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Mk <br /> 4'. /, <br /> In 1979-80 an analysis by the Duke School of Forestry and Environmental <br /> Studies was conducted to identify outstanding natural communities and <br /> rare plant species habitats in Duke Forest.* The study attempted t <br /> locate those areas that, on the basis of their floristic resources, <br /> should be preserved for research, education, and other non-consumpt ve <br /> uses (Ohmann 1980) . The data collection component of the study co sisted <br /> of: (1) a review of pertinent literature; (2) collection of information <br /> from secondary sources; and (3) vegetation sampling and observation$ in <br /> the field. Recommendations of sites to be protected as natural areas <br /> were based on the following selection criteria: (1) critical habitat <br /> for a rare plant species; (2) plant community unique or unusual to the <br /> Duke Forest and/or North Carolina Piedmont; (3) an exemplary climax <br /> community or stage in succession. Each site's condition, or "quality" <br /> was also considered in the selection process (Ohmann 1980) . Recommendations <br /> of the sites were made to and approved by the Forest Resource Manag r, <br /> integrated into a Duke Forest multiple-use management plan, reviewe0 <br /> (with site visits) by the N.C. Natural Heritage Program, and review d <br /> and approved by the Dean of the School of Forestry and Environments <br /> Studies (Ohmann 1980; Edeburn 1981) . 1 <br /> *Note: The study did not include the Haw River division of Duke Forest <br /> in Chatham County. <br /> Approximate Acreage: Designated "Natural Heritage Areas" amount to 762 acres <br /> of the total 8,500 acre Duke Forest. (Note: The Haw River Division has <br /> not been surveyed for outstanding natural areas) . <br /> Karstian uivision <br /> _ a <br /> Compartments Acreage <br /> Nei Hope Creek 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, <br /> Natural Area 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 374.7 total! <br /> 20, 23, 25, 26, 37, 38, 39 <br /> Henry J. Oosting --- 151 <br /> Natural Area <br /> Durham Division <br /> Area Compartments Acreage <br /> Loblolly Pine Alluvial <br /> Site 55, 59 3.7 <br /> Loblolly-Shortleaf <br /> Pine Stand 57 7.4 <br /> Couch Mountain 74, 75, 76, 77 95.9 <br /> Blackwood Division <br /> Area Compartments Acreage <br /> Post oak-Blackjack oak <br /> site 5 <br /> 7.8 <br /> Meadow Flats 7 35.9 <br /> Blackwood Mountain 9 21.2 <br /> Bald Mountain 11 64.4 <br />