2. Significant fossil evidence of the development of life on earth. 



3. An ecological community significantly illustrating characteristics of a 

 physiographic province or a biome. 



4. A biota of relative stability maintaining itself under prevailing natural 

 conditions, such as a climatic climax community. 



5. An ecological community significantly illustrating the process of succes- 

 sion and restoration to natural condition following disruptive change. 



6. A habitat supporting a vanishing, rare, or restricted species. 



7. A relict flora or fauna persisting from an earlier period. 



8. A seasonal haven for concentration of native animals or a vantage point 

 for observing concentrated populations, such as a constricted migration route. 



9. A site containing significant evidence illustrating important scientific 

 discoveries. 



10. Examples of the scenic grandeur of our natural heritage. 



In order to qualify as a Registered Natural Landmark, a site is first recom- 

 mended as a potential natural landmark in a comparative theme study inventory 

 such as this one concerning the Inland Wetlands. The information in these theme 

 studies is largely based on secondary sources. The area is then evaluated in the 

 field by a professional who is especially knowledgeable about the theme rep- 

 resented at the site. Upon recommendation by the field e valuator, it is further 

 reviewed by the Secretary of the Interior's Advisory Board on National Parks, 

 Historic Sites, Buildings and Monuments. If the Advisory Board concurs on the 

 evaluation, the site is recommended to the Secretary who finally determines 

 eligibility for inclusion in the National Registry of Natural Landmarks. The final 

 step is for the owner, whether public or private, to voluntarily file an applicatiion 

 for official Registered Natural Landmark designation. In so doing, the owner 

 agrees to maintain the natural integrity of the site and to manage it in a manner 

 consistent with accepted conservation and use practices. Upon receipt of the 

 application, the National Park Service presents a certificate and an engraved, 

 bronze plaque to the owner. 



In the future, this theme study will be updated, and all potential natural 

 landmarks reported in this book that are eventually listed on the National Registry 

 of Natural Landmarks will be identified and described more fully. 



As the National Park Service evaluates sites through the Natural Landmarks 

 Program, it is also gradually completing an inventory of the country's natural 

 areas. These studies focus attention on important natural areas and often stimu- 

 late communities, states, and conservation organizations to take action in pre- 

 serving significant areas. 



Readers desiring further information concerning the Natural Landmarks Pro- 

 gram should contact the Chief Scientist, National Park Service Science Center, 

 National Space Technology Laboratories, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi 39520. 



Gary E. Everhardt 

 Director, National Park Service 



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