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presence of listed or candidate T &E plant or animal species; historic plant or animal communities <br /> such as native prairie or old growth forest; or a site which would provide unique <br /> site should also <br /> resource educational opportunity. The nature oriented recreational value of <br /> be considered. Such nature oriented recreation activities may include hiking, bird watching, <br /> picnicking, and/or general nature study and appreciation. <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 as <br /> the Natural Resource Study, West Eugene Wetlands Special Area Study, and the Eugene Parks & <br /> Recreation Plan, Storm Drainage and Sewer Master Plans, and the Trans Plan) The use of the <br /> parcel must also be consistent with zoning for the parcel. Therefore, the donated parcel will <br /> need to have its zoning changed to a zoning appropriate for the planned natural area use, such <br /> as PL. <br /> A related issue to consider is the effect which a donation of a portion of a parcel may have on <br /> the remaining portion of the property. In such case, will the remainder held by the property <br /> owner meet minimum criteria for the permitted land use according to its zoning? The donor <br /> should be required to show that the donation will not affect the utilization of any remaining <br /> portion of the parcel for the use as currently zoned <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 and <br /> 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 natural <br /> areas system. Taking on additional maintenance responsibilities requires either additional funding <br /> or a reduction in existing services. <br /> 4 <br />