What+is+a+Nature+Preserve?


 * DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION ****July 14, 2009**

(1) Contributes to the growth and development of public understanding of natural systems, Wake County’s natural heritage and natural community types, the interdependence of all forms of life, and the vital dependence of human communities on the health of natural communities; (2) Provides habitat for the survival of rare plants or animals or natural communities or other significant biological features; (3) Provides contiguous, undeveloped natural lands in perpetuity to conserve open space and create wildlife corridors within urbanizing areas; (4) Provides small habitat areas within more densely developed areas that can act as "stepping stones" between larger protected habitat areas; (5) Provides sites for scientific research and examples for scientific comparison with more disturbed sites; (6) Provides venues for environmental education activities where people may directly observe natural resources and environmental systems; (7) Provides opportunities for public enjoyment and outdoor passive recreation compatible with the protection of the natural area. NOTE:: Recommend adding something here about water quality protection.
 * As defined by the WakeNature Preserves Partnership, a WakeNature Preserve… **
 * Is an unusually high quality natural area within Wake County that preserves the biodiversity of the region by contributing to the long-term viability of plant and animal populations, natural communities, landscapes, or ecosystems, and
 * Is owned and managed by either a local government (state, county or municipality) or non-profit organization with a mission of natural resource conservation, and
 * Meets the Eligibility Criteria* outlined by the WakeNature Preserves Partnership WNPP), and
 * Has been identified by the governing body of the local government or the non-profit organization as a “Wake Nature Preserve” with an intent to protect the unique natural resources on site, and
 * Has been approved by the WNPP as a “WakeNature Preserve” and
 * Has an approved management plan in place for best practice stewardship of the property and its natural resources/communities, and
 * Serves one or more of the following public purposes:


 * A WakeNature Preserve is NOT… **
 * o ****A park facility that includes either indoor or outdoor organized sports and athletics or other uses that may interfere with or be incompatible with the mission of protection and stewardship of the resource**
 * o ****Required to be protected in perpetuity through conservation easements or other mechanism, however it is recommended that long term stewardship, management, conservation and protection of the resource are a high priority for the managing agency**
 * o **

** A WakeWonder… **
 * Is an example of a natural feature or habitat that can be used to educate the public about Wake County’s natural heritage and natural systems and is important to environmental health and biodiversity
 * Can be located in any kind of park or open space property
 * May include the following types of habitats:
 * Granite outcropping
 * Ephemeral pool
 * Wetland

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 * Eligibility Criteria: A property may qualify to be a “WakeNature Preserve” by meeting the following criteria:

NOTE:: Assuming here that a natural area that doesn’t include either of the above would not meet the qualifications to be a Wake Nature Preserve.
 * 1) Includes an “Exceptional Natural Area” if it contains uncommon, threatened, or endangered species, or high quality communities, particularly as defined by the NC Natural Heritage Program (Significant Natural Heritage Area or Natural Heritage Element Occurrence.)
 * 2) Includes an “Outstanding Natural Area” if it exhibits a significant diversity of flora, fauna, or natural communities. This is determined by the presence of regionally rare species, a Landscape Habitat Indicator Guild Core Area, or a habitat type known to support a priority species listed in the NC WAP.