Description: A spatial representation of potential natural areas (PNAs) which are defined as places on the landscape dominated by native vegetation that have various levels of potential for harboring high quality natural areas and unique natural features. In addition, these areas may provide critical ecological services such as maintaining water quality and quantity, soil development and stabilization, pollination, wildlife corridors, migratory bird stopover sites, sources of genetic diversity, and floodwater retention. It should be noted, however, that the actual ecological value of the PNAs can only be truly ascertained through on the ground biological surveys.The polygons contained in this feature class were derived from data developed for the 2004 Oakland County Potential Conservation/Natural Areas Report. Digital Landcover, orthophotography, and USGS quadrangle maps were the main sources used to identify each natural area. Once captured, the features were scored and ranked using criteria based on several universally accepted principals of biodiversity conservation. Each feature was assigned a priority classification of One, Two, or Three. Key attributes include Priority, EnhancedPriority and TotalScore. "Priority" and "EnhanedPriority" are a reflection of quality and an indication of the level of priority to retain or conserve the natural state of the identified area.The term "potential natural area" is not to be confused with the legal term "dedicated Natural Area" as described in Part 351, Wilderness and Natural Areas, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of 1994 which gives land special legal protection.The 2004 Oakland County Potential Conservation/Natural Areas Report prepared by: John Paskus, Associate Program Leader - Conservation Helen Enander, Information Technologist I Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 8th Floor, Mason Bldg. Lansing, MI 48909-7944 should be distributed with the NaturalArea2004 data. This document provides essential information for the attributes and procedures used to create the features in the dataset.