the probability that such sites would not be utilized for rectennas. It is also important to note that this map only shows designated critical habitat areas. There are many other areas throughout the United States that provide habitat for endangered species, but these areas have not been formally designated. Therefore, Figure 14 should be considered as a legally based map rather than a biologically derived map. Spatial Coverage: There are 89 grid cells indicated as being habitat for endangered species. K. "PRIME AGRICULTURAL LANDS" - FIGURES 15 and 16 Rationale: A substantial amount of attention has been recently focused upon "prime" agricultural lands. The United States Soil Conservation Service has been concerned for years about the conversion of agricultural lands to other uses, and this concern is best expressed in two U.S. Department of Agriculture publications titled "Perspectives on Prime Lands" and "Recommendations on Prime Lands". At least two reasons have been mentioned for this concern. First, prime agricultural lands are being converted into residential and commercial land uses because these lands are generally flat and well drained. Secondly, as energy costs increase, more land may be needed for agricultural productivity. At this time, many states have programs to prevent or minimize the conversion of agricultural lands to other uses, but a formal United States governmental policy has yet to be articulated. In other words, while prime lands are not currently protected under federal law, they may come under protection in the twenty year period before the SPS is implemented. Due to this questionable legal status, "prime" agricultural lands are considered as a potential exclusion variable. This potential exclusion variable could be addressed if multiple use of the area beneath the rectenna were possible. According to Dick Siler at NASA,
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