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<br />6 <br />includes the full range of species on Earth, from species such as bacteria, viruses, <br />and protists, through multicellular kingdoms of plants, animals and fungi. At finer <br />levels of organi2ation, biological diversity includes the genetic variation within <br />species, both among geographically separated populations and among individuals <br />vrithin single populations. On a wider scale, biological diversity includes variations <br />vi the biological communities in which species live, the ecosystems in which <br />communities exist, and the interactions among these levels. All levels are necessary <br />for the continued survival of species and natural communities, and all are important <br />for the well-being of humans (Temple 1991). <br />The biological diversity of an area can be described at four levels: <br />1. Genetic Diversity -- the genetic variation within a population and among <br />populations of a plant or animal species. The genetic makeup of a species <br />is variable between populations of a species within its geographic range. <br />Loss of a population results in a loss of genetic diversity for that species and <br />a reduction of total biological diversity for the region. <br />2. Species Diversity -- the total number and abundance of plant and animal <br />species in an area. <br />3. Community Diversity -- the variety of natural communities or ecosystems <br />within that area. These communities may be diagnostic or even endemic to <br />an area. It is within these ecosystems that all life dwells. <br />4. Landscape Diversity -- the type, condition, pattern, and connectedness of <br />natural communities or ecosystems within a landscape. Fragmentation of <br />forested landscapes, loss of connections and migratory comdors, and loss of <br />natural communities all result in a loss of biological diversity for a region. <br />Humans and the results of their activities are integral parts of most <br />landscapes. <br />The Rock Creek Site (Site) presented in this report supports important <br />components of the total biological diversity of Site, the region, the State, and the <br />[Jation. This site, if protected, will represent protection for genetic, species, <br />community, and landscape diversity. <br />Relating this Report to Managing Biological Diversity at the <br />]Landscape Level <br />The management of Biological Diversity must consider more than species <br />specific management criteria and consider the elements of human-use in the area. <br />"I'he conservation sites typically identified in this type of study may be considered <br />