-21- 



Altogether, using the ecological criteria outlined in this 

 section, the survey identified 232 sites to be considered natural 

 areas — a total potential land area of 138,319 hectares, or 4.2% of 

 the entire study area. 



The major types of natural areas of the Bay region are as 

 follows : 



a. Primeval Area. Areas which preserve examples of signifi- 

 cant species of plants and animals. These wilderness areas should 

 remain natural and unchanged by direct human influences, except in 

 cases of successional communities which may require management to 

 maintain them. They may have limited monitoring as remote 

 "primitive"or "benchmark" areas. 



b. Gene Pool Preserve. Special preserves for rare and 

 endangered species of plants and animals requiring complete 

 protection and, often, surrounding buffer zones. 



c. Research Natural Area. Ecological research areas where 

 natural processes are allowed to predominate and which are 

 preserved primarily for research. Human use and collection is 

 limited and non-destructive. They can also be used as "benchmark," 

 "baseline," or "check" areas for monitoring environmental change. 



d. Manipulative Research Area. Areas where research may 

 modify an area to understand its function and permit better 

 ecological prediction and management. 



e. Educational Natural Area. Areas used to teach students 

 and the public, and which may be used for minor research projects. 

 Some development of human facilities and trails or access routes 

 are usually needed. 



