Natural features are of primary importance and shall receive first consideration in establishing natural areas within the state parks and recreation system. These features include, but are not limited to:
- (1) formations or features of the natural landscape significantly illustrating geological processes;
- (2) significant fossil evidence of the development of life on earth;
- (3) exemplary or representative ecological communities (terrestrial and aquatic) maintained under prevailing natural conditions;
- (4) ecological communities significantly illustrating the processes of natural succession, including examples of communities maintained or perpetuated by fire;
- (5) habitats supporting rare or restricted species of plants or animals;
- (6) flora or fauna persisting from an earlier period;
- (7) unique or unusual natural features;
- (8) seasonal havens for concentrations of native animals, such as a bat colony or coastal bird rookery;
- (9) features of high natural and aesthetic quality illustrating the scenic grandeur of North Carolina.
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑3; 113‑8; 143B‑10; 143B‑135.16;
Eff. August 15, 1981;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 12I .0201 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.