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method to assess the general natural quality of natural community and semi-natural land cover types. This modifier has three general categories for the assessment method is based on general ecological variables, and is applied in the same manner for all natural community types. The following is the description of the M_34x modifier from the MLCCS training manual The natural plant community sites can be given a natural quality ranking, based on the DNR's Natural Heritage's Element Occurrence Ranking Guidelines (EOR). See "Natural Community Modifiers" for a discussion of the Element Occurrence Ranking Guidelines. Refer to the FOR Guidelines to evaluate the specific natural communities. Non-native, altered and disturbed communities should only be given anon-native ranking (NN or NA). Valid codes and general definitions modifier m_34X are: • A =highest quality natural community, no disturbances and natural processes intact. Site must be visited entirely or partially to accurately assess its natural quality at this level (fld_level = 3 or 4). Modifier code = 341 • B =good quality natural community. Has its natural processes intact, but shows signs of past human impacts. Low levels of exotics. Site must be visited entirely or partially to accurately assess its natural quality at this level (fld_level = 3 or 4). Modifier code = 342 • C =moderate condition natural community with obvious past disturbance but is still clearly recognizable as a native community. Not dominated by weedy species in any layer. Minimally, the site must be visited from the edge to accurately assess its natural quality at this level (fld_level = 2, 3 or 4). Modifier code = 343 • D =poor condition of a natural community. Includes some natives, but is dominated by non-natives and/or is widely disturbed and altered. Herbaceous communities may be assessed with this ranking from a distance (fld_level = 1) if large masses of invasive species are present and the entire community is visible. Modifier code = 344 • NA =Native species present in an altered /non-native plant community. This NA ranking can only be used if the site is field checked from the edge or to a greater degree (fld_level 2, 3, or 4), thus confirming the presence of native species within anon-native community. Modifier code = 345 • NN =Altered /non-native plant community. These semi-natural communities do not qualify for natural quality ranking. Using NN signifies the site has been field checked and confirms it is asemi-natural community. Search for Rare Plant Species Where natural areas occur, particularly those of better quality, there is the potential for the occurrence of rare species. Recognizing this, the plant ecologists from Bonestroo who conducted field inventory work made an effort to search habitats that had a high likelihood of supporting rare plants. It is also important to note that although plant ' http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological services/nhnrp/eoranks2001.pdfp/eoranks2001.pdf Top of the World Park Addition Natural Area Management Plan 8