Performance Measure 7.1 Guidance for Forest Management Plans

Special sites are unique historical, archeological, cultural, geological, biological or ecological features of a property. Among the resources are available to help landowners and plan writers determine the presence or absence of special sites are:

• The National Register of Historic Places
• State Historical Preservation Office
• N.C. Natural Heritage Program
• Local historical societies
• Residents of the community
• Field observations by a qualified natural resource professional
• The landowner

The management plan must include a statement as to whether or not there are special sites on the property and list at least three resources consulted to make that determination. If there are special sites present, the plan should tell what the special site are, where on the property they are located and what measures will be taken to ensure their protection during management activities. Special sites should be shown on the property map unless there is concern about disclosing the location.

If there are no special sites, include a statement in the forest management plan similar to this:

• The plan writer/landowner researched the property on the following websites (list the websites), walked the property and talked with long-time residents of the community and determined that there are no special sites on the property.

If there are special sites on the property, include a statement in the forest management plan similar to this:

• Research on the following websites (list the websites) and the landowner’s personal knowledge of the property determined that there are two special sites on the property–a family cemetery and an area where native American artifacts have been found. These areas are noted on the property map and will be protected during any forest management activities with flagging and protection language in contracts with management service providers.