OAR 629-680-0430: Biological Sites Criteria

(1) A biological site must include naturally occurring native communities of plants or populations of wildlife that are rare or uncommon. A biological site must contain one or more of the following: (a) An outstanding example of a rare or unique biological resource; or (b) Unique assemblage of species; or (c) On state lands, the existence of threatened or endangered plant species. (2) As referenced in ORS 564.135, the existence of threatened or endangered plant species alone on private forestland does not qualify a candidate biological site for listing and protection, unless other elements exist that meet the required biological site criteria. (3) In determining the degree of significance, the following shall be considered: (a) The magnitude of the threat to the biological site and the consequences of its loss. (b) The number of similar areas inside or outside of Oregon. (c) The diversity of the biological site. For example, a site with large numbers of species or natural communities may be more significant. (4) The biological site should have special applications for scientific research. For example, the biological site can be used for medical study, biochemical research, or for successional studies. These opportunities are rare or very limited at other resource sites.