 The mine dumps and territory of nuclear power stations near Kursk was included to the transition zone.Although CCZ is one of the smallest reserves in the federal network, it is highly important from a scientific point of view as a collection of preserved remains of northern grasslands in the Kursk region.Reserve management refers to its "six patches of paradise", with virgin northern steppes, black earth prairie, pre-glacial vegetation on chalk hills, relict sphagnum swamps, and floodplain complexes.