Addressing local concerns for a housing development in the headwaters of Dixon Creek
The Conservation Biology Institute (CBI) was approached by the citizens living in the Live Oak Drive area of Corvallis, Oregon, to review a proposed housing development planned for their area. The review had to be completed within a two week period and was to be focused on the ecological considerations and concerns invoked by the proposed development and not whether the development should or should not be approved.
The proposed development is located in the headwaters of Dixon Creek just outside the urban growth boundary (UGB) for the City of Corvallis. The development site contains two intermittent tributaries that flow directly into the West Fork of Dixon Creek. The proposed development would require substantial road improvement to Live Oak Drive immediately adjacent to Dixon Creek, including a section within the UGB. The development plan also proposes to construct Live Oak Court over steep slopes, which would connect Deer Run Street with Live Oak Drive. No plan for stormwater management or drainage plan for the road design have been provided. Wetlands are located on the east side of Live Oak Drive near the proposed development and should require a detailed wetland delineation and possible mitigation plan. No endangered species survey has been performed and will likely be required. The southeasterly side of the proposed development site is very step and has a history of landslides. The site has been identified as “sensitive” by Benton County Planning Commission staff due to its steep slopes (most of the site contains >20% slope) and highly erodable soils. No detailed sewage disposal plan for the proposed housing development was provided.
