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v <br /> 0�;3 <br /> • State significance. A site of State significance has been recognized by the North Carolina <br /> Heritage Program as a natural area which possesses outstanding natural features such as a <br /> very rare plait or animal, It may also contain one of the best examples of a community type <br /> or geomorphic feature in the state. Three sites were identified in the inventory as having <br /> State significance. <br /> • Regional significance. A site of Regional significance also possesses outstanding natural <br /> features such as a rare plant or animal species While it may be one of the best examples of a <br /> community ON or geomorphic feature in the eastern Piedmont, it is not one of the best <br /> within the entire state. A total of 14 sites were identified in the inventory as having Regional <br /> significance. <br /> • County High Significance. A site of County High significance is one of the most significant <br /> sites within the county, although similar sites may occur in other counties in the state or <br /> region. Such a site may or may not contain a rare plant or animal species However, it is <br /> considered to be the best of its type in the county, based on habitat uniqueness, species <br /> diversity or overall aesthetic appeal. A total of 18 sites were identified in the inventory as <br /> having County High significance. <br /> • County Medium Significance. A site of County Medium significance is one which may or <br /> may not have a rare plant or animal species Although it is an example of a habitat or <br /> community that is representative of the overall natural diversity of the county, there is a <br /> better example of such a natural area elsewhere in the county. A total of 19 sites were <br /> identified in the inventory as having County Medium significance. <br /> • County General Significance. A site of County General significance does not have any rare <br /> plant or animal species, but it is a good representative of the natural diversity of the county. <br /> Such sites may rank high in general aesthetic appeal or have value because of their location <br /> near urban or suburban settings A total of 10 sites were identified in the inventory as having <br /> County General significance. <br /> Integrity Rating.Integrity refers to the quality of the biological features of the site,including size <br /> and vigor of the populations, level of disturbance, and size of the natural area. The levels of site <br /> integrity identified in the inventory were as follows: <br /> • Prime. The forest or other vegetation at the site is relatively mature, and no paved roads cut <br /> across the site. A total of 34 sites were classified in the inventory as Prime. <br /> Very Good The forest or other vegetation at the site is relatively mature. However, the <br /> natural are has intrusions such as roads, power lines, sewer lines or residential clearings <br /> Seven sites were classified in the inventory as Very Good <br /> • Good The forest or other vegetation at the site is relatively mature. However, the size of the <br /> natural area is small, and the site is surrounded by development. A total of 17 sites were <br /> classified in the inventory as Good <br />