15A NCAC 12H .0202. CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY

(a)  For an area to qualify as a natural heritage area and thus be eligible for registration, or dedication, it must possess one or more of the following natural values:

(1)           a habitat for individual species of plants or animals that are in danger of or threatened by extirpation;

(2)           an exemplary terrestrial natural community;

(3)           an exemplary aquatic community;

(4)           an outstanding geologic or geomorphic feature that illustrates geologic processes or the history of the earth;

(5)           a unique or unusual natural feature such as old growth forest conditions or unusual vegetation types;

(6)           other biological or ecological phenomena of significance, such as a major bird rookery or bat colony.

(b)  In addition to the criteria stated in (a) of this Rule, an area shall be evaluated with respect to the following factors:

(1)           presence of natural values not adequately represented in previously registered natural heritage areas;

(2)           diversity of natural types of flora and fauna;

(3)           quality and viability of the natural features (i.e., self‑sufficiency of the natural ecosystem when properly managed; degree of vulnerability to disturbances and intrusions);

(4)           absence of damaging land uses, logging, grazing, erosion, intrusion by exotic species, etc., or extent to which past disturbances have altered natural features; Considering that nearly all areas of the state have been altered by human intrusions to some extent and considering that certain natural elements require manipulative management, an area should not be denied recognition solely because of past disturbances;

(5)           capability of being managed so as to protect and maintain natural features in a natural condition; A buffer zone is desirable to assure protection (a buffer zone, where possible, should follow naturally defensible boundaries and should help protect the site against adverse effects from use and development of adjacent land; the buffer zone may be included in the designated area but need not itself possess special natural values);

(6)           compatibility of protective management practices with current use practices on adjacent lands;

(7)           scientific and educational value.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113‑3; 113‑8; 113A‑164.4; 113A‑164.5;

Eff. April 4, 1979;

Amended Eff. January 1, 1986.