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values assessment (using the Minnesota Routine Assessment Method) and a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) water quality model for the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes and associated water resources. Assessment of Development Suitability and Natural Resources Conservation Opportunities As a first step in determining development suitability and opportunities for natural resources restoration and management, remaining undeveloped uplands (and uplands identified for redevelopment) were assessed for their relative proximity and potential to impact and /or incorporate priority natural areas, greenway corridors, and sensitive natural resources areas. Upland areas were classified as to their suitability for development. Environmental impediments and opportunities for development were considered and assessed. The analysis identified opportunities for future open space and natural resources protection and enhancement projects. Generally, lands within the city are classified into one of four development suitability categories, which area displayed on Figure 2 -6: 1. Not Suitable — These areas encompass existing parks, open space, conservation areas, and open water 2. Marginally Suitable — These areas encompass lands that include two (2) or more sensitive natural resources areas. Sensitive natural resource areas include: high priority wetlands, hydric soils and lower quality wetlands, unique habitat, and the predicted 100 - yr rainfall event extent. 3. Moderately Suitable — These areas encompass lands that include one (1) sensitive natural resource area (see description above) 4. Highly Suitable — The areas encompass lands that do not include any sensitive natural resource areas (see description above) The suitability analysis was used to inform the comprehensive plan update process and will help guide future development within the City. The suitability analysis was refined throughout the process as new information was made available. The initial suitability analysis was used to fully incorporate natural resource information into the land use alternatives analysis that resulted in the proposed land use plan map presented in Chapter 3. Likewise, the refined suitability analysis was used to update important elements of the 2004 Parks, Natural Open Space /Greenways, and Trail System Plan. These updates are presented in this chapter. Lastly, the suitability analysis will be referred to as the city reviews future development applications within or adjacent to environmentally sensitive areas (see Figure 2 -6). • • •