Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 9, September 1, 2024
(1) The Savanna
Haven Property is a relatively undeveloped area that possesses scenic,
aesthetic, open space, agricultural, natural resources, and wildlife habitat
values (collectively "conservation values") of great importance to the people
of Marion County and the State of Oregon. Among the specific conservation
values of the Savanna Haven Property are valuable ecological systems and plant
communities, including but not limited to the following:
(a) Vegetative communities ranging from
grassland and oak savanna to mixed Oregon white oak and conifer woodlands;
(b) Bird species such as the acorn
woodpecker, white breasted nuthatch, and American kestrel rely upon the savanna
(grassland interspersed with oak groves), the woodland, or both for nesting and
feeding grounds.
(2)
The Department of Corrections understands the people of Marion County have a
significant interest in the department's maintenance and utilization of the
Savanna Haven Property, particularly those individuals and organizations who
own land bordering the Savanna Haven Property. Accordingly, and consistent with
purposes, policy and values described in these rules, the department intends
the Savanna Haven Property be maintained in the manner prescribed in subsection
(3) of this rule and utilization of the property be limited to those activities
specified in subsection (4) of this rule.
(3) The Savanna Haven Property shall be
maintained as described below:
(a) Existing
Buildings: Three barns currently exist on the property.
(A) The existing buildings on the property
will be used and maintained by the department.
(B) If any buildings or structures on the
property are damaged and present a safety hazard they will be repaired or
demolished at the department's sole discretion.
(b) Existing Roadways: Maintenance of unpaved
access roads for necessary improvements and uses permitted on the property are
permitted, but limited to agricultural and maintenance uses.
(A) The gravel roadways providing maintenance
and emergency access to the property will be maintained as appropriate.
(B) No portion of the property
shall be paved or otherwise covered with concrete, asphalt or any other surface
material other than gravel.
(c) Vegetative Cover: The property shall be
maintained with vegetative cover.
(A) Areas
of significant natural resource and habitat value may be restored and
maintained.
(B) The control of
non-native vegetation by removal or herbicide application is permissible.
(C) Diseased or hazardous trees
will be removed as permitted by City of Salem Revised Code Chapter 68.
(d) It is specially
noted that in restoration of Willamette Valley oak woodland and savannah
habitat, selective or complete removal of Douglas-fir is a normal professional
restoration practice. Douglas-fir trees may be removed from the property to
improve the habitat value of the savannah and woodlands.
(4) Permissible activities of the Savanna
Haven Property include the following:
(a)
Agricultural production limited to the following:
(A) Grass hay production and harvesting in
the field area surrounding the existing barns. The primary benefit of the grass
hay production and harvesting will be weed and fire danger control.
(B) Plant, raise and harvest
non-wholesale/retail nursery stock for use by the agencies of the State of
Oregon.
(b) Educational
opportunities including, but not limited to:
(A) Utilization of portions of the property
to engage in approved programs of education, training, and restorative
activities.
(B) Making the
property available for use as a field study site for educational programs
offered by colleges and universities.
(c) Signage: The department may place signs
on the property, including but not limited to, signs to identify boundaries and
plant species.
(5) If
there are any changes to the utilization of the Savanna Haven Property as
specified in this rule, the department shall provide reasonable opportunity for
public comment by scheduling a rulemaking hearing. Pursuant to ORS
183.335, the department shall
give notice of the rulemaking hearing to the following:
(a) Legislators as specified in ORS
183.335(15);
(b) Interested parties maintained
on the department's mailing list pursuant to ORS
183.335(8);
(c) Individuals and organizations
who own land bordering the Savanna Haven Property;
(d) City of Salem Public Works Director; and
(e) Marion County Planning
Director.
Stat. Auth.: ORS
179.040,
423.020,
423.030,
423.075
Stats. Implemented: ORS
179.040,
184.423,
276.054,
423.020,
423.030,
423.075
