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Strictly geological features and archeological sites were not 

 included in this study. In any expansion or subsequent refine- 

 ment, they should ideally be included. 



Well-Documented Sites 



An area that has been the subject of continuing scientific 

 research, is of great value for it is possible to use the back- 

 ground of data to help predict the future and to deepen our 

 understanding of the local environment. Such areas were given 

 high consideration in the selection of natural areas. 



Plummers Island in the Potomac River above Washington, D. C. 

 is the site of many biological surveys and censuses and is the 

 type locality site for many species of plants and animals. 

 Areas of this type with many years of records and numerous publi- 

 cations should be preserved with a high priority. 



Exceptional Individuals or Associations 

 Records are often kept for the largest individual of a 

 species, such as the Wye Oak, located in the eastern shore area 

 of Maryland, which is the largest white oak known. While of 

 limited scientific value, these largest and oldest individuals 

 are of interest to the public. 



The presence of a virgin (or late successional) stand of 

 almost any species of tree is of interest in the eastern United 

 States and should be preserved with a high priority. 



