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• <br /> Environmental Assessment <br /> A Level 1 Environmental Site Assessment may be required. This assessment can determine the <br /> location and relative quantity of materials dumped on the site and possibly whether or not they <br /> are hazardous. In addition to the danger that these materials may represent to staff or the public, <br /> the City doesn't want to unknowingly take on responsibility for hazardous material cleanup by <br /> taking title to the parcel. <br /> A Level 1 Environmental Assessment could be required on all donated parcels before acceptance, <br /> although this option may be considered unreasonable and costly. Alternately, an assessment <br /> could be required only when felt to be necessary. If this option were selected, appropriate trained <br /> staff could evaluate the site and make a determination if such assessment is required based on <br /> their findings. The cost of an Environmental Assessment could either be paid by the donor or be <br /> assumed by the City and be factored into the acceptance decision rating criteria. <br /> Size of Parcel <br /> The parcel must be large enough to be of value with regards to the intended purpose and use. If <br /> the public will use the site, there needs to be adequate room for facilities such as parking, trails, <br /> or bike paths. The area also should be able to adequately accommodate the expected number of <br /> visitors without suffering damage from the impacts. For example, if the area is to be used as an <br /> educational park, it should be large enough to accommodate approximately 20 -30 students at a <br /> time without severely impacting the resource value of the site. If the parcel is isolated from <br /> other natural areas or park land then it should also be large enough so that it is economically <br /> feasible to manage and maintain. As a general rule, to be economically feasible to maintain, an <br /> isolated site should be approximately three acres or larger in size. However, an exception could <br /> be made if a smaller isolated parcel contains a sustainable population of threatened or endangered <br /> (T &E) species and/or provides necessary habitat sites for T &E species. If the parcel will link to <br /> other natural areas or parks, then acceptance of areas smaller than three acres can be considered <br /> where they will increase the value of the linked system. <br /> Natural Resource Values <br /> The natural value of the features present on the parcel is a primary reason for considering <br /> accepting such parcels. Some features which would increase the natural resource value of a site <br /> are: delineated wetlands; location of a natural resource corridor or migratory habitat linkage; <br /> presence of listed or candidate T &E plant or animal species; historic plant or animal <br /> communities such as native prairie or old growth forest; or a site which would provide a unique <br /> natural resource educational opportunity. The nature oriented recreational value of the site <br /> should also be considered. Such nature oriented recreation activities may include hiking, bird <br /> watching, picnicking, and/or general nature study and appreciation. <br /> 3 <br />