Benefits for wildlife and people are multiplying as Metro continues to invest a 2006 bond measure in natural areas across the region, an independent citizen oversight committee reported Thursday.
Metro has spent 62 percent of the $227.4 million that voters set aside, but has already met its goal of protecting 4,000 acres of high-quality habitat across the region, according to the latest report from the Natural Areas Program Performance Oversight Committee. New analysis shows that as Metro natural areas expand, water quality and wildlife habitat improve more dramatically than they would on individual parcels of land.
The committee is charged with giving the Metro Council and the region an outside review of how Metro invests the natural areas bond measure. Its 17 members, who bring expertise in business and the environment, focused this year’s report on the big picture.
"We wondered what the cumulative effects would be," said outgoing committee Chair Linda Craig, an accountant who has been active with the Audubon Society of Portland. "Now that we’re six years or so into the program, we can say, ‘Is there something greater here that’s happening for the region than just the individual parcel acquisition?'"
The report concluded that Metro is "in a strong position for the coming years." As of June, Metro had spent 64 percent of the $168.4 million designated to protect regional natural areas. The 4,000 acres purchased span the region’s rivers, forests, savannas and wetlands, and feature many of the area’s rarest plants and animals.
Of 27 "target areas" where Metro buys land, 17 have reached the halfway point toward acreage goals. At the committee’s urging, Metro staff analyzed how well each target area is meeting bond measure goals such as improving water quality, making connections for wildlife and creating opportunities for people to enjoy nature – and found that the natural areas make a bigger difference in clusters than they would individually.
The committee asked Metro to stay on top of a handful of target areas where little progress has been made, and to undertake an even broader analysis: determining how well the entire 4,000-acre-and-counting portfolio of land meets bond measure goals.
Meanwhile cities, counties and park districts have spent about 70 percent of the $44 million targeted toward local projects, and Metro has awarded 44 percent of the $15 million available for Nature in Neighborhoods community grants. The oversight committee praised Metro’s work to better evaluate both programs, and asked for further analysis of how well projects are serving their communities.
The committee also lauded a new database that makes it easier to track program results, as well as revamped guidelines for initial restoration work on new natural areas.
Metro councilors thanked Craig for her service and welcomed a new chair, Drake Butsch of First American Title. Councilors said they rely on the oversight committee to monitor and improve the Natural Areas Program.
"You’ve created a structure that gives me assurity, and gives the public assurity," said Councilor Rex Burkholder, "that we’re doing a good job with their money."