Research Natural Area
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Research Natural Areas is a designation for certain protected areas in the United States.
Research Natural Areas are part of a nationwide network of ecological areas set aside for both research and education. The United States Forest Service establishes these areas containing pristine areas that typify certain types of important forest, shrubland, grassland, aquatic, geological, alpine or similar environments that have unique characteristics of scientific interest.
These areas are established under the Organic Administration Act of 1897. Areas designated as Research Natural Areas are primarily located inside National Forests.