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<br />Ou~153 <br /> <br />In the historical areas (the administrative policies for which are <br />included in a separate booklet), the "environmental" lands (Class III) <br />serve a similar role in providing the "setting" or "atmosphere" essential <br />to preserving and presenting the national significance of historic <br />properties included in the National Park System. <br /> <br />Often, Classes III and V lands both represent significant natural values. <br />Generally, these values are different in type, quality, or degree. <br />Accordingly, lands having natural values that do not meet Service <br />criteria for primitive or wi Iderness designation may be classified as Class <br />III even when they do not involve the environment of either Class IV, <br />Class V, or Class VI lands. In natural areas, "natural environment" lands <br />are sometimes referred to additionally as "wilderness threshold" when <br />they abut or surround wilderness. <br /> <br />The "wilderness threshold" lands afford the newcomer an opportunity <br />to explore the mood and the temper of the wild country before <br />venturing into the wilderness beyond. Here, in the wilderness threshold, <br />is an unequalled opportunity for interpretation of the meaning of <br />wi Iderness. <br /> <br />Class III lands also serve important research needs of the Service, as well <br />as of many independent researchers and institutions of higher learning. <br /> <br />The only facilities planned in these "natural environment" lands are the <br />minimum required for public enjoyment, health, safety, preservation, <br />and protection of the features, such as one-way motor nature trails, <br />small visitor overlooks, informal picnic sites, short nature walks, and <br />wilderness-type uses. Such limited facilities must be in complete <br />harmony with the natural environment. <br /> <br />7 Class IV lands are those which contain unique natural features. These <br />lands usually represent the most fragile and most precious values of a <br />natural area. Class IV identifies the terrain and objects of scenic <br />splendor, natural wonder, or scientific importance that are the heart of <br />the park. These are the lands which must have the highest order of <br />protection so that they will remain "unimpaired for the enjoyment of <br />future generations." Nothing in the way of human use should be <br />permitted on Class IV lands that intrude upon or may in any way <br />damage or alter the scene. The sites and features are irreplaceable. They <br />may range in size from large areas within the Grand Canyon to small <br />sites such as Old Faithful Geyser or a sequoia grove. <br />