"The purpose of the Research Natural Area system is to provide a representative range of undisturbed sites for research, monitoring, biodiversity protection, and as reference areas for management activities on public lands administered by the USDA Forest Service. This publication describes the location, significant features, climate, flora, fauna, and published research for the 16 Research Natural Areas established through 1993 on Public Lands administered by the USDA Forest Service in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota."--Title page verso