Category I

Natural areas managed at the highest level of protection and lowest level of usage.

These areas have been identified as having the greatest natural quality. All use shall be limited to non-destructive sampling, measurement, and observation. Scientific collecting shall be limited to those species where significant need has been demonstrated. In particular, an investigator must present evidence that scientific study of the species for which collecting is desired will not be possible without collecting. A scientific study is defined here to be a research project designed to acquire information for publication in the open, scientific literature. The investigator must also provide evidence that collecting will not inflict substantial or permanent damage to the natural area or the species under study. Methods of collection and collecting areas within the natural area must be clearly defined and adhered to. Class projects in Category I natural areas shall be limited to observation only, and from established trails, where available.