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• <br /> Relationship to other Natural Resource Areas <br /> The relationship to drainage ways, other park land, or usefulness as a water quality retention and <br /> purification feature may increase its value and usefulness. If the parcel will tie into an existing <br /> drainage way or park land, it may enhance the value of that feature. If the parcel will have a use <br /> as a stormwater quality feature it would thus enhance the stormwater system and benefit the <br /> community at large. One of the established goals in the City's efforts to acquire and manage <br /> wetlands and natural resource areas is to link areas together to create a continuous ecological <br /> system. A parcel which will help achieve this goal would be desirable for acquisition. <br /> Consistency with Existing Land Use Plans <br /> The parcel needs to be evaluated on the basis of the proposed use being consistent with <br /> established planning goals. (i.e. Metropolitan Area General Plan, and special study plans such <br /> as the Natural Resource Study, West Eugene Wetlands Special Area Study, and the Eugene Parks <br /> & Recreation Plan) <br /> Maintenance Requirements <br /> Maintenance issues will be critical factors to consider. Special maintenance needs at the time of <br /> acquisition may include the clean up of debris or illegal dumping and the correction of any safety <br /> hazards. Ongoing maintenance needs include compliance with City vegetation ordinances, <br /> periodic removal of illegally dumped garbage and debris, vandalism and graffiti repair, routine <br /> litter patrol, access control, and upkeep of recreation facilities such as hiking trails, bike paths <br /> and regulatory and informational signs. For example, a typical undeveloped parcel will annually <br /> require at least a perimeter cutting of grass , weeds, and blackberries for fire prevention, traffic <br /> visibility, and clearance along rights -of -way. Litter and garbage will need to be picked up on a <br /> regular basis. Consideration will need to be given to balance the impact this added maintenance <br /> liability with the City's ability to maintain current service levels in the rest of the parks and <br /> natural areas system. Taking on additional maintenance responsibilities requires either additional <br /> funding or a reduction in existing services. <br /> Topography. Access. and Location <br /> Topography, access, and location help determine the usefulness of the parcel. The steepness of <br /> the terrain may affect the suitability of the area for a particular proposed use, such as a hiking <br /> area or bike paths if the slope is too great. For allowing public use of the parcel as well as for <br /> allowing safety and maintenance equipment access, the parcel needs to have a ready means of <br /> public access and should not be landlocked. There may also need to be room to accommodate a <br /> certain level of public parking. Also, location may significantly increase the value of a particular <br /> 4 <br />