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21 t[eavy dominance by exotic species can result in drastic reduction in diversity of some animal groups (Bock and Bock 1988). The most common and problematic species include Canada thistle, Kentucky bluegrass, and smooth brome. Early season grazing, turning, or mowing may be effective management tools to control these exotic plants. Esiological control already implemented at the site appears to be somewhat effective in controlling Canada thistle. Total elimination of exotic species is impossible but reducing the vigor and dominance of these species may allow native species to increase. ~~eep Community Management Recommendations: Exotic plant species are common in the understory within and surrounding the seep shtublands (S. Kehler -personal observation). The problem species are essentially the same species listed above in the Great Plains Riparian Community. Again, these species may be controlled with early season grazing, burning, or mowing. Shortgrass Prairie Management Recommendations: Due to the late season of our iiivestiga[ions, this occurrence was not ranked or field checked. Quantitative data from site TR02 (U. S. Dept. of Energy 1994a) suggests [hat a[ least some part of [his occurrence is relatively free of exotic species, suggesting that it may be of some biodiversiry sigruficance and be useful as a baseline restoration monitoring site. We intend to further evaluate this site in the 1995 field season. A. Management Urgency Rank of M2 was assigned to the Site. This indicates that new or modified management activities may be needed within the next S years to insure the ssrvival of the element{s). PROTECTION OF SIGNIFICANT BIODIVERSITY AREAS This site is recommended to DOE as an area in need of special protection. The ranking system used merely ranks sites for protection relative to the rarity and quality of known significant features. Therefore, the site identified herein comprises the highest priority elements, based on known information, for the conservation of the study area's natural diversity. Once a Conservation Site has been identified, the firs[ step in protecting the si^nsitive species or communities is to delineate a preliminary conservation planning boundary. In developing these boundaries, Natural Heritage Program staff considered a number of factors. These included, but were not limited to: • the extent of current and potential habitat for natural heritage resources, considering the ecological processes necessary to maintain or improve existing conditions; • species movement and migration comdors;