Protected Area Database - NC

This page was generated on Dec 05, 2020

This analysis was generated by the OPUSInspect script, created by Brian Sperlongano. Conflation data provided by Kevin Kenney. The purpose of this analysis is to identify the IUCN Protection Category that should be tagged using the protect_class=* key for protected areas in each state in the United States. In addition, this script locates protected areas that are already tagged in OpenStreetMap and matches them by location and name with PAD-US in order to identify areas which may be incorrectly tagged with protect_class=*.

Protected areas that are not assigned an IUCN Category should still be tagged leisure=nature_reserve (which renders in Carto), but omit protect_class=*. Be aware that minor differences in naming or spelling may cause false positives or negatives; mappers should examine this table carefully.

Additionally, mappers should consult the PAD-US map-based viewer when making a determination:

The PAD-US Data Source

As a work of the United States Federal Government, the PAD-US database is in the Public Domain and is suitable as a data source for OpenStreetMap. PAD-US is an aggregation over over 100 other data sources. Mappers should inspect PAD-US for accuracy and assume that there may be errors.

Note that:

Legend

IUCN Category Meaning Suggested Tagging
Ia IUCN Category Ia: Strict Nature Reserve protect_class=1a
Ib IUCN Category Ib: Wilderness protect_class=1b
II IUCN Category II: National Park protect_class=2
III IUCN Category III: Natural Monument or Feature protect_class=3
IV IUCN Category IV: Habitat/Species Management Area protect_class=4
V IUCN Category V: Protected Landscape/Seascape protect_class=5
VI IUCN Category VI: Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources protect_class=6
Other No assigned IUCN Category
Ia, IV, V Multiple categories

This script output is a work in progress and may not be reliable.

Table of IUCN Categorized Protected Areas in NC

IUCN Categorized Protected Areas in NC
Area [1] IUCN
Cat[2] 		Ownership Type[1] Owner Operator
(unnamed) This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Alligator River Wetlands Megasite Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy United States Fish and Wildlife
Allison Woods V PVT Allison Woods Foundation
Angola Creek Flatwoods Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Arnett Branch Preserve V SDC NC DENR, Zoological Park North Carolina Zoo
Audubon Environmental Land Trust Preserve V NGO Audubon Environmental Land Trust
Auten Nature Preserve V CNTY Mecklenburg County
Bakers Mountain Park III CNTY Catawba County
Bald Head Island Conservancy Preserve V NGO Unknown
Bald Head Woods Coastal Reserve V OTHS NC DENR, Division of Coastal Management
Bat Fork Bog Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Bay Tree Lake State Park III SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Beech Creek Bog State Natural Area V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Big Foot Island V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Big Hill Island Audubon Sanctuary V PVT National Audubon Society
Big Pond Bay Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Big Shoe Heel Creek Preserve V PVT North Carolina Herpetological Society
Big Yellow Mountain Preserve V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation
Bird Island Coastal Reserve V OTHS NC DENR, Division of Coastal Management
Black Ankle Bog Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Black River Cypress Forest (Tnc) Preserve V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Black River Floodplain Macrosite V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Black River Floodplain Macrosite Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Black River Mitigation Land V CNTY Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority
Black River/South River (Tnc) Preserve V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Bladen Lakes Natural Areas Megasite V NGO The Nature Conservancy North Carolina Forest Service
Blue Pond Preserve V SDNR NC DENR, Museum of Natural Sciences
Bluff Mountain Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Bobs Creek State Natural Area This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Brantley Wildlife Sanctuary V NGO Unknown
Briar Creek Greenway This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Broadfoot Nature Preserve V OTHS University of North Carolina - Wilmington
Browns Island Tracts V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Buffalo Creek Park III CITY Town of Lake Lure
Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation National Park Service
Bunker Hill Covered Bridge Historic Site III OTHS, PVT
  • NC Department of Cultural Resources
  • Catawba County Historical Association
Butner Cedar Glade Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve V OTHS NC DENR, Division of Coastal Management
Cane Creek Park Piedmont Prairie Restoration Area III CNTY Union County
Cape Fear River Wetlands Game Land VI, Other SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site III NPS NPS
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Buffer III OTHS NC Department of Cultural Resources
Carolina North Forest This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Cedar Cliff Mountain Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Mountain Bog Plant Conservation Preserve VI SDC NC Department of Ag, Plant Conservation Program
Cedar Swamp Seep Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Chapel Creek V UNK North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program
Chowan Swamp State Natural Area V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation
Coddle Creek Restoration Site IV SDNR NC DENR, Ecosystem Enhancement Program
Cold Mountain Game Land V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Conservation Fund Preserve V NGO The Conservation Fund United States Forest Service
Conservation Trust of North Carolina Preserve V NGO Conservation Trust of North Carolina National Park Service
Crab Point Audubon Preserve V PVT National Audubon Society
Cumberland Knob Preserve V NGO Unknown National Park Service
Currituck Banks National Estuarine Research Reserve V OTHS NC DENR, Division of Coastal Management
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Dan River Gameland This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Deep River Park Association Preserve V NGO Deep River Park Association
Donnelley Hardpan Bog Preserve V PVT North Carolina Herpetological Society
Dulany Bog Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Dunahoe Bay Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Eastwood Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Ebenezer Church Recreation Area This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Eller Seep Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association Preserve V NGO Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association
Emily and Richardson Preyer Buckridge Coastal Reserve V OTHS NC DENR, Division of Coastal Management United States Fish and Wildlife
Eno River Diabase Sill Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Florence Preserve V NGO Unknown
Fonta Flora State Trail This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina Preserve V NGO
  • Unknown
  • Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
 United States Forest Service
Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests VI USFS Forest Service Region 08 Southern United States Forest Service
Frank Dulany Bog Special Research Area V PVT Highlands Biological Foundation United States Forest Service
Gateway Nature Preserve III, Other CNTY Mecklenburg County
Gorges State Park V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation United States Forest Service
Grandfather Mountain Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Grandfather Mountain State Park III SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Great Smoky Mountains National Park II DESG Unknown
Green River Game Land V, Other SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Green Swamp Game Land V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Gull Island Wildlife Conservation Area V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Hambys (Cowlick) Bay Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Harvest Field Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Hill Farm Gameland This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation Preserve V NGO Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation
Hoke County Community Forest V PVT The Conservation Fund
Hoop Hole Creek Maritime Forest Preserve V PVT North Carolina Coastal Federation
Hunting Island Audubon Preserve V PVT National Audubon Society
Indigo Plantation Marsh Preserve V SFW NC DENR, Division of Marine Fisheries
J. S. Myers Park This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Jocassee Gorges V SFW State Fish and Wildlife
Joe/Little Joe Mountain Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary V NGO Unknown
Jones Lake State Park III SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Forest Service
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Lake James State Park III, Other SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Lake Waccamaw State Park V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Land Trust for the Little Tennessee Preserve V NGO
  • Unknown
  • Land Trust for the Little Tennessee
Larkspur Ridge Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Laurel Hill Preserve V PVT North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation
Lea Island Audubon Sanctuary V NGO National Audubon Society
Lea Island State Natural Area V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Lee Tract V CNTY Durham County
Lewis Creek Preserve V NGO Unknown
Little River Regional Park III CNTY Orange County
Long Mountain Preserve V NGO Unknown
Lumber River Conservancy Preserve V NGO
  • Unknown
  • Lumber River Conservancy
 North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Marshall Watershed V CITY Marshall, Town of
Masonboro Island National Estuarine Research Reserve V OTHS NC DENR, Division of Coastal Management
Masonboro Island State Park III SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
Mayo River State Park (VA) This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Mcclures Bog Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Mcintosh Bay Complex V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Meeting of the Waters Preserve V PVT North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation
Melrose Mountain Plant Conservation Preserve V SDC, OTHS
  • NC Department of Ag, Plant Conservation Program
  • NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Middle Swamp Creek V PVT North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program
Mineral Springs Barrens Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Mitchell Mill State Natural Area V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation
Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area (Caesars Head & J) V SPR State Park & Recreation
Myrtle Head Savanna Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
NC Department of Administration Conservation Land V OTHS NC Department of Administration
NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program Preserve V SDC NC DENR, Ecosystem Enhancement Program
NCSU Hope Valley Forest This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve V CITY
  • Kill Devil Hills, Town of
  • Nags Head, Town of
 Town of Kill Devil Hills
Neuse River Game Land V, Other SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
New Dump Island V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
New Hope Game Lands This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
New Hope Overlook This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
New Hope Preserve (Penny/TLC) V UNKL Orange County
New Hope Preserve (Trinity School) V UNKL Orange County
New Light Creek V PVT North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program
New River Inlet Bird Nesting Island V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
New River Swamps And Marshes Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
North American Land Trust Preserve V NGO North American Land Trust
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust Preserve V NGO
  • Unknown
  • North Carolina Coastal Land Trust
 United States Forest Service
Okeewemee Woodlands Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Old Dock Savanna Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Onslow Bight Landscape V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Orion Island V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Pacolet Area Conservancy Preserve V NGO Unknown
Paddy Mountain Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Palmetto-Peartree Preserve V PVT The Conservation Fund
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge United States Fish and Wildlife
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge
Pee Dee River Game Land V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Permuda Island Coastal Reserve V OTHS NC DENR, Division of Coastal Management
Pettiford Creek State Forest VI OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Forest Service United States Forest Service
Piedmont Land Conservancy Preserve V NGO Unknown Piedmont Land Conservancy
Pilot Mountain State Park III SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary V PVT National Audubon Society
Pisgah Covered Bridge Preserve V NGO Unknown
Pisgah National Forest - Appalachian This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Pisgah View State Park This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Poplar Point Campground This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Pretty Pond Bay Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Providence Nature Preserve This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Quewhiffle Preserve V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve V OTHS NC DENR, Division of Coastal Management
Rankintown Nature Preserve V PVT Private Individual
Redlair Plant Conservation Preserve VI SDC NC Department of Ag, Plant Conservation Program
RiverLink Preserve V NGO RiverLink
Roan Mountain VI SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Roanoke Island Marshes Game Land V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Roanoke River - Tnc/Gp Partnership V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Roanoke River Islands (Tnc) Preserve V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
Roanoke River Preserve V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Roanoke River Wetlands Game Land V, Other SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Robeson Creek Access This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Rocky Hock Swamp Forest Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Run Hill State Natural Area V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation Town of Kill Devil Hills
Salmon Creek State Natural Area This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Salmon Creek-Nichols Farm V PVT North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program
Salter Path Dunes Natural Area V SDNR NC DENR, Aquariums
Sand Bag Island V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Sandhills V NGO The Nature Conservancy North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Sandhills (Tnc) Preserve V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Sandhills Area Land Trust Preserve V NGO Unknown
Sandhills Game Land V, Other SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Sandhills Theme Megasite V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Sandhills Theme Megasite Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Sanson Wildlife Sanctuary V NGO Unknown
Seaforth Day-Use Area This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Selma Cornelison Ward Nature Preserve V SDNR NC DENR, Zoological Park
Seven Mile Creek Park III CNTY Orange County
Several Islands Audubon Preserve V PVT National Audubon Society
Sharpe Wetland Preservation Site IV SDNR NC DENR, Ecosystem Enhancement Program
Shell Island Audubon Preserve V PVT National Audubon Society
Smith Island Land Trust Preserve V NGO Unknown
Snow's Marsh Island V NGO National Audubon Society
South Mountains State Park V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation
South Quay Sandhills State Natural Area Preserve V SDC
  • VA Dept of Conservation and Recreation
  • Unspecified
South River Preserve V NGO NC Coastal Land Trust
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Preserve V NGO
  • Unknown
  • Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
 North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
State Park Head Quarters This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Stateline Prairie Bay Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Stillhouse Bottom Nature Preserve V PVT North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation
Stump Sound Preserve V PVT North Carolina Coastal Federation
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge IV FWS Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge
Tar River Land Conservancy Preserve V, Other NGO
  • Tar River Land Conservancy
  • Unknown
Tater Hill Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
Terrible Creek V PVT North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program
Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas M. Winget Nature Preserve III CNTY Mecklenburg County
Three Top Mountain V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Three Top Mountain Game Land V, Other SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Town of Mars Hill Property V CITY Mars Hill, Town of
Town of Tryon Watershed V CITY Tryon, Town of
Triangle Land Conservancy Preserve V NGO Unknown
  • Duke University
  • Triangle Land Conservancy
Van Swamp Game Land V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Vista Point Campground This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Waccamaw River Preserve Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Waccamaw River Wetlands Megasite V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Waccamaw River Wetlands Megasite Fee V NGO The Nature Conservancy
Wainwright Island Audubon Preserve V PVT National Audubon Society
Walkers Creek Trailhead This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Warwick Mill Bay State Natural Area This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
Watson-Cooper Heritage Preserve VI OTHS State Cultural Affairs
Weed Patch Mountain Preserve V NGO Unknown
West Branch Nature Preserve V CNTY Mecklenburg County
White Oak Mountain Plant Conservation Preserve V OTHS NC Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Program
White Oak Recreation Area This area is tagged with protect_class=*, but the PAD-US database could not find an IUCN categorized protected area at this location
White Oak River Game Land V, Other SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Wildlife Resources Commission Island C 05-06 V SFW NC Wildlife Resources Commission
William B. Umstead State Park V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation Wake County
Yellow Mountain State Natural Area V SPR NC DENR, Division of Parks and Recreation North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Zekes Island National Estuarine Research Reserve V OTHS NC DENR, Division of Coastal Management

References

  1. ^ Areas listed in the PAD-US are linked to the approximate area (by bounding box). Matching areas tagged in OSM are listed, with the most significant protected area tag listed.
  2. ^ International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) management categories assigned to protected areas for inclusion in the United Nations Environment World Conservation Monitoring Center (UNEP-WCMC) World Database for Protected Areas (WDPA) and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) North American Terrestrial Protected Areas Database. IUCN defines a protected area as, "A clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values" (includes GAP Status Code 1 and 2 only). Categorization follows as:
    • IUCN Category Ia - Strict Nature Reserves are strictly protected areas set aside to protect biodiversity and possibly geological or geomorphological features, where human visitation, use and impacts are strictly controlled and limited to ensure preservation of the conservation values. Such protected areas can serve as indispensable reference areas for scientific research and monitoring;
    • IUCN Category Ib - Wilderness Areas protected areas are usually large unmodified or slightly modified areas, retaining their natural character and influence, without permanent or significant human habitation, which are protected and managed to preserve their natural condition;
    • IUCN Category II - National Park protected areas are large natural or near natural areas set aside to protect large-scale ecological processes, along with the complement of species and ecosystems characteristic of the area, which also provide a foundation for environmentally and culturally compatible spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities;
    • IUCN Category III - Natural Monument or Feature protected areas are set aside to protect a specific natural monument, which can be a landform, seamount, submarine caverns, geological features such as caves, or even a living feature such as an ancient grove. They are generally quite small protected areas and often have high visitor value;
    • IUCN Category IV - Habitat and (or) species management protected areas aim to protect particular species or habitats and management reflects this priority. Many category IV protected areas will need regular, active interventions to address the requirements of particular species or to maintain habitats, but this is not a requirement of this category;
    • IUCN Category V Protected landscape and (or) seascape protected areas occur where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant ecological, biological, cultural, and scenic value;
    • IUCN Category VI - Protected area with sustainable use (community based, non-industrial) of natural resources are generally large, with much of the area in a more-or-less natural condition and whereas a proportion is under sustainable natural resource management and where such exploitation is seen as one of the main aims of the area.
    • Other Conservation Areas are not recognized by IUCN at this time; however, they will be evaluated to determine if they meet the definition of Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) for inclusion in the WDPA following recently released guidance. These areas (GAP Status Code 3 areas only) are attributed in the 'IUCN Category' Domain along with 'Unassigned' areas (GAP Status Code 4).
    • In addition, a few areas are included as 'Not Reported', these areas meet the definition of IUCN protection (i.e. GAP Status Code 1 or 2) but 'IUCN Category' has not yet been assigned and categorical assignment is not appropriate. See the PAD-US Data Manual for a summary of methods.
  3. ^ The general land owner description (e.g. 'Federal', 'Territorial', 'American Indian Lands', 'State', 'Regional Agency Special District', 'Local Government', 'Non-Governmental Organization', 'Private', 'Joint') standardized for the U.S. See PAD-US Data Manual for the “Agency Name to Agency Type Crosswalk� or geodatabase look up table for full domain descriptions. 'Regional Agency Special Districts' include limited purpose governmental units that exist separately from local governments such as county or municipal. 'Designation' is applied to designations overlapping fee lands as ownership is not applicable. Use the 'Manager Type' field for the best general depiction of Federal lands as several ownership related data gaps (i.e. 'Owner Type' = 'Unknown') occur in the Federal theme