White+Paper+Draft

Wake Nature Preserves Partnership (WakeNature) is a pioneering effort begun in August, 2007 to organize and provide resources to identify ecologically valuable protected open spaces within Wake County and to build capacity for appropriate, long-term stewardship of those areas. WakeNature is currently comprised of individuals from academic, government, and non-governmental organizations including North Carolina State University, the Triangle Land Conservancy, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Wake County Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee, the NC Natural Heritage Program, the Wake County Division of Parks, Recreation and Open Space and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Any others we should add at this time? Working collaboratively, our goals are to: 1) Identify and designate as “Wake Nature Preserves” protected open spaces in Wake County that contain important ecological or geological resources or meet other criteria that qualify them for this distinction;  2) Develop organizational capacity to conduct natural resource inventories on and develop management plans for Preserves; 3) Create more public awareness and appreciation of our highest quality natural areas in Wake County; and  4) Develop an organized volunteer base of citizen-scientists to assist with environmental stewardship efforts. Are these really our goals? Anything to add or remove? Parks & Recreation agencies in Wake County have different approaches to purchasing open space and managing lands in their park systems that have high biological and ecological value. Although there is some knowledge about where these lands are within the county and municipal parks systems, there is little recognition and stewardship of these properties as natural areas, leaving them vulnerable to degradation and inappropriate development [better word choice here—recreational development?]. No county-wide classification of “Nature Preserves” exists to foster protection and stewardship of these areas. Further, although these valuable natural areas occur within parks systems, stewardship of natural areas does not fall within the mission or capabilities of many Parks & Recreation agencies. A need exists for appropriate management of lands within park systems that have high natural resource value, and for technical assistance, coordination, and encouragement in this area. The absence of inventory, classification and management on these lands leaves them vulnerable to degradation and inappropriate development [again, right word choice here?]. Wake County is blessed with great natural beauty and heritage which contributes significantly to our quality of life and environmental health. In the past 20 years, however, rapid development has begun to place pressure on our most precious natural areas and wildlife habitats, contributing to a loss of community character, identity, history, and ecological diversity. Many local governments have been focused on acquiring land for recreational and conservation purposes due to the high rate of development taking place in our area. There has been little attention to identifying where the most valuable natural resources are in local park inventories, and even less attention to completing natural resource inventories or undertaking stewardship projects to preserve the best examples of natural communities in public ownership. There is no County-wide, or even jurisdictional-wide, classification of high quality natural resource areas in Wake County. Classification of parks and open space is important for planning and management purposes; a classification defines the purpose and potential uses of a recreational area, and what types of activities and facilities it might support. It also suggests a different strategy for management and operation. Wake County has three classifications for their parks and open space inventory: “County” parks, “District” parks, or “Open Space” parcels. The park classifications are based on the size of the park; District Parks are under 100 acres and County Parks are larger. Currently there is no category for parks or open space based on the natural resource value of County park or open space property. Prior to the recent Raleigh Parks Plan Update, there was a classification of parks called “Wetland and Ecological Preserves.” In 2000, with the update to the Parks Plan, the parks in this category were absorbed into other park classifications. At the present time, there is no category or classification that specifically recognizes high quality natural resource-based parks. Jamie Need update from 2009 to make sure I have this right. In October 2009, the Raleigh City Council created a new classification for “Nature Parks and Preserves” in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. What does this mean for us? What is left to do? Parks and Recreation Departments are the governmental entity responsible for high quality natural areas. These agencies are typically understaffed and/or do not have expertise to address stewardship and management planning and implementation practices. A need exists for County-wide technical assistance, coordination, and encouragement in this area. Raleigh and Wake County have hired Natural Resource/Land Stewardship staff to help with these efforts. Smaller municipalities do not have the resources to hire staff with this type of technical ability, even though they may have highly valuable natural communities, priority habitats and species in their park land inventory. C. ** Lack of Awareness of High Quality Natural Areas **[ not sure this is the right wording since we make claims below about people wanting natural areas for recreation. I need help with this] I am struggling with whether c and d are really problems for us or a means to dealing with B. Insight appreciated Between 1982 and 2002, North Carolina lost 2.8 million acres of cropland and forestland. At that rate, the state loses 383 acres to development every day. In this same time frame, developed acreages increased by 82%, while population grew by 42%. If the current trend continues, North Carolina’s open space will disappear as acres of land are developed into urban areas over the next 20 years. //Will Coyne and Elizabeth Ouzts, NCPIRG Education Fund, Losing Our National Heritage: North Carolina’s Disappearing Open Spaces, September 2003. // According to the 1997 Natural Resources Inventory, 42% of Wake County’s total land area is developed, 8% is working farmland, and 48% is forest or undeveloped land. Property in working farms or undeveloped lands require $0.47 in expenditures for every dollar they bring in revenue. In contrast, residential lands require $1.54 in expenditures for every dollar of revenue. //Mitch Renkow, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, North Carolina State University, The Cost of Community Services in Wake County: A Report to Wake County and The Triangle J Council of Governments, June 2001. //  //George—do we have any more up to date statistics on these trends?? Do we have any graphics/charts/illustrations that could help with these trends? // Recent random sample surveys of both City (2001) and County (2006) residents clearly indicate a high degree of demand and appreciation for facilities and activities related to nature study, wildlife viewing, and similar pursuits. Demand for high quality natural areas is high both for citizens’ recreational purposes and for educational experiences for school-age children. What does this demand mean? Will it continue? What drives the demand? · 90% of respondents supported the acquisition of open space · 78% of the respondents are supportive of the County’s effort to protect 30% of its land area for environmental stewardship, water quality, large parks and trails. · 84% of respondents want the County to partner with cities to acquire open space for environmental purposes · 52% of respondents supported acquiring open space for passive recreation. · Benefits [from what? Kaytee can you help here?] that respondents found most important to them: 70% improves health and fitness, 48% preserves the open space and environment, and 33% improves mental health and reduces stress. · Respondents also identified potential benefits that were most important to the future of Wake County. These included: 46% preserves open space and environment, and 31% improves physical health and fitness. · Walking and hiking trails are the highest rated new facilities that citizens want.
 * Wake Nature Preserves Partnership White Paper (Draft 10/15/09) **
 * I.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **** Problem Statement **
 * A.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **** Lack of Classification for Nature Preserve Status  **
 * 1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **** Wake County **
 * 2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **** City of Raleigh **
 * <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> ****<span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-size: 12pt;">Other?? **
 * B.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **** Lack of Capacity for Natural Resource Inventories and Management Planning **
 * <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-size: 12pt;">D.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> ****<span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-size: 12pt;">Lack of an Organized Volunteer Base for Stewardship of Nature Preserves **
 * II.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **** Trends **
 * 1) **// Development of Land and Disappearance of Open Space //**
 * 1) **// Demand for Nature Based Recreation //**
 * Wake County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan: Citizen Survey ** (2006)

Intact natural systems perform multiple critical services that have an economic value. These include providing drinkable water, breathable air, and a stable climate; recycling waste; pollinating food crops; and providing physical buffers against storms. Sometimes these values are easy to calculate—for example, when conserving a watershed avoids the need for costly water clean-up technology. Additionally, homeowners realize increased property value that also contributes in increased tax revenues. Properties close to Hemlock Bluffs State Natural Area in Cary are on average 44% more valuable than those a mile away. <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">Need citation In a study to determine whether or not Wake County’s open spaces are increasing property values, Katherine Henderson <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">[does she have a degree we can include here for credential purposes?] calculated that an average home would be worth approximately $4,220 more if it were within 1500 feet of a public open space than it would if it were located farther than 1500 feet from a public open space. This difference represented a +2.09% change in property value, and would generate an additional $42 annual in county property taxes per house. [t1] Property values are likely to be highest near open spaces that: // John Crompton, “The Impact of Parks on Property Values: A Review of the Empirical Evidence,” Journal of Leisure Research 33:1, 2001. // <span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "Berkeley-Medium","serif";"> [t2] <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mecklenburg County has employed a consolidated City/County park system since 1993. To assist decision makers in Mecklenburg County, data were compiled on the environmental, economic, and health benefits of Nature Preserves. These benefits provide an estimated five-to-one return on investment. Nature Preserves provide significant economic benefits to the citizens of Mecklenburg County. The greatest of these derive from higher sale prices and higher property taxes via the “proximity effect,” or hedonic value. It results from the fact that people are willing to pay more for homes near parks, especially natural areas. The resulting higher sale price and associated taxes paid by an owner represent direct, immediate, and on-going economic returns. On average, properties adjacent to passive properties such as preserves experience a 20 percent increase in value. This declines to zero for properties 2,000 feet away. Using these estimates and public tax records, the adjacent 2,026 property owners and 3,146 nearby property owners living within just 1,000 feet of Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves provided an extra $1,181,878 to the tax base in 2008. <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Tourism impacts can be calculated using local tourism spending data ($98.60/day) and preserve visitation data (75,000 tourists/year), which indicates the Nature Preserves contribute $7,395,000 in tourism every year. Additionally, revenues from programs, campground fees, shelter rentals, boat launch fees, and the nature center gift shops were approximately $230,000 in 2008. Combined, the economic impacts of the preserves exceed $8.8 million each year. <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-size: 12pt;">The point here seems to be that there is precedent for protecting nature preserves and that we have models to follow. What kind of info do we want to feature here? As far back as 1955, the State of NC recognized the value of protecting and preserving areas with unique natural scientific features. A classification of parks called “Natural Areas” was established in 1963 with the adoption of separate principles for management of these areas. The purpose of State Natural Areas is focused on preserving and protecting areas of scientific, aesthetic or ecological value. Facilities are limited to those needed for interpretation, protection, and minimum maintenance. Generally, recreational and public use facilities such as camping, swimming and picnicking and the like are not provided in State Natural Areas. ·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Preserve and protect natural areas of scientific, aesthetic or geologic value, not only for the knowledge and inspiration of the present generation, but also for generations to come (NC 1956) ·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Portray and interpret plant and animal life, geology and all other natural features and processes in the various natural areas (NC 1955) ·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Limit development to that necessary to protect the scientific features, to provide public access, to protect public health, and to provide adequate interpretive programs (NC 1955) ·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Development shall not impair, damage, or detract from the scientific features (NC 1955) <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Need details about Nature Preserves in Mecklenburg <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">. <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">Kaytee can you help here? Established in 1945, Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District "Metro Parks" features 15 outstanding natural area parks and protects more than 23,500 acres of land and water in seven Central Ohio counties. <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">Can we get any more info about these? <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> WakeNature seeks to work with all local governments in Wake County to build their capacity to identify and steward ecologically valuable natural areas. We encourage a coordinated, County-wide approach to classifying and managing the most ecologically valuable natural areas, as well as better public education about our local natural heritage. Wake Nature Preserves Partnership encourages and will assist with these efforts: <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-size: 12pt;">We need to make the list below current valuable natural areas and a preliminary list of candidate areas. More work is needed, because some of the criteria have not yet been mapped. More detailed inventory is needed for ecologically valuable nature areas in public ownership. We are developing model procedures for completing these detailed inventories. across the County will help improve the public’s awareness and appreciation of Wake County’s natural heritage, as well as support for stewardship efforts. We recommend “Wake County Nature Preserve.” implementing management plans for each Nature Preserve. The Wake Nature Preserves Partnership will help provide resources to assist with management planning as well. 1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Informal WNPP Status 2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Formalized County or Municipal Level Classification <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Approved 2009 Sept 3
 * City of Raleigh Citizen Survey**
 * Activities undertaken by respondents in the previous 12 months included: Walking on a Trail (77.5%), Walking in a Natural Area (74.2%), and Viewing Wildlife (58.7%).
 * <span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-size: 12pt;">Anything else from this survey that we could use?
 * Bond Referenda **
 * Successful local bond referendums also show citizen support for habitat protection: In 2007, 71 %t of voters in Wake County passed a $50 million dollar bond referendum to purchase open space. In 2005, the Town of Cary passed a $10 million bond to preserve natural areas.
 * 1) **// Economic Benefits from Nature Based Recreation //**
 * Have limited vehicular access, but some recreational access
 * Highlight natural areas rather than highly developed facilitates
 * Have effective maintenance and security
 * 1) **// Nature Based Recreation and Nature Preserves in Other Locales //**
 * 1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **** State of NC **
 * Goals: **
 * 2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **** Mecklenburg County **
 * <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> ****<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Ohio **
 * 1) **<span style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-size: 12pt;">Do we have any other examples to feature? **
 * III.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **** Alternatives **
 * Identification: ** WakeNature has developed criteria for identifying ecologically
 * Inventory: ** Quality stewardship begins with documenting the natural resources of a property.
 * Classification: ** A consistent name or classification for these ecologically valuable natural areas
 * Management Planning: ** Best practice conservation management includes developing and
 * 1) ** Create Nature Preserve Classification **
 * 1) ** Build Inventory, Management and Planning Capacity in Parks and Recreation Departments **
 * 1) ** Build Awareness of High Quality Natural Areas **
 * 1) ** Crate Organized Volunteer Base for Stewardship of Nature Preserves **
 * Nature Preserves Definitions & Criteria **


 * SUMMARY** (The short, plain-English version)

This document defines (a) Wake Nature Preserves and (b) Wake Natural Wonders.

A **Wake Nature Preserve** is a natural area within Wake County that contains high-quality examples of plant and animal populations, natural communities, landscapes, or ecosystems. It is to be bounded, dedicated, and managed to ensure the long-term conservation of those natural resources and to provide people with the opportunity to experience and learn about those resources in a contemplative, natural setting.

A **Wake Natural Wonder** is a natural feature or habitat within Wake County that is highlighted for the development and growth public awareness about Wake County's natural heritage and systems and their importance to environmental health, biodiversity, and quality of life. Although ideally managed for long-term persistence, Wake Natural Wonders that are not within Wake Nature Preserves are not accorded the same high level of protection accorded Wake Nature Preserves.


 * WAKE NATURE PRESERVES**

A Wake Nature Preserve ...
 * Definition:**
 * is a high quality natural area that preserves the biodiversity of the region by contributing to the long-term viability of plant and animal populations, natural communities, landscapes, or ecosystems
 * contains at least one exceptional or outstanding natural area (see Nature Preserve Categories below)
 * is owned and managed for the long-term (preferably permanent) conservation of the natural resources contained therein
 * has a management plan that addresses the elements outlined in WakeNature's management plan template
 * has been approved, and is subject to periodic review for continued designation, as a Wake Nature Preserve by Wake Nature Preserves Partnership or another body designated by the Partnership
 * is identified as a Wake Nature Preserve with signage and branding that is consistent County-wide
 * meets one or more of the Objectives described below

Wake Nature Preserves are at their highest and best use by serving the following public purposes:
 * Objectives:**
 * 1) Contribute to the development and growth of public understanding of natural systems, the interdependence of all forms of life, and the vital dependence of human communities on the health of natural communities.
 * 2) Provide habitat for the survival of rare plants or animals or natural communities or other significant biological features.
 * 3) Provide long-term (preferably permanent), contiguous, undeveloped natural lands to conserve open space and create wildlife corridors within urbanizing areas.
 * 4) Provide small habitat areas within more densely developed areas that can act as "stepping stones" between larger protected habitat areas.
 * 5) Provide sites for scientific research and examples for scientific comparison with more disturbed sites.
 * 6) Provide sites for educational activities and places where people may observe natural resources and environmental systems.
 * 7) Provide opportunities for contemplation or outdoor passive recreation compatible with the protection of the natural area.

Wake Nature Preserve boundaries are drawn, using best-available research, to (a) maximize the probability that the resource(s) being protected will persist for the long term and (b) ensure that people who visit the Preserve have a high-quality experience commensurate with the resource(s) being protected.
 * Boundaries:**


 * WAKE NATURAL WONDERS**

A Wake Natural Wonder ...
 * (objective) is a natural feature or habitat within Wake County (including but not limited to within Wake Nature Preserves, county or municipal parks, other protected open space or natural areas) that is highlighted for the development and growth public awareness about Wake County's natural heritage and systems and their importance to environmental health, biodiversity, and quality of life
 * is managed for long-term persistence
 * has been approved, and is subject to periodic review for continued designation, as a Wake Natural Wonder by Wake Nature Preserves Partnership or another body designated by the Partnership
 * is identified as a Wake Natural Wonder with signage and branding that is consistent County-wide


 * NATURE PRESERVE CATEGORIES**

We suggest that all land and water in candidate Nature Preserves be mapped into one of five categories as the management plan for the preserve is created: 1. Exceptional Natural Area 2. Outstanding Natural Area 3. Natural Area 4. Cultural or Historic Area 5. Support Area


 * //Category 1: Exceptional Natural Area//**

Definition: Areas of the highest natural heritage value that contain uncommon, threatened, or endangered species, or high quality communities, particularly as defined by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program’s Significant Natural Heritage Areas (SNHA) and Natural Heritage Element Occurrences (NHEO).

Management Priorities: 1. Management, monitoring, and scientific study to preserve or restore the area's ecological integrity and natural heritage values.

2. For all Exceptional Natural Areas, the development and implementation of management plans are recommended.

Preserve Alterations: 1. Alterations must be compatible with the preservation, interpretation and management of ecological features and natural resources.

2. Alterations shall be restricted to the smallest area necessary to accommodate required development and use and to minimize environmental impacts.

3. Evaluate existing trails and determine if they should be restored, closed, or moved.

4. Service roads (natural surface or stone surface) for management purposes should be constructed only minimally.

5. New trails should be avoided. If unavoidable, biological surveys should be conducted early in planning process to minimize effects on sensitive natural resources. Natural and stone trail surfaces are preferred to impervious surfaces, consistent with the sensitivity of the site and the laws and policies of the managing jurisdiction.

6. A buffer of Category 3 Natural Area should be maintained around Exceptional Natural Areas to protect them from adjacent land uses.

Public Access: Recommend offering guided tours and discouraging unsupervised public access, consistent with the sensitivity of the site and the laws and policies of the managing jurisdiction.


 * //Category 2: Outstanding Natural Area//**

Definition: Areas exhibiting a significant diversity of flora, fauna, or natural communities. These areas will be determined by the presence of regionally rare species, a Landscape Habitat Indicator Guild Core Area, or a priority habitat type or habitat known to support priority species listed in the NC Wildlife Action Plan.

Management Priorities: 1. Management, monitoring, and scientific study to preserve or restore the area's ecological integrity and natural heritage values.

2. For all Outstanding Natural Areas, the development and implementation of management plans are recommended.

3. Provide public access that will not adversely affect the integrity of the natural features and ecological processes.

Preserve Alterations: 1-4 same as under Exceptional Natural Area

5. Pedestrian trails, interpretive areas, and interpretive signage should be provided for educational and passive recreational purposes. Natural and stone trail surfaces are preferred to impervious surfaces, consistent with the sensitivity of the site and the laws and policies of the managing jurisdiction.

6. A buffer of Category 3 Natural Area should be maintained around Outstanding Natural Areas to protect them from adjacent land uses.

Public Access: Recommend designs intended to limit people to trails and interpretive areas.


 * //Category 3: Natural Area//**

Definition: Natural areas are areas of open space that buffer Exceptional and Outstanding Natural Areas from adjacent or upstream land uses, or include priority habitats listed in the NC Wildlife Action Plan that have been degraded but are thought to be restorable to a higher quality with long-term management.

Management Priorities: 1. Management, monitoring, and scientific study to preserve or restore the area's ecological integrity and natural heritage values.

2. Provide public access that will not adversely affect the integrity of the natural features and ecological processes.

3. Provide facilities for environmental education.

Preserve alterations: 1-3 same as under Exceptional Natural Area

4. Service roads (any surface material) can be constructed for management purposes.

5. Non-motorized, multi-use trails (any surface material) with interpretive signage for educational and passive recreational purposes.

6. Nature centers, observation decks and towers, and supporting infrastructure compatible with the interpretation of natural resources and ecological processes.

7. Picnic tables, composting toilets, primitive campsites, and associated low-impact facilities consistent with conservation of the resource being protected.

Public Access: Not restricted.


 * //Category 4: Cultural and Historic Area//**

Definition: Areas managed for the preservation, protection, and interpretation of cultural and historic resources, including but not limited to properties listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Management Priorities: 1. Preservation, protection, and interpretation of cultural and historic resource.

2. Provide public access that will not adversely affect the integrity of the cultural or historic features.

Alterations: 1. Alterations must be compatible with the preservation, interpretation and management of cultural and historic features.

2. Alterations shall be restricted to the smallest area necessary to accommodate required development and use and to minimize environmental impacts.

3. Evaluate existing trails and determine if they should be restored, closed, or moved.

4. Restoration of cultural and historic features

5. Non-motorized, multi-use trails (any surface material) with interpretive signage for educational and passive recreational purposes.

6. Service roads for management purposes.


 * //Category 5: Support Area//**

Definition: Areas where appropriate facility development is permitted to support maintenance and public access associated with the Nature Preserve.

Management Priority: Facility maintenance and management.

Alterations: 1-2 same as under Exceptional Natural Area

3. Motorized uses, paved roadways, parking lots, maintenance facilities, restrooms, operational support buildings, boat access, fishing piers, picnic shelters, utility easements.
 * //Definitions (in context of this document)//**

North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) – A program within the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources that inventories, catalogues, and supports conservation of the rarest and the most outstanding elements of the natural diversity of our state.

Significant Natural Heritage Areas (SNHA) – Terrestrial or aquatic sites that are of special biodiversity significance as defined by NCNHP. A site’s significance may be due to the presence of rare species, rare or high quality natural communities, or other important ecological features. A geographic information system coverage of SNHA is maintained and distributed by NCNHP and is updated quarterly.

Natural Heritage Element Occurrences (NHEO) - Occurrences of rare plants and animals, exemplary or unique natural communities, and important animal assemblages as tracked and documented by NCNHP. Collectively, these plants, animals, natural communities, and animal assemblages are referred to as "elements of natural diversity" or simply as "elements." Specific occurrences of these elements are referred to as "element occurrences" or simply "Eos." Geographic information system coverages of NHEO are maintained and distributed by NCNHP and are updated quarterly.

Landscape/Habitat Indicator Guild (LHI) - Groups of species that share the same response to particular types of landscape change, in this case, in response to habitat fragmentation. Members of a particular guild include different taxa.

LHI Core landscape/habitat areas - Documented presence of high quality guild occurrences, i.e. specific areas having a significant concentration of guild members. Either due to their large size or interconnectedness, these areas are capable of supporting viable ecosystems associated with particular habitat type. Core landscape/habitat areas for different guilds can overlap or closely adjoin one another.

Biological surveys – Field surveys conducted by experienced personnel during suitable times of the year to document the flora and fauna present in a given region.

Buffer – Ecologically influential areas that do not contain conservation targets but are strategically placed to protect sensitive ecological areas from impacts such as polllution, noise, light, and other disturbance.

NC Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) - Developed in compliance with a US Congressional mandate and completed in 2005, this plan is the state Wildlife Resource Commission’s blueprint for fish and wildlife conservation statewide for the next half century, calling for the protection of a wide array of aquatic and terrestrial species and their associated habitats. Within the plan, species are prioritized based on a variety of conservation goals.

Open Space – Natural lands that are conserved to fulfill ecological functions. Open Space is a term that is used to describe lands expected to perform a broad array of ecosystem services such as maintain water quality, air quality, absorb floodwaters as well as referring to lands used for agriculture, timberland, to provide recreational opportunities, or have a cultural value (Triangle Land Conservancy State of Open Space 2002).

 [t1] Need year of publication  [t2] This is from Crompton’s research? Just want to clarify.