MCBS Site Biodiversity Significance Ranks

At the conclusion of work in a geographic region, Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) ecologists assign a biodiversity significance rank to each survey site. These ranks are used to communicate the statewide native biological diversity significance of each site to natural resource professionals, state and local government officials, and the public. The biodiversity ranks help to guide conservation and management.

 

A site's biodiversity significance rank is based on the presence of rare species populations, the size and condition of native plant communities within the site, and the landscape context of the site (for example, whether the site is isolated in a landscape dominated by cropland or developed land, or whether it is connected or close to other areas with intact native plant communities).

four biodversity significance ranks for landscapes, native plant communities and species from outstanding to high to moderate to below

There are four biodiversity significance ranks, outstanding, high, moderate, and below:

  • "Outstanding" sites contain the best occurrences of the rarest species, the most outstanding examples of the rarest native plant communities, and/or the largest, most ecologically intact or functional landscapes.
  • "High" sites contain very good quality occurrences of the rarest species, high-quality examples of rare native plant communities, and/or important functional landscapes.
  • "Moderate" sites contain occurrences of rare species, moderately disturbed native plant communities, and/or landscapes that have strong potential for recovery of native plant communities and characteristic ecological processes.
  • "Below" sites lack occurrences of rare species and natural features or do not meet MCBS standards for outstanding, high, or moderate rank. These sites may include areas of conservation value at the local level, such as habitat for native plants and animals, corridors for animal movement, buffers surrounding higher-quality natural areas, areas with high potential for restoration of native habitat, or open space.

See Guidelines for Assigning Biodiversity Significance Ranks This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (170Kb) for more information.