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13 <br />Major Surface Water Drainage Basins. Finally, the rules for Nondegradation of Outstanding <br />14 <br />Resource Value Waters also lists identified calcareous fens in the state. <br />2.1.2 Scientific and Natural Areas <br />State scientific and natural areas (SNA) are established to protect and perpetuate, in an undisturbed <br />natural state, those natural features which possess exceptional scientific or educational value (MN <br />Statutes 86A.05). This may include but is not limited to any of the following features: geological <br />processes; significant fossil evidence, an undisturbed plant community, an ecological community <br />significantly illustrating the process of succession and restoration to natural condition following <br />disruptive change; a habitat supporting a vanishing, rare, endangered, or restricted species of plant or <br />animal; a relict flora or fauna persisting from an earlier period; or a seasonal haven for <br />concentrations of birds and animals, or a vantage point for observing concentrated populations, such <br />as a constricted migration route. The area should embrace an area large enough to permit effective <br />research or educational functions and to preserve the inherent natural values of the area. <br />2.1.3 Habitat for Designated Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern Species <br />Endangered and threatened plant and animal species are protected in Minnesota as specified in MN <br />Statutes 84.0895. In MN Statutes, Subp. 3, species of wild animal or plant are designated as: <br />Endangered <br />1. , if the species is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of <br />its range; or <br />Threatened <br />2. , if the species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future <br />throughout all or a significant portion of its range; or <br />Species of special concern <br />3. , if although the species is not endangered or threatened, it is <br />extremely uncommon in this state, or has unique or highly specific habitat requirements and <br />deserves careful monitoring of its status. <br />In 1987, the Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) began a systematic survey of rare <br />biological features. The goal of the MCBS is to identify significant natural areas and to collect and <br />interpret data on the distribution and ecology of rare plants, rare animals, and native plant <br />communities. The MCBS data for the assessment area (if available) should be examined for sites <br />with medium, high and outstanding biologic diversity significance. <br />The MnDNR Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program (Natural Heritage Program) collects, <br />manages, and interprets information about nongame animals, native plants, and plant communities to <br />promote the wise stewardship of these resources. The Natural Heritage Program has developed a <br />ranking system that is intended to reflect the extent and condition of natural communities and species <br />15 <br />in Minnesota. These ‘state ranks’ have no legal ramifications, they are used by the Natural <br /> <br />13 <br /> MN Rules 7050.0470 <br />14 <br /> MN Rules 7050.0180, Subp. 6 <br />15 <br /> Aaseng, N.E., J.C. Almendinger, R.P. Dana, B.C. Delaney, H.L. Dunevitz, K.A. Rusterholz, N.P. Sather, and <br />D.S. Wovcha. 1993. Minnesota's Native Vegetation: A Key to Natural Communities, Version 1.5. Minnesota <br />Department of Natural Resources Biological Report No. 20. Natural Heritage Program. <br />Management Classification 12 <br /> <br />