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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 /> \ '' ,c ,A taking title to the parcel. <br /> � , A Level 1 Environmental Assessment could be required on all donated parcels before <br /> i'� acceptance, although this option may be considered unreasonable and costly. Alternately, an <br /> assessment could be required only when felt to be necessary. If this option were selected, <br /> appropriate trained staff could evaluate the site and make a determination if such assessment is <br /> required based on their findings. The cost of an Environmental Assessment could either be paid <br /> by the donor or be assumed by the City and be factored into the acceptance decision rating <br /> 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 <br /> endangered (T &E) species and/or p vides necessary habitat sites for T &E species. If the parcel <br /> will link to other natural areas or par s, then acceptance of areas smaller than three acres can be <br /> considered where they will increase he value of the linked system. <br /> �sx r� <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 /> 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 /> 3 <br />