An independent citizen oversight committee has lauded Metro's Natural Areas Program for "staying on course" and moving "skillfully" in the acquisition of new green spaces which will be restored and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The Metro Council accepted its second report from the 20-member citizen-based Natural Areas Program Performance Oversight Committee. The committee is responsible for evaluating voters' $227 million investment in rivers and streams, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Business, real estate, finance and nonprofit professionals on the committee focused on the changing economic climate during the time period covered by the report, from July 2008 through December 2009. Because desirable natural areas typically aren't on the market, some owners may be inclined to wait out the economy, the report said. But, the evaluation concluded, Metro's "skillful, tenacious" team of real estate negotiators made recession-appropriate deals.
"Independent citizen experts are echoing our belief that Metro's Natural Areas Program is both responsible and visionary in protecting the region's best natural resources," said Metro Council President David Bragdon.
The committee also analyzed Metro's response to previous citizen and expert recommendations, such as strengthening public and landowner outreach, learning from every potential transaction and developing additional tools to measure the success of the program. In every case, Metro has responded by improving, the report says.
"The enthusiasm with which Metro staff greeted the committee's suggestions is encouraging," said committee chairman Peter Krainock, CEO of American International Supply Inc. "They exhibited a genuine willingness to accept feedback and grow in order to generate an excellent outcome."
The committee also praised Metro for bolstering the outreach and geographic diversity of its Nature in Neighborhoods capital grants program. $1.9 million in new grants handed out on March 18 more than doubled the amount that's been awarded since the program chose its first recipients in 2008, bringing the overall tally to $3.3 million.