Metro staff outline draft Goal 5 riparian protections, propose 200-foot setback and three local compliance options

Metro staff and regional officials presented a discussion draft on a proposed approach to protecting riparian corridors and fish and wildlife habitat across the Portland metropolitan region, saying the work responds to Statewide Planning Goal 5 and a pending federal Endangered Species Act 4(d) rule expected in June.

The presentation described a range of options that Metro staff plans to offer local jurisdictions, and invited written comments and public input ahead of a scheduled open house Feb. 23 at the Pioneer Community Center in Oregon City.

Metro presenter “Mr. Turpel,” identified at the meeting as a Metro staff member, said the draft aims to protect existing intact riparian resources and to promote restoration where habitat has been degraded. “We want to suggest ... protection of existing, more or less intact, resources as well as restoration of habitat,” Turpel said during the presentation. He added that the draft is intended to give local governments flexibility: “We will try and provide a choice in regulatory approaches so that local jurisdiction have some flexibility…