Prescribed fire will be applied in those stands and
vegetation types that have been properly prepared through active vegetation manipulation over
the past 20 years to accept more benign fire types similar to those of historical disturbance
regimes.
Conclusion
The original forest and resource management planning that was completed in the late 1990s,
coupled with the follow-up initial active management on City forestlands, still has considerable
relevance today. In many respects, the City of Ashland was a forerunner in the implementation
of multiple forest and resource management strategies that are now being employed throughout
dry forests in the region. The work performed on City forestlands lands was inconspicuously
initiated a full 15 years before similar and critically acclaimed activities were executed on
adjacent Forest Service ownership in the context of the Ashland Forest Resiliency Project (AFR).
The City's early strategies at encouraging and developing full and transparent participation of
interested individuals and organizations provided a workable template that others have since
applied. Such an inclusive approach has proven essential in obtaining the political and social
acceptance for adaptive forest management designed to achieve mutually agreed upon goals
within our City forestlands and beyond.
136
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Acknowledgements
The following individuals provided technical support for this document as well as suggestions
for improvement pertinent to their respective specialties. Their support is appreciated.
Darren Borgias, Southwestern Oregon Program Director, The Nature Conservancy, Medford,
Oregon
Liz Cole, Senior Faculty Research Assistant, College of Forestry, Oregon State University,
Corvallis, Oregon
Don Goheen, Plant Pathologist/Entomologist (retired), Southwest Oregon Forest Insect and
Disease Service Center, USDA Forest Service, Central Point, Oregon
Ellen Michaels Goheen, Pathologist, Southwest Oregon Forest Insect and Disease Service
Center, USDA Forest Service, Central Point, Oregon
Patricia Hochhalter, Ecologist, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Katy Mallams, Plant Pathologist (retired), Southwest Oregon Forest Insect and Disease Service
Center, USDA Forest Service, Central Point, Oregon
Kerry Metlen, Ph.D. Forest Ecologist for The Nature Conservancy, Medford, Oregon
Bill Schaupp, Entomologist, Southwest Oregon Forest Insect and Disease Service Center, USDA
Forest Service, Central Point, Oregon
Dr. Mark A. Shibley, Professor of Sociology and Environmental Studies, Southern Oregon
University, Ashland, Oregon
Draft Manuscript Review
Pat Acklin, Emeritus Professor of Geography, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon
Kristi Merganthaller, Stewardship Director, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, Ashland,
Oregon
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2016 Ashland Forest Plan Glossary
All definitions in the Glossary are from the City Forest Lands Restoration Project Phase III
unless otherwise indicated.
Superscript 1 indicates the definition is from City Forest Lands Restoration Project - Phase II.
Superscript 2 indicates the definition is from the Upper Bear Assessment.
age class: A classification of trees of a certain range of ages.
anadromous fish: An anadromous fish, born in fresh water, spends most of its life in the sea and
returns to fresh water to spawn. Salmon, smelt, shad, striped bass, and sturgeon are common
examples (NOAH. 2012.)
aspect: The direction in which any piece of land faces.
basal area: The cross-sectional area of tree boles in a forested area as measured at the diameter
at breast height (dbh).
biological diversity: The variety of living organisms considered at all levels of organization,
including the genetic, species, and higher taxonomic levels, the variety of habitats and
ecosystems, as welt as the processes occurring therein.
board foot: A unit of measurement represented by a board one foot long, one foot wide, and one
inch thick. Also, a standard way of measuring volume of standing trees, logs, or lumber, usually
expressed in thousand board feet (mbf) 1
bole: The main stem or trunk of a tree.
broadcast burning: Intentional burning of fuels and/or vegetation where the fuel has not been
separately piled and the fire is applied under predetermined conditions such that it is allowed to
spread freely throughout a pre-designated unit.
brushing: A generic term referring to the practice of removing all, or a portion, of the brush
component in a unit of forest vegetation to meet some pre-designated objective (e.g., fuel
reduction, seedling establishment, etc.); can be done manually or with equipment.
canopy: The more or less continuous cover of branches and foliage formed collectively by
adjacent trees and other woody species in a forest stand. Where significant height differences
occur between trees within a stand, formation of a multiple canopy (multi-layered) condition can
result.
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catadromous: Catadromous fishes are a special category of marine fish that spawn in salt water
and whose young migrate long distances to enter fresh water to complete their growth and
development to the adult stage (USFWS, 2014).
coarse woody material (CWM): Portion of tree that has fallen or been cut and left in the woods.
Pieces are at least 16-inch in diameter (small end) and at least 16-foot long.
cohort: A group of trees developing after a single disturbance, commonly consisting of trees of
similar age, although it can include a considerable range of tree ages of seedling or sprout origin
and trees that predate the disturbance.
crown class: A class of tree based on crown position relative to the crowns of adjacent trees.
dominant: Crowns extend above the general level of crown cover of others of the same
stratum and are not physically restricted from above, although possibly somewhat
crowded by other trees on the sides.
co-dominant: Crowns form a general level of crown stratum and are not
physically restricted from above, but are more or less crowded by other trees from
the sides.
intermediate: Trees are shorter, but their crowns extend into the general level of
dominant and co-dominant trees, free from physical restrictions from above, but
quite crowded from the sides.
crown fire: Fire that advances through the tops of trees.
defensible fuel reduction zones: Areas of modified and reduced fuels that extend beyond fuel
breaks to include a larger area of decreased fuels. These would include managed stands with
reduced amounts, continuities, and/or distributions of fuels that would provide additional zones
of opportunity for controlling wildfire.
density management: Cutting of trees for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to:
accelerating tree growth, improved forest health, to open the forest canopy, promotion of wildlife
and/or to accelerate the attainment of old growth characteristics if maintenance or restoration of
biological diversity is the objective.
diameter at breast height (dbh): The diameter of a tree 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill
side of the tree.
down, dead woody fuels: Dead twigs, branches, stems, and boles of trees and shrubs that have
fallen and lie on or near the ground.
eco-type: A more or less homogeneous natural community type which occupies specific niches
in the landscape. More or less synonymous with "landscape unit," but landscape units often will
sub-divide an eco-type (often based on steepness of slope).
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fire hazard: The kind, volume, condition, arrangement, and location of fuels and vegetation that
creates an increased threat of ignition, rate of spread, and resistance to control of wildfire.
fire regime: The characteristic frequency, extent, intensity and seasonality of fires within an
ecosystem.
fire risk: The chance of various ignition sources, either lightning or human-caused, causing a
fire.
fire season: The period of time, usually during the summer and fall, when there are drier
conditions and higher temperatures, and restrictions and rules designed to minimize forest fire
risks are put into effect.
fire severity: Measures the effect of fire on an ecosystem, especially the effect on plants. Fires
are commonly classed as low, medium, and high.
fire weather conditions: The state of the atmosphere within 5 to 10 miles of the earth's surface
indicated by measures of temperature, pressure, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, visibility,
clouds, and precipitation. The potential for fire weather conditions to influence fire behavior is
generally described in terms of low to extreme.
forest health: The ability of forest ecosystems to remain productive, resilient, and stable over
time and to withstand the effects of periodic natural or human-caused stresses such as drought,
insect attack, disease, climatic changes, fire, flood, resource management practices, and resource
demands.
fuel continuity: A qualitative description of the distribution of fuel both horizontally and
vertically. Continuous fuels readily support fire spread. The larger the fuel discontinuity, the
greater the fire intensity required for fire spread.
fuelbreak: A strip of land in which vegetation has been manipulated such that fires burning into
one are more easily controlled.
Hawksworth dwarf mistletoe rating: A method of determining the level and/or severity of
infection of dwarf mistletoe disease (Arcuethobium species). See the Hawksworth rating system
description in the Appendix for more detail.
hydrologic function: the capacity of an area to capture, store and safely release water when that
water originates from rainfall, run-on or snow melt (Lund et al. 2014)
invasive species: A species is invasive when it is both nonnative to the ecosystem in which it is
found and capable of causing environmental, economic, or human harm. Invasive species often
compete so successfully in new ecosystems that they displace native species and disrupt
important ecosystem processes. Plants, fish, insects, mammals, birds, and diseases all can be
invasive.
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ladder fuels: Flammable vegetation that provides vertical continuity between the surface fuels
and tree crowns.
leave trees: trees intentionally marked to remain standing in a treatment area, i.e., "leave"
behind or "leave" alone (Traugott and Dicke. 2006)
landscape unit: A defined area of land with relatively consistent topography and vegetation.
log decomposition class: Any of five stages of deterioration of logs in the forest; stages range
from essentially sound (class 1) to almost total decomposition (class 5).
lop and scatter: A method of slash treatment in which slash is cut into smaller pieces and spread
out to decrease fuel accumulations so that it lies closer to the ground to increase decomposition
rate.
mature stand: Traditionally defined as a discrete stand of trees for which the annual net rate of
growth has peaked. Stands are generally greater than 80-100 years old and less than 180-200
.years old. Stand age, diameter of dominant trees, and stand structure at maturity vary by forest
cover types and local site conditions. Mature stands generally contain trees with a smaller
average diameter, less age class variation, and less structural complexity than old-growth stands
of the same forest type.
merchantable timber: trees large enough to be sold to a mill.
monitoring: the process of collecting information to evaluate if objectives and expected results
of a management plan are being realized or if implementation is proceeding as planned.
mycorrhizae association: Symbiosis between particular species of fungi and the roots of
vascular plants.
noxious weeds: A term that generally refers to non-native plants introduced into an ecosystem.
Noxious weeds tend to be aggressive, poisonous, toxic, difficult to manage and/or otherwise
undesirable or threatening for healthy ecosystem functioning.
old-growth forest: A forest stand usually at least 180-220 years old and typically suggesting the
following characteristics: moderate to high canopy closure; a multilayered, multispecies canopy
dominated by large overstory trees; high incidence of large trees, some with broken tops and
other indications of old and decaying wood (decadence); numerous large snags; and heavy
accumulations of wood, including large logs on the ground.
overstory: The uppermost canopy layer in a stand.
plant association: A group of plant communities which share the same set of dominant species
and usually grow in a specific range of habitat conditions. There can be significant variation
between sites and there is a great deal of variation at different successional pathways, vegetation
trends and management opportunities. Plant association classification is based on the concept of
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potential natural vegetation. The potential natural vegetation for a site is the vegetation that
would be present under climax conditions. In other words, if the site were allowed to grow,
undisturbed by fire, insects, diseases, flood, wind, erosion, or humans, in approximately 500 to
1,000 years it would theoretically reach a steady state condition in climax vegetative composition
that would be characteristic of the site potential.2
plant association group (PAG): a group of plant associations that share a common feature of
favoring development of particular tree species that will become dominant over time if the forest
matures without disturbance. Plant Association Groups are an intermediate stratification
between plant associations and plant series. The coarsest level is the forest or plant series, which
denotes all types that have the same climax dominant tree species, defined by shade tolerance
(i.e., the Douglas-fir series). The finest level is the plant association, which denotes an overstory
species that is the most shade-tolerant of the species found in that type along with one or more
indicator understory species (i.e., Douglas-fir/ Oregon grape plant association).2
plant community: An area of vegetation in which the same set of species is present in all layers
(tree, shrub, herb/grass, moss, and lichen)
plant series: a group of plant associations that share a common feature of favoring development of
particular tree species that will become dominant over time if the forest matures without disturbance.
precommercial (noncommercial) thinning: The removal of trees of little or no commercial
value from a forest stand to achieve a pre-designated silvicultural objective (e.g., improve stand
vigor, reduce wildfire danger, etc.)
prescribed underburning: involves the controlled application of fire to understory vegetation
and downed woody material when fuel moisture, soil moisture, and weather and atmospheric
conditions allow for the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and intensity to achieve the
planned resource objectives.
radial thinning: Density reduction for a fixed distance beyond the dripline of the retention tree
or as a function of the crown radius of the retention tree (i.e. 2 or 3 crown radii out from the
retention tree) to create crown separation and horizontal canopy fuel discontinuity.
relative density index: The ratio of the actual stand density to the maximum stand density
attainable in a stand. Used as a way to measure quantitative differences between stand densities.
Measured on a scale between 0 and 1.00.
release: A term used to indicate the increased growth that occurs in a tree or stand of trees
following stand density reduction.
restoration ecology: The study of theoretical principles and applications in population and
community ecology aimed to restore and rehabilitate highly disturbed or degraded ecosystems to
their more natural states.
riparian area: A geographic area (150-300-foot) influenced by an aquatic component and
adjacent upland areas.
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seral stage: The series of relatively transitory plant communities that develop during ecological
succession from bare ground to the climax stage. Four seral stages are utilized in this report:
early seral stage - The period from disturbance to development of crown closure of
conifer stands. Grass, herbs, and brush are plentiful in this stage.
mid-seral stage - The period in the life of a forest stand from crown closure to ages of 15
to 80-100 years.
late-seral stage - The period in the life of a forest stand older than 80 years and
approaching 200 years or more. Old-growth forests are included in this category and
typically include stands at least 180-220 years old.
silviculture: The art and science guiding the establishment, growth, composition, health and
quality of vegetation in forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of
landowners and society on a sustainable basis.
site index: Site index is a method of measuring and describing the potential productivity of any
given site based on the height of dominant conifers by species at a given age.
site productivity: The capacity of an area of land to produce carbon-based life forms.
slash: Tree tops, branches, bark, and other typically non-merchantable debris left after forest
management activities. slope percent: A standard way of measuring the steepness of any slope;
specifically, a percent figure based on the rise in elevation in feet over a 100 foot distance (i.e.,
25% slope equals a rise of 25 feet over a 100 foot distance). Although no uniform standards
describing steepness exist, a typical classification is as follows: flat (0-5%), gentle (5-25%),
moderate (25-55%), steep (55-75%, very steep (75%+).
snag: Any standing dead or partially-dead, tree at least sixteen inches in diameter at breast height
(dbh) and at least sixteen feet tall.
stand (Tree Stand): in ecology, a continuous group of similar plants. In silviculture and as used
in this Assessment; a contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform in age-class distribution,
composition, and structure, and growing on a site of sufficiently uniform quality to be a
distinguishable unit.z
stand density: An expression of the number and size of trees on a forest site. May be expressed
in terms of numbers of trees per acre, basal area, stand density index, or relative density index.
stand density index: A measure of stand density independent of site quality and age. From the
stand density index, an approximate number of trees, of a chosen diameter, capable of being
supported on an acre can be determined.
stocking level: The number of trees in any given area expressed as trees/acre.
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succession: The process through which vegetation develops over time as one community of
plants replaces another; often described in terms of stages.
suppressed: Also known as overtopped. Crowns are entirely below the general
level of dominant and co-dominant trees and are physically restricted from
immediately above.
swamper burning: A method of burning in which slash is thrown onto a burning pile.
thinning-from-below: The cutting of non-dominant trees in a stand, usually in order to give
more site resources to the dominant trees or to reduce ladder fuels.
tree vigor: A measure, either subjective or quantitative, of the relative health of an individual
tree.
underburning: A type of broadcast burning that is applied under an existing stand of trees.
understory: The vegetation layer between the canopy and the forest floor, including forbs,
shrubs, smaller trees, and other low-lying vegetation.
wildland urban interface (WUI): A geographic area in which the urban and/or suburban setting
is juxtaposed and transitionally grades into the wildland environment.
windthrow: windthrow is defined as the uprooting of a whole tree at the interface of the trunk
with the soil, which may involve the lifting of roots, the snapping of roots or the failure of the
trunk at the soil surface (Moore, 2014).
References
Ashland Forest Lands Commission. 2003; City Forest Lands Restoration Project - Phase II;
Ashland OR; 38p. (http://www.ashIand.or.us/Files/Restoration Phase2.pd1)
Ashland Forest Lands Commission. 2009. City Forest Lands Restoration Project Phase III
Winburn Parcel; Ashland OR. 78 p.
http://www.ashland.or.us/Files/2009%20Winburn%20Phase%20III%20Final%20Draft%204%20
2%2009.pdf
152