Large-scale developments present an opportunity to remediate and build on land that has been contaminated through industrial waste or other human activities, in order to protect against further contamination of the surrounding region. Furthermore it is important to maintain, restore, or improve the land to combat desertification, prevent the further decline of water quality and preserve overall ecological health. The conservation of the natural condition of the site should account for and consider the existing topography, soil, trees, plants, groundcover, water features and wildlife habitats. Preserving, restoring, or enhancing the site soil conditions will help to ensure healthy vegetation and wildlife habitats.  The site assessment should identify critical areas in the development for example: steep slopes, areas of high-water flow and vegetative or wetland buffers. Additionally, the assessment should identify the depth and quality of existing soils and determine appropriate remediation or conservation techniques. Consequently, strategies to maintain, restore or improve the land, can be developed. Strategies may include protecting zones where existing soil and vegetation will not be disturbed, identifying zones of lower quality that will be enhanced with organic material and preventing soil erosion and compaction.