Discussion
Discussion following consideration of the various definitions:
The areas selected as research reserves should be of particular interest and should be selected with great care and after proper consideration of the types of natural phenomena which they will exemplify.
The areas must be biotic units and net merely sample plots.
It will seldom be possible to select an area ideal for the study of all floral and faunal features, but an effort should be made to select an area which presents optimum conditions for the most important species.
Objection was raised to the use of the term “natural” in the definition of the research reserve, since no agreement could be reached as to the definite meaning of this term.
It was agreed that, where possible, areas should be selected whore conditions have not been modified by human influence. It was the consensus of opinion that previous modification by human influence should not preclude establishment of research reserves in case virgin areas cannot be found.
The research reserve should be set aside for special study and its specific purpose should be recognized at the time of establishment.
It was agreed that in research reserves no experiment should be carried on which will modify the natural balance.
There was a long discussion on the subject of the determination of size of research areas. The conclusion reached was that size will be determined by natural topographic boundaries and that the area should be large enough to include as nearly as possible a biotic unit, especially for the most important species under consideration.
Following these discussions a committee, composed of Geo. C. Ruhle, (chairman), C. Frank Brockman, and J. D. Coffman, drafted the following definition for a research reserve:
A research reserve is an area comprising a logical biotic unit, representative of virgin growth or exhibiting special or unique features, permanently set aside for scientific observation and research, with the understanding that it shall be as little influenced by human use and occupation as conditions permit.
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