Many of the homes in our neighborhood along 33rd Street and Watermark Drive are subject to a Wetlands Conservation and Drainageway Easement. The homes that are subject to that easement have additional restrictions on what they can do in the area subject to that easement. The restrictions are outlined in the CC&R’s and also in the recent letter the City of Springfield mailed to all homeowners along 33rd Street. You can view a copy of that letter with the relevant CC&R’s by clicking here: 2014Springfieldletter. As generally summarized/outlined in the letter from the City of Springfield, only some activities are permitted in the area of the easement that runs behind the homes on 33rd Street:

1. Individual homeowners may plant species associated with riparian areas as approved by the Oregon Division of State Lands. A copy of the list is attached to the letter from the City of Springfield.

2. Existing non-native vegetation may be removed by hand provided it is replaced with approved riparian vegetation. For example, Blackberries and English Ivy may be replaced with Salmonberry and Snowberry.

3. A tree determined to be dangerous by a certified arborist may be removed with review of the report by the City of Springfield.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the easement and how it affects your property or Ambleside Meadows Home Owners Association, please contact Liz Miller, Planner for the City of Springfield at (541) 726-2301 or email her at lmiller@springfield-or.gov.