**FGDC-STD-005 (Version 2)**

![](media/image1.png){width="2.15625in" height="1.5104166666666667in"}

**NATIONAL VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION STANDARD, VERSION 2 -- FINAL
DRAFT**

**Vegetation Subcommittee**

**Federal Geographic Data Committee**

**October 30, 2007**

**Federal Geographic Data Committee**

Established by Office of Management and Budget Circular A-16, the
Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) promotes the coordinated
development, use, sharing, and dissemination of geographic data.

The FGDC is composed of representatives from the Departments of
Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Housing and Urban Development,
the Interior, State, and Transportation; the Environmental Protection
Agency; the Federal Emergency Management Agency; the Library of
Congress; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; the
National Archives and Records Administration; and the Tennessee Valley
Authority. Additional Federal agencies participate on FGDC subcommittees
and working groups. The Department of the Interior chairs the committee.

FGDC subcommittees work on issues related to data categories coordinated
under the circular. Subcommittees establish and implement standards for
data content, quality, and transfer; encourage the exchange of
information and the transfer of data; and organize the collection of
geographic data to reduce duplication of effort. Working groups are
established for issues that transcend data categories.

For more information about the committee, or to be added to the
committee\'s newsletter mailing list, please contact:

Federal Geographic Data Committee Secretariat\
c/o U.S. Geological Survey\
590 National Center\
Reston, Virginia 22092

Facsimile: (703) 648-5755\
Internet (electronic mail): fgdc@usgs.gov\
World Wide Web: http://www.fgdc.gov

**ACKNOWLEDGEMENT**

The Federal Geographic Data Committee Vegetation Subcommittee would like
to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the Ecological Society of
America's Vegetation Classification Panel. This draft standard is based
on the minimum requirements of the Panel's Guidelines for Describing
Associations and Alliances of the U.S. National Vegetation
Classification, Version 4.0 (Jennings et al. 2006) with modifications to
satisfy the needs of Federal agencies

**CONTENTS**

Page

[**1. Introduction 1**](#introduction)

[*1.1 Dynamic Nature of Vegetation Classification*
2](#dynamic-nature-of-vegetation-classification)

[*1.2 Objective* 3](#objective)

[*1.3 Scope* 5](#scope)

[*1.4 Applicability* 5](#applicability)

[*1.5 Related Standards* 6](#related-standards)

[*1.6 Standards Development Procedures*
7](#standards-development-procedures)

[**1.6.1 Guiding Principles** 8](#guiding-principles)

[*1.7 Maintenance Authority* 9](#maintenance-authority)

[2. Structure of the National Vegetation Classification
11](#structure-of-the-national-vegetation-classification)

[*2.1 NATURAL VEGETATION* 14](#natural-vegetation)

[**2.1.1 Overview of the Natural Vegetation Hierarchy**
14](#overview-of-the-natural-vegetation-hierarchy)

[**2.1.2 Classification Criteria for Natural Vegetation**
14](#classification-criteria-for-natural-vegetation)

[**2.1.3 Definitions of Natural Vegetation Hierarchy Levels**
16](#definitions-of-natural-vegetation-hierarchy-levels)

[**2.1.4 Criteria for Natural Vegetation Hierarchy Levels**
18](#criteria-for-natural-vegetation-hierarchy-levels)

[*2.2 CULTURAL VEGETATION* 21](#cultural-vegetation)

[**2.2.1 Overview of the Cultural Vegetation Hierarchy**
21](#overview-of-the-cultural-vegetation-hierarchy)

[**2.2.2 Criteria for Classification of Cultural Vegetation**
21](#criteria-for-classification-of-cultural-vegetation)

[**2.2.3 Definitions of Cultural Vegetation Hierarchy Levels**
22](#definitions-of-cultural-vegetation-hierarchy-levels)

[**2.2.4 Criteria for Cultural Vegetation Hierarchy Levels**
24](#criteria-for-cultural-vegetation-hierarchy-levels)

[3. Description and Classification of Natural Vegetation
26](#description-and-classification-of-natural-vegetation)

[*3.1 Data Sources* 26](#data-sources)

[**3.1.1 Collecting Field Plot Data** 26](#collecting-field-plot-data)

[**3.1.2 Use of Literature and Other Data Sources**
36](#use-of-literature-and-other-data-sources)

[*3.2 Classification and Description*
37](#classification-and-description)

[**3.2.1 Data preparation** 37](#data-preparation)

[**3.2.2 Classification Analysis and Interpretation**
37](#classification-analysis-and-interpretation)

[**3.2.3 Description of Vegetation Types**
38](#description-of-vegetation-types)

[**3.2.4 Naming of Mid and Lower Level Vegetation Types**
41](#naming-of-mid-and-lower-level-vegetation-types)

[**3.2.5 Naming of Upper Level Vegetation Types**
42](#naming-of-upper-level-vegetation-types)

[*3.3 Peer Review of Proposed Vegetation Types*
44](#peer-review-of-proposed-vegetation-types)

[**3.3.1 Classification Confidence and Status**
44](#classification-confidence-and-status)

*Page*

[**3.3.2 Peer Review Process** 45](#peer-review-process)

[*3.4 Data Management and Dissemination*
48](#data-management-and-dissemination)

[*3.4 Data Management and Dissemination*
49](#data-management-and-dissemination)

[**3.4.1 Component Datasets** 49](#component-datasets)

[**3.4.2 Web Access** 50](#web-access)

[**3.4.3 Publication** 50](#publication)

[4. Description and Classification of Cultural Vegetation
51](#description-and-classification-of-cultural-vegetation)

[*4.1 Data Sources* 51](#data-sources-1)

[*4.2 Classification and Description*
51](#classification-and-description-1)

[*4.3 Peer Review* 52](#peer-review)

[*4.4 Data Management and Dissemination*
52](#data-management-and-dissemination-1)

[5. References 53](#references)

[APPENDICES 59](#appendices)

[Appendix A (Normative): Glossary 59](#appendix-a-normative-glossary)

[Appendix B (Informative). Relation of USNVC to Land Cover
Classifications
67](#appendix-b-informative.-relation-of-usnvc-to-land-cover-classifications)

[Appendix C (Informative): Multilingual version of natural hierarchy.
70](#appendix-c-informative-multilingual-version-of-natural-hierarchy.)

[Appendix D (Normative): Required attributes for plots
71](#appendix-d-normative-required-attributes-for-plots)

[*D.1 Information required in field plot data sets.*
71](#d.1-information-required-in-field-plot-data-sets.)

[*D.2 Information to be included as field plot metadata.*
74](#d.2-information-to-be-included-as-field-plot-metadata.)

[*D.3 Information about each assignment of a field plot to a vegetation
type.*
78](#d.3-information-about-each-assignment-of-a-field-plot-to-a-vegetation-type.)

[Appendix E (Normative): Growth Form Names, Codes, and Definitions
79](#appendix-e-normative-growth-form-names-codes-and-definitions)

[Appendix F (Informative): Example Association Description
83](#appendix-f-informative-example-association-description)

[APPENDIX G. (Informative). Pilot examples of units for Natural
Vegetation: Levels 1 -- 4
93](#appendix-g.-informative.-pilot-examples-of-units-for-natural-vegetation-levels-1-4)

[APPENDIX H. (Informative). Pilot examples of units for Natural
Vegetation: Levels 1 -- 7 for Eastern U.S. forests.
95](#appendix-h.-informative.-pilot-examples-of-units-for-natural-vegetation-levels-1-7-for-eastern-u.s.-forests.)

[APPENDIX I. (Informative). Pilot example for Cultural Vegetation:
Levels 1 -- 8.
109](#appendix-i.-informative.-pilot-example-for-cultural-vegetation-levels-1-8.)

[APPENDIX J (Informative). Comparison of U.S. NVC and Braun-Blanquet
approaches to classifying pastures.
121](#appendix-j-informative.-comparison-of-u.s.-nvc-and-braun-blanquet-approaches-to-classifying-pastures.)

[APPENDIX K (Informative): A Process for Estimating Stratum Cover from
Species Cover Values 122](#__RefHeading___Toc179351130)

[APPENDIX L (Informative): FGDC Vegetation Subcommittee Contributors to
the Development of this Standard 123](#__RefHeading___Toc179351131)

**Figures Page**

2.1 Vegetation classification criteria for the US NVC
..............................19

3.1 An illustration of strata showing growth forms of individual plants

as may be found in a
plot....................................................... 32

3.2 Flow of information through the peer-review process for formal

recognition of a vegetation
type..........................................\...\..... 47

3.3 Relationship of the peer-review process to the
NVC............................. 48

**Tables**

2.1 Conceptual Categories and Level One of the NVC
Hierarchy..................13

2.2 Comparison of Revised Hierarchy for Natural Vegetation with

the 1997
Hierarchy............................................................\....15

2.3 Revised Hierarchy for Natural Vegetation with
Example....................... 17

2.4 Summary of Criteria and Rationale for the Natural

Vegetation
Hierarchy............................................................ 20

2.5 Revised Hierarchy for Cultural Vegetation with
Examples..................... 22

3.1 Comparison of commonly used cover-abundance
scales........................ 29

3.2 Example of describing growth forms first, then subdividing

into size
classes...................................................................
30

3.3 Example of describing strata first, then subdividing by growth
forms......\... 31

3.4 A crosswalk of strata categories with common growth form and

size class
categories..............................................................
33

3.5 Required topical sections for monographic description of

vegetation
types..................................................................
40

B.1 Relation of USNVC to land cover
classifications................................ 67

B.2 Relation of NRCS Natural Resources Inventory classification to the
NVC\...69

C.1 Multilingual version of the natural
hierarchy......................................70

D.1.1 Information required in the field plot
record................................... 71

D.1.2 Information required for the plot
vegetation................................... 72

D.1.3 Information required for the plot
location....................................\... 73

D.1.4 Information about the plot environment
(reserved)........................... 73

D.2.1 Metadata about the plot and the plot
observation...........................\... 74

D.2.2 Metadata about the methods used to collect the field
data................... 75

D.2.3 Metadata about the human sources of the field
data........................\... 75

D.2.4 Metadata about references for other sources of plot
data.....................76

D.3.1 Information about each assignment of a plot to a vegetation
type........... 78

E.1a General growth
forms............................................................\... 79

E.1b Specific growth
forms.............................................................. 80

J.1 A brief comparison of NVC pasture types to the European
Braun-Blanquet

classification.....................................................................121

K.1 A process for estimating canopy cover of a single stratum from the

cover values of individual species occurring in that
stratum.............. 122

#  {#section .unnumbered}

# **1. Introduction**

The United States Federal Geographic Data Committee (hereafter called
the FGDC) is tasked to develop geospatial data standards that will
enable sharing of spatial data among producers and users and support the
growing National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), acting under the
Office of Management Budget (OMB) Circular A-16 (OMB 1990, 2000) and
Executive Order #12906 (Clinton 1994) as amended by Executive Order
#13286 (Bush 2003). FGDC subcommittees and working groups, in
consultation and cooperation with state, local, tribal, private,
academic, and international communities, are to develop standards for
the content, quality, and transferability of geospatial data. FGDC
standards are to be developed through a structured process, integrated
with one another to the extent possible, supportable by the current
vendor community (but are independent of specific technologies), and are
publicly available.

There is no single agency responsible for classifying, describing,
and/or mapping the vegetation of the United States, resulting in the
current condition of multiple agencies inventorying, mapping, analyzing,
and reporting vegetation data in a variety of ways, sometimes in direct
conflict with each other due to differing definitions and protocols. The
present situation has prevented development of a national synoptic view
of the vegetation resources of the United States. Federal agencies are
encouraged by a variety of executive orders and Congressional actions to
improve cooperation and to reduce duplication. This standard responds to
this direction.

The FGDC Vegetation Subcommittee has responsibility for creating a
federal vegetation classification standard, which it did in 1997 (FGDC
1997). This document is a revision of FGDC-STD-005-1997 and replaces
that document. The completion of provisional floristic units by
NatureServe for the classification (Anderson et al 1998, Drake and
Faber-Langendoen 1997, Metzler et al. 1994, Reid et al. 1999, and
Weakley et al. 1998), the need to update the standards for these
floristic levels based on the Ecological Society of America Vegetation
Classification Panel (Jennings et al. 2006), and critiques of the upper
physiognomic levels by various teams, including that of the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service team (Brohman and
Bryant 2005), led to the request for the revisions (see also
Faber-Langendoen et al. 2007). This document presents a process standard
to be used to create a dynamic content standard for all vegetation types
in the classification. The content standard will constitute a "data
classification standard" (FGDC 1996) which will provide hierarchical
groups and categories of vegetation to facilitate aggregation of local
and regional vegetation inventory data to generate national statistics
on vegetation resources. The process standard described in this document
constitutes a "classification methodology standard" describing "the
procedures to follow to implement a data classification standard" (FGDC
1996). It includes standards for data collection, data analysis, data
presentation, and quality control and assurance as described in the FGDC
Standards Reference Model (FGDC 1996).

## *1.1 Dynamic Nature of Vegetation Classification*

Implementation of the classification methodology (process) standard will
produce a data classification standard, or classification system,
consisting of a hierarchical list of vegetation types and their
descriptions. This vegetation classification system is expected to
change rapidly for several years as the backlog of provisional types,
and pilot examples are reviewed and added in, then to continue to change
at a slower pace. The standard requires that vegetation types be defined
and characterized using appropriate data. New vegetation types will be
defined and previously defined types will be refined as data continue to
be collected, analyzed, and correlated over time. This process is
referred to as successive refinement (or successive approximation), and
constitutes a fundamental feature of vegetation classification (Westhoff
and van der Maarel 1973, Gauch 1982). Managing the vegetation
classification (content standard) dynamically as the classification
process is implemented will allow development of the national vegetation
classification system (i.e. data classification standard) to proceed
efficiently.

It must be noted that a vegetation classification system is not
synonymous with a map legend. Vegetation classification consists of
grouping stands or plots into vegetation, or plant community, types
(Tart et al. 2005a). Each type name represents a taxonomic concept with
defined limits, about which meaningful and reliable statements can be
made (Jennings et al. 2006). Vegetation mapping is the process of
delineating the geographic distribution, extent, and landscape patterns
of vegetation types and/or structural characteristics. Consistent
mapping of vegetation types requires that a classification be completed
first because classification defines the entities to be mapped (Tart et
al. 2005a). In turn, mapping and field checking the vegetation types
helps improve the classification concepts. This revision should
facilitate more effective mapping of vegetation at multiple scales.
None-the-less, due to varying scale of vegetation patterns and
technological issues, map units may often include more than one
vegetation type at any given level of the hierarchy. The hierarchical
set of vegetation types can be used to describe the content of
vegetation map units at multiple scales.

## *1.2 Objective*

The overall purpose of this National Vegetation Classification Standard
(hereafter referred to as the "Standard") is to support the development
and use of a consistent national vegetation classification (hereafter
referred to as the "NVC") in order to produce uniform statistics about
vegetation resources across the nation, based on vegetation data
gathered at local, regional, or national levels. This will facilitate
cooperation on vegetation management issues that transcend
jurisdictional boundaries. It is therefore important that, as agencies
map or inventory vegetation, they collect enough data to translate it
for national reporting, aggregation, and comparisons. The ability to
crosswalk other vegetation classifications and map legends to the NVC
will facilitate the compilation of regional and national summaries. The
overall purpose of this standard encompasses four broad objectives:

1.  To facilitate and support the development of a standardized
    vegetation classification for the United States and its use for
    information sharing.

2.  To define and adopt standards for vegetation data collection and
    analysis used in support of the classification.

3.  To maintain scientific credibility of the national classification
    through peer review.

4.  To facilitate inter-agency collaboration and inter-agency product
    consistency.

This national standard requires all federal vegetation classification
efforts to meet core data requirements that are the same across all
federal agencies to permit aggregation of data from all federal
agencies. This will facilitate the ongoing, dynamic development of a
vegetation classification content standard (i.e., the NVC). The Standard
also requires that vegetation mapping and inventory units crosswalk to
the NVC. This means that the composition of any map unit or inventory
unit can be described in terms of one or more vegetation types at an
appropriate level of the NVC hierarchy.

This Standard shall not preclude alternative classification approaches
and systems that address particular needs of Federal agencies. It is
intended to facilitate an orderly development of a national vegetation
classification as well as collaboration with international vegetation
classification activities. The standard should not hamper local Federal
efforts from doing whatever they need to meet their specific purposes,
such as inventory, monitoring, and mapping.

This standard requires that when Federal efforts are conducted, they are
conducted in ways that, whatever else they do, they provide the minimum
data needed to integrate plot data and crosswalk vegetation types, and
map units to the content standard (the NVC). Individual plots should be
assignable to one vegetation type at the lowest possible level of the
NVC hierarchy. Local vegetation types and map units may crosswalk to one
or more NVC vegetation types at a similar level of the NVC hierarchy.

## *1.3 Scope*

This Standard applies only to existing vegetation, and the NVC includes
only existing vegetation types. Existing vegetation is the plant cover,
or floristic composition and vegetation structure, documented to occur
at a specific location and time (Tart et al. 2005a, Jennings et al.
2006). However, the specific time need not be the present or even recent
(i.e., historical data may be included). Existing vegetation types are
defined on the basis of inherent attributes and characteristics of the
vegetation, such as structure, growth form, floristic composition, and
cover (FGDC 1997, Jennings et al. 2006, Tart et al. 2005a, b). Abiotic
factors, geographic and successional relationships are used to help
interpret the types. This Standard does not directly apply to
classification or mapping of potential natural vegetation.

This Standard establishes national procedures for classifying existing
vegetation for the United States and its Trust Territories that shall be
used by Federal agencies to share vegetation information and facilitate
reporting of national statistics across ownerships. The classification
system created using these procedures will be referred to as the U.S.
National Vegetation Classification (i.e., the NVC) This Standard also
establishes minimum metadata requirements to ensure consistent reporting
on the status of our Nation\'s vegetation resources. Both the NVC and
the metadata requirements may be used nationally to link local level
vegetation inventory and map efforts.

## *1.4 Applicability*

This Standard is intended to be used for information sharing by federal
agencies and as needed by other groups, including those engaged in land
use planning or management, such as county and state governments,
teaching or research institutions, and the private sector. Widespread
use of these standards will facilitate integration of existing
vegetation data collected by diverse users to address national and
regional information needs.

This standard shall be followed by all Federal agencies for vegetation
classification data collected directly or indirectly (through grants,
partnerships, or contracts) using federal funds. The standard should be
applied at a level of the hierarchy appropriate to the agencies' needs.
Agencies are encouraged to participate in the ongoing development of the
NVC through implementation of this FGDC Standard. Non-federal
organizations might find it useful to use the Standard to increase the
compatibility of their efforts with those of nearby federal land
managers and/or to make their efforts more compatible with any
activities that involve federal agencies.

Each Federal agency is free to develop vegetation classification systems
that meet their own information and business needs. The ecological
characteristics of such local vegetation types can help guide the design
of map legends (sets of map units) to address varying land management
issues at multiple spatial scales. The NVC is expected to provide the
common link to compare and relate these various map legends to each
other and facilitate information sharing between federal agencies and
other organizations.

## *1.5 Related Standards*

This standard deals with existing vegetation. It explicitly seeks to
avoid land use terms, but may be useful to efforts to describe and map
land use.

The NVC overlaps one other federal standard, the FGDC Wetlands and Deep
Water Habitats Standard (FGDC-STD-004) (Cowardin et al. 1979), wherever
vegetation exists in wetlands or open water. The NVC classifies
vegetation primarily according to physiognomic and floristic
characteristics, not habitat or related characteristics, whereas the
Wetlands standard includes soils and other habitat characteristics in
its classification criteria. The two standards have different purposes
and so the two classification systems should be viewed as complementary
but different systematic approaches in an overall analysis of an area.

The FGDC is working with partners on collaboration of the U.S. NVC in an
international context, including coordination of the U.S. NVC with
NatureServe and other partners of the International Vegetation
Classification (NatureServe 2006, Faber-Langendoen et al. 2007), and
with other national classifications such as the Canadian NVC (Alvo and
Ponomarenko 2003, CNVC Technical Committee 2005) and partners in Mexico
and other countries in Latin America.

The NVC overlaps to a degree the Land Cover Classification System (LCCS)
of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (see Di
Gregorio and Jansen 1996). The FAO LCCS classifies biological and
physical land cover; including non-vegetated land, cultural features,
and water bodies; rather than plant communities. It is a standardized *a
priori* classification system, designed to meet specific user
requirements, and created for broad scale mapping exercises. The FAO
LCCS is particularly focused on developing land cover map units. It does
not provide details on plant community or vegetation types. In contrast
the NVC is an evolving *a posteriori* classification, based on plot
data, and is intended to serve a wider variety of purposes. It is
intended to facilitate understanding of the ecological distribution of
plant species and vegetation types. See Appendix B for a comparison of
the NVC and the LCCS.

## *1.6 Standards Development Procedures*

A Subcommittee on vegetation data (FGDC Vegetation Subcommittee,
hereafter called the Subcommittee) was established in 1990 by OMB
Circular A-16 (OMB 1990) and published a vegetation classification
standard (FGDC-STD-005) in 1997. This standard is a modification of that
standard. The Subcommittee consists of representatives designated by the
Federal agencies that collect, or finance the collection of, vegetation
data as part of their mission or have direct application of these data
through legislated mandate. Agencies and organizations that participated
in the modification of the 1997 standard include:

> U.S. Government:
>
> Department of Agriculture (USDA)
>
> Forest Service (FS) - Chair\
> National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS)\
> Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
>
> Department of Defense (DOD)
>
> U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACERL)
>
> Department of the Interior (USDI)
>
> Bureau of Land Management (BLM)\
> Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)\
> Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)\
> National Park Service (NPS)\
> U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
>
> National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
>
> Non U.S. Government:
>
> NatureServe\
> Ecological Society of America (ESA)

The Subcommittee identified a need to establish a hierarchical
classification standard and associated information standards that will
contain an organized list of vegetation types (taxonomic units) with
identified relationships among them. Procedures used to develop these
standards included user surveys, periodic Subcommittee meetings, a
vegetation classification forum held in 1995, preparation of a draft
standard for lower floristic units by the Vegetation Classification
Panel of ESA (Jennings et al. 2006), preparation of a draft standard for
higher physiognomic and floristic units by the FGDC Hierarchy Revisions
Working Group (Faber-Langendoen et al. 2007), and a review of the draft
standards by the agencies and organizations represented on the
Subcommittee. All decisions were made by consensus as prescribed by OMB
Circular A-119 (OMB 1998).

### **1.6.1 Guiding Principles**

The following principles were used to modify the NVC Standard:

-   Develop a scientific, standardized classification system, with
    practical use for conservation and resource management.

-   Classify existing vegetation. Existing vegetation is the plant
    cover, or floristic composition and vegetation structure, documented
    to occur at a specific location and time, preferably at the optimal
    time during the growing season. This Standard does not directly
    apply to classification or mapping of potential natural vegetation.

-   Classify vegetation on the basis of inherent attributes and
    characteristics of the vegetation structure, growth form, species
    and cover, emphasizing both physiognomic and floristic criteria.

-   Base criteria for the types on ecologically meaningful
    relationships; that is, abiotic, geographic and successional
    relationships help to organize the vegetation into types and levels.

-   Organize types by a hierarchy. The NVC is hierarchical (i.e.,
    multi-leveled), with a small number of generalized types at the
    higher level and an increasingly large number of more detailed types
    at the lower levels. Having multiple levels allows for applications
    at a range of scales (UNEP/FAO 1995, Di Gregorio and Jansen 1996).

-   The upper levels of the NVC are based primarily on the physiognomy
    (growth form, cover, structure) of the vegetation (not individual
    species), lower levels are based primarily on floristics (species
    composition and abundance), and mid levels are based on a
    combination of vegetation criteria.

-   Describe types based on plot data, using publicly accessible data
    wherever possible.

-   Modify the classification through a structured peer review process.
    The classification standard shall be dynamic, allowing for
    refinement as additional information becomes available.

-   Facilitate linkages to other classifications and to vegetation
    mapping (but the classification is not a map legend).

-   The classification is applicable over extensive areas.

-   The classification shall avoid developing conflicting concepts and
    methods through cooperative development with the widest possible
    range of individuals and institutions.

-   Application of the classification shall be repeatable and
    consistent.

-   When possible, the classification standard shall use common
    terminology (i.e., terms should be understandable and jargon should
    be avoided).

## *1.7 Maintenance Authority*

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service was
assigned responsibility to coordinate vegetation data-related activities
under the policy guidance and oversight of the FGDC. This modification
of the NVC Standard was developed under the authority of the Office of
Management and Budget Circular A-16, revised 2002.

Through the Subcommittee, the USDA Forest Service will oversee the
maintenance and updating of the Standard through periodic review, and
will oversee maintenance, updating, dissemination, and implementation of
the NVC that is based on this Standard in collaboration with member
agencies, professional societies, and other organizations. Future
revision of this Standard shall follow the standards development process
described in the FGDC Standards Reference Model (FGDC 1996). The dynamic
content of the NVC shall be updated under the direction of a national
review board authorized by the USDA Forest Service through the
Subcommittee.

For more information about the Vegetation Subcommittee or the national
review board, please contact:

USDA Forest Service

Attn: Research and Development

Yates Federal Building, 1 NW

201 14^th^ Street

Washington, DC 20250

# **2. Structure of the National Vegetation Classification** 

The structure of the revised NVC hierarchy is a substantial revision of
the 1997 hierarchy. The revised hierarchy addresses the following
issues, among others: a) uses vegetation criteria to define all types
(de-emphasizing abiotic criteria, such as hydrologic regimes in wetland
types), b) provides a clear distinction between natural and cultural
vegetation wherever these can be observed from broad growth form
patterns (rather than combining natural and cultural vegetation
initially and separating them at lower levels), c) for natural
vegetation, defines the upper levels based on broad growth form patterns
that reflect ecological relationships (rather than detailed structural
criteria, which are more appropriate lower down in the hierarchy), d)
provides a new set of middle-level natural units that bridge the large
conceptual gap between alliance and formation, e) integrates the
physiognomic and floristic hierarchy levels based on ecologic vegetation
patterns, rather than developing the physiognomic and floristic levels
independently and then forcing them into a hierarchy, f) provides
detailed standards for plot data collection, type description and
classification, data management and peer review of natural vegetation,
and g) for cultural vegetation provides an independent set of levels
that addresses the particular needs of cultural vegetation. See Jennings
et al. (2006) and Faber-Langendoen et al. (2007) for further details on
the rationale behind these changes.

Several primary categories are helpful in describing the scope of the
NVC and placing it within a broader land cover context. First, it
includes all vegetated areas. That is, all areas having typically 1% or
more of their surface area with live vegetation cover are classified
within the NVC. This includes vegetation found on both strictly upland
environments and in wetlands (rooted emergent and floating vegetation).
The NVC excludes non-vegetated natural lands (e.g., rock, glaciers, some
deserts) and waters (e.g., lakes and rivers) and non-vegetated cultural
lands (e.g., roads, buildings, mines) and waters (e.g., reservoirs,
canals). These distinctions are outlined in Table 2.1. The relation of
the NVC categories to broader land cover classification categories,
including the FAO Land Cover Classification System (Di Gregorio and
Jansen 1996), the U.S. National Land Cover Database (NLCD) (USGS 2001),
and the National Resources Inventory (NRI 2003) is further described in
Appendix B.

Separate categories are provided for natural and cultural vegetation,
consistent with many other vegetation and land cover classifications
(e.g. Küchler 1969, Anderson et al. 1976, Di Gregorio and Jansen 1996).
Within this categorical framework, the cultural and natural vegetation
classifications are hierarchical, emphasizing primarily floristics at
the lower levels, both physiognomic and floristics at mid levels, and
primarily physiognomy at upper levels. Separate hierarchies are
developed for cultural and natural vegetation types, allowing for the
characterization of their distinctive vegetation patterns at multiple
spatial and taxonomic scales. The term "vegetation type" is used to name
vegetation classification units in general, at any level of the
vegetation hierarchy (e.g., a Montane Tropical Rainforest Formation unit
and a Black Cottonwood Forest Alliance unit are both "vegetation
types.").

**Natural (including semi-natural) vegetation** is defined as
*vegetation where ecological processes primarily determine species and
site characteristics; that is, vegetation comprised of a largely
spontaneously growing set of plant species that are shaped by both site
and biotic processes* (Küchler 1969, Westhoff and van der Maarel 1973).
Natural vegetation forms recognizable physiognomic and floristic
groupings that can be related to ecological site features. Human
activities influence these interactions to varying degrees (e.g.,
logging, livestock grazing, fire, introduced pathogens), but do not
eliminate or dominate the spontaneous processes (Westhoff and van der
Maarel 1973). Wherever doubt exists as to the naturalness of a
vegetation type (e.g., old fields, various forest plantations), it is
classified as part of the natural / semi-natural vegetation.
Semi-natural vegetation typically encompasses vegetation types where the
species composition and/or vegetation growth forms have been altered
through anthropogenic disturbances such that no clear natural analogue
is known, but they are a largely spontaneous set of plants shaped by
ecological processes. Natural (or near-natural) and semi-natural
vegetation are part of a continuum of change within natural vegetation
that reflects varying degrees of anthropogenic and other disturbances.

The distinctive physiognomy, floristics, and dependence on human
activity for its persistence set cultural vegetation apart from natural
and semi-natural vegetation. **Cultural vegetation** is defined as
*vegetation with a distinctive structure, composition, and development
determined by regular human activity* (cultural vegetation *sensu
stricto* of Küchler 1969). Cultural vegetation has typically been
planted or treated, and has relatively distinctive physiognomic,
floristic, or site features when compared to natural vegetation.
Distinctive physiognomic and structural attributes typically include one
or more of the following:

a.  Dominant herbaceous vegetation that is regularly-spaced and/or
    growing in rows, often in areas with substantial cover of bare soil
    for significant periods of the year, usually determined by tillage
    or chemical treatment.

b.  Dominant vegetation with highly-manipulated growth forms or
    structure rarely found as a result of natural plant development,
    usually determined by mechanical pruning, mowing, clipping, etc.

c.  Dominant vegetation comprised of species not native to the area that
    have been intentionally introduced to the site by humans and that
    would not persist without active management by humans.

**Table 2.1.** **Conceptual Categories and Level One of the NVC
hierarchy.**

Level 1 units are further explained in section 2.1 and 2.2.

  -------------- -------------------- -------------------------------------
  **CATEGORY 1** **CATEGORY 2**       **Level 1**

  VEGETATED      (SEMI) NATURAL       Forest and Woodland
  AREAS          VEGETATION           

                                      Shrubland and Grassland

                                      Semi-Desert Vegetation

                                      Polar and High Montane Vegetation

                                      Aquatic Vegetation

                                      Nonvascular and Sparse Vascular
                                      Vegetation

                 CULTURAL VEGETATION  Agricultural Vegetation

                                      Developed Vegetation

  NONVEGETATED   **Not included in    
  AREAS          the NVC.**           
  -------------- -------------------- -------------------------------------

## *2.1 NATURAL VEGETATION*

### **2.1.1 Overview of the Natural Vegetation Hierarchy** 

The natural vegetation hierarchy consists of eight levels, organized
into three upper levels, three middle levels, and two lower levels
(Table 2.2). As noted in section 2.0 above, the basis for this hierarchy
is a substantial revision of the FGDC 1997 hierarchy, as illustrated in
Table 2.2, particularly in that levels and requirements for cultural
vegetation are now defined separately from the natural vegetation levels
(see Section 2.2 below).

### **2.1.2 Classification Criteria for Natural Vegetation** 

Floristic and physiognomic criteria are the primary properties of
natural vegetation used to define all units of the classification. The
choice of how these criteria are used should be evaluated in light of
ecological and biogeographic considerations: The variety of vegetation
criteria can be summarized as follows (see also Mueller-Dombois and
Ellenberg 1974, p. 154-155):

**A. Physiognomic and structural criteria**

1\. Diagnostic combinations of growth forms

2\. Ecological patterns of either dominant growth forms or combinations
of growth forms

• Growth forms of similar ecological (habitat) and dynamic significance

• Growth forms of similar geographical distribution

3\. Vertical stratification (layering) of growth forms

• Complexity in structure as produced by arrangement of growth forms

**B. Floristic criteria**

1\. Diagnostic combinations of species (characteristic combinations)

• Constant species

• Differential and character species

• Dominant species

**Table 2.2.** **Comparison of Revised Hierarchy for Natural Vegetation
with the 1997 Hierarchy.** See Appendix C for multilingual (English,
French, Spanish) version of the hierarchy. In the 1997 version, natural
and cultural vegetation were not separated until Level 4 -- formation
subgroup.

+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| **Revised Hierarchy for**     | **1997 FGDC Hierarchy**              |
|                               |                                      |
| **Natural Vegetation**        |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| **Upper**                     |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
|                               | Division - Vegetation vs.            |
|                               | Non-vegetation                       |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
|                               | Order -- Tree, Shrub, Herb,          |
|                               | Nonvascular                          |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Level 1 -- Formation Class    | Level 1 -- Formation Class           |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
|                               | Level 2 - Formation Subclass         |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Level 2 -- Formation Subclass | Level 3 -- Formation Group           |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
|                               | Level 4 -- Formation Subgroup --     |
|                               | Natural/Cultural                     |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Level 3 - Formation           | Level 5 -- Formation                 |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| **Mid**                       |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Level 4 -- Division           |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Level 5 -- Macrogroup         |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Level 6 - Group               |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| **Lower**                     |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Level 7 -- Alliance           | Level 6 -- Alliance                  |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Level 8 -- Association        | Level 7 -- Association               |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+

2\. Ecological combinations of species

• Indicator species of similar ecological (habitat) and/or dynamic
significance

• Species of similar geographical distribution

3\. Vertical stratification (layering) of species

• Species patterns found in the dominant growth forms or strata

• Species patterns found between strata (overstory/understory)

> 4\. Numerical relation criteria (community coefficients, such as
> indices of similarity among plots within a type)

Habitat factors (e.g., climate, soil type) or anthropogenic management
activities are used to help interpret the vegetation, as these are
expressed through the vegetation, but are not an explicit part of the
hierarchy.

All type concepts based on these criteria should be derived from
analysis of field plot data in which the species, growth forms, and
their abundance, along with the plot location, overall vegetation
structure, and habitat setting are described. These field data provide
the fundamental information for the numerical description of types.

### **2.1.3 Definitions of Natural Vegetation Hierarchy Levels**

The natural vegetation hierarchy consists of eight levels (see Table
2.3).

*Upper level (physiognomic-ecological) units*:

1.  **Formation Class:** A vegetation classification unit of high rank
    (1^st^ level) defined by broad combinations of dominant general
    growth forms adapted to basic moisture, temperature, and/or
    substrate or aquatic conditions.

2.  **Formation Subclass:** A vegetation classification unit of high
    rank (2^nd^ level) defined by combinations of general dominant and
    diagnostic growth forms that reflect global macroclimatic factors
    driven primarily by latitude and continental position, or that
    reflect overriding substrate or aquatic conditions. (Whittaker
    1975).

3.  **Formation:** A vegetation classification unit of high rank (3^rd^
    level) defined by combinations of dominant and diagnostic growth
    forms that reflect global macroclimatic conditions as modified by
    altitude, seasonality of precipitation, substrates, and hydrologic
    conditions. (Whittaker 1975, Lincoln et al. 1998)

*Mid-level (physiognomic-floristic) units*:

4.  **Division:** A vegetation classification unit of intermediate rank
    (4^th^ level) defined by combinations of dominant and diagnostic
    growth forms and a broad set of diagnostic plant taxa that reflect
    biogeographic differences in composition and continental differences
    in mesoclimate, geology, substrates, hydrology, and disturbance
    regimes. (Westhoff and van der Maarel 1973, pg. 664-665, Whittaker
    1975)

5.  **Macrogroup:** A vegetation classification unit of intermediate
    rank (5^th^ level) defined by combinations of moderate sets of
    diagnostic plant species and diagnostic growth forms that reflect
    biogeographic differences in composition and sub-continental to
    regional differences in mesoclimate, geology, substrates, hydrology,
    and disturbance regimes (cf. Pignatti et al. 1995).

6.  **Group:** A vegetation classification unit of intermediate rank
    (6^th^ level) defined by combinations of relatively narrow sets of
    diagnostic plant species (including dominants and co-dominants),
    broadly similar composition, and diagnostic growth forms that
    reflect biogeographic differences in mesoclimate, geology,
    substrates, hydrology, and disturbance regimes (cf. Pignatti et al.
    1995, Specht and Specht 2001).

*Lower-level (floristic) units*:

7.  **Alliance:** A vegetation classification unit of low rank (7^th^
    level) containing one or more associations, and defined by a
    characteristic range of species composition, habitat conditions,
    physiognomy, and diagnostic species, typically at least one of which
    is found in the uppermost or dominant stratum of the vegetation
    (Jennings et al. 2006). Alliances reflect regional to subregional
    climate, substrates, hydrology, moisture/nutrient factors, and
    disturbance regimes.

8.  **Association:** A vegetation classification unit of low rank (8^th^
    level) defined on the basis of a characteristic range of species
    composition, diagnostic species occurrence, habitat conditions and
    physiognomy (Jennings et al. 2006). Associations reflect
    topo-edaphic climate, substrates, hydrology, and disturbance
    regimes.

These eight levels comprise the standard levels of the NVC. Lower level
units, such as sub-association or variant, may also be used, if desired.
See Westhoff and van der Maarel (1973) for guidance on the definitions
and applications of these levels.

**Table 2.3. Hierarchy for Natural Vegetation with Example.** A fuller
set of examples of natural vegetation units for Levels 1 through 7 are
provided in Appendix G and H.

+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| **Hierarchy for   | **Example**                                      |
| Natural           |                                                  |
| Vegetation**      |                                                  |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| **Upper Levels**  |                                                  |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| 1 -- Formation    | **Scientific Name:** Mesomorphic Shrub and Herb  |
| Class             | Vegetation                                       |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | **Colloquial Name:** Shrubland and Grassland     |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| 2 -- Formation    | **Scientific Name:** Temperate and Boreal Shrub  |
| Subclass          | and Herb Vegetation                              |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | **Colloquial Name:** Temperate and Boreal        |
|                   | Shrubland & Grassland                            |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| 3 - Formation     | **Scientific Name:** Temperate Shrub and Herb    |
|                   | Vegetation                                       |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | **Colloquial Name:** Temperate Shrubland &       |
|                   | Grassland                                        |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| **Mid Levels**    | []{.mark}                                        |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| 4 -- Division     | **Scientific Name:** *Andropogon -- Stipa --     |
|                   | Bouteloua* Grassland & Shrubland Division        |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | **Colloquial Name:** North American Great Plains |
|                   | Grassland & Shrubland                            |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| 5 -- Macrogroup   | **Scientific Name:** *Andropogon gerardii --     |
|                   | Schizachyrium scoparium -- Sorghastrum nutans*   |
|                   | Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup                 |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | **Colloquial Name:** Great Plains Tall Grassland |
|                   | & Shrubland                                      |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| 6 - Group         | **Scientific Name:** *Andropogon gerardii --     |
|                   | Sporobolus heterolepis* Grassland Group          |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | **Colloquial Name:** Great Plains Mesic          |
|                   | Tallgrass Prairie                                |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| **Lower Levels**  |                                                  |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| 7 -- Alliance     | **Scientific Name:** *Andropogon gerardii --     |
|                   | (Calamagrostis canadensis -- Panicum virgatum)*  |
|                   | Herbaceous Alliance                              |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | **Colloquial Name:** Wet-mesic Tallgrass Prairie |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| 8 -- Association  | **Scientific Name:** *Andropogon gerardii --     |
|                   | Panicum virgatum -- Helianthus grosseserratus*   |
|                   | Herbaceous Vegetation                            |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | **Colloquial Name:** Central Wet-mesic Tallgrass |
|                   | Prairie                                          |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+

### **2.1.4 Criteria for Natural Vegetation Hierarchy Levels**

The natural vegetation hierarchy is based on diagnostic growth forms and
species, and compositional similarity. These are species and growth
forms that exhibit patterns of relative fidelity, constancy, or
dominance that differentiate one type from another. Emphasis is placed
on diagnostic growth forms at upper levels; on compositional similarity
reflecting biogeographic differences, character species and dominant
growth forms at intermediate levels; and on differential and dominant
species and compositional similarity at lower floristic levels, in
combination with specific physiognomic and habitat conditions. The
overall classification strategy is depicted in figure 2.1. Vegetation
encompasses a broad range and scale of types (tundra, aquatic
vegetation, woodlands, grasslands, semi-desert, etc.), and attempts to
coin universal definitions and criteria at the outset that are valid for
each level are bound to fail (Mucina 1997). Still, a fairly uniform
application should be possible "within borders of ecologically and
structurally similar groups of vegetation types" (Mucina 1997). A
summary of the diagnostic criteria are provided in Table 2.4. For each
vegetation type, the diagnostic criteria used to define the units should
be clearly stated, and the range of variation in composition, habitat,
and physiognomy and structure should be clearly described, including
similarity with other related types.

For the purposes of this Standard, the various kinds of diagnostic
growth forms and diagnostic species are defined as follows:

> **Dominant Growth Form** --- a growth form with a high percent cover,
> usually in the uppermost dominant layer.
>
> **Indicator Growth Form** --- a growth form whose presence, abundance,
> or vigor is considered to indicate certain climatic and site
> conditions.
>
> **Character species** ---a species that shows a distinct maximum
> concentration, quantitatively and by constancy, in one well-defined
> vegetation type; sometimes recognized at local, regional, and general
> geographic scales. (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg 1974, p. 178, 208;
> Bruelheide 2000)
>
> **Differential Species** --- A plant species that is distinctly more
> widespread or successful in one of a pair or group of plant
> communities than in the other(s), although it may be still more
> successful in other communities not under discussion (Curtis 1959,
> Bruelheide 2000). The more limited a species is to one or a few plant
> community types, the stronger its differential value.
>
> **Constant species** -- species that are present in a high percentage
> of the plots that define a type, often defined as those species with
> at least 60% constancy (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg 1974, p. 178).
>
> **Dominant Species** --- species with the highest percent of cover,
> usually in the uppermost dominant layer. In other contexts, dominant
> species can be defined in terms of biomass, density, height, coverage,
> etc. (Kimmins 1997).
>
> **Indicator Species** --- a species whose presence, abundance, or
> vigor is considered to indicate certain site conditions (Gabriel and
> Talbot 1984).

+------------------------+-------------------------+------------------+
|                        |                         |                  |
+------------------------+-------------------------+------------------+
| *                      |                         |                  |
| *[Scale]{.underline}** |                         |                  |
|                        |                         |                  |
| **Local Subregional    |                         |                  |
| Regional               |                         |                  |
| Subcontinental         |                         |                  |
| Continental Global**   |                         |                  |
+------------------------+-------------------------+------------------+
| **Lower Levels**       | **Mid Levels**          | **Upper Levels** |
+------------------------+-------------------------+------------------+

**Figure 2.1. Vegetation classification criteria for the US NVC.**

The pentagon portrays the five vegetation criteria used to classify
vegetation at all levels of the NVC hierarchy. These criteria are
arranged from the most fine-scaled on the left to the most broad-scaled
on the right. The five criteria are derived from stand attributes or
plot data (inside oval) and reflect the ecological context (outside
oval) of the stand or plot. The ecological context includes
environmental factors and biogeography considered at multiple scales, as
well as natural and human disturbance regimes. The upper levels of the
NVC hierarchy are based on dominant and diagnostic growth forms that
reflect environment at global to continental scales. The mid levels are
based on dominant and diagnostic growth forms and compositional
similarity reflecting biogeography and continental to regional
environmental factors. The lower levels are based on diagnostic and/or
dominant species and compositional similarity reflecting local to
regional environmental factors.

**Table 2.4.** **Summary of Criteria and Rationale for the Natural
Vegetation Hierarchy.**

  --------------------- -------------------------------------------------
  **Hierarchy Level**   **Criteria**

  **Upper:**            
  Physiognomy plays a   
  predominant role.     

  L1 -- Formation Class Broad combinations of general dominant growth
                        forms that are adapted to basic temperature
                        (energy budget), moisture, and/or substrate or
                        aquatic conditions.

  L2 - Formation        Combinations of general dominant and diagnostic
  Subclass              growth forms that reflect global macroclimatic
                        factors driven primarily by latitude and
                        continental position, or that reflect overriding
                        substrate or aquatic conditions.

  L3 -- Formation       Combinations of dominant and diagnostic growth
                        forms that reflect global macroclimatic factors
                        as modified by altitude, seasonality of
                        precipitation, substrates, and hydrologic
                        conditions.

  **Middle:** Both      
  floristics and        
  physiognomy play a    
  significant role.     

  L4 -- Division        Combinations of dominant and diagnostic growth
                        forms and a broad set of diagnostic plant taxa
                        that reflect biogeographic differences in
                        composition and continental differences in
                        mesoclimate, geology, substrates, hydrology, and
                        disturbance regimes.

  L5 -- Macrogroup      Combinations of moderate sets of diagnostic plant
                        species and diagnostic growth forms that reflect
                        biogeographic differences in composition and
                        sub-continental to regional differences in
                        mesoclimate, geology, substrates, hydrology, and
                        disturbance regimes.

  L6 -- Group           Combinations of relatively narrow sets of
                        diagnostic plant species (including dominants and
                        co-dominants), broadly similar composition, and
                        diagnostic growth forms that reflect
                        biogeographic differences in composition and
                        sub-continental to regional differences in
                        mesoclimate, geology, substrates, hydrology, and
                        disturbance regimes

  **Lower:** Floristics 
  plays a predominant   
  role**.**             

  L7 -- Alliance        Diagnostic species, including some from the
                        dominant growth form or layer, and moderately
                        similar composition that reflect regional to
                        subregional climate substrates, hydrology,
                        moisture/nutrient factors, and disturbance
                        regimes.

  L8 -- Association     Diagnostic species, usually from multiple growth
                        forms or layers, and more narrowly similar
                        composition that reflect topo-edaphic climate,
                        substrates, hydrology, and disturbance regimes.
  --------------------- -------------------------------------------------

## *2.2 CULTURAL VEGETATION*

### **2.2.1 Overview of the Cultural Vegetation Hierarchy**

The cultural vegetation hierarchy consists of eight levels, organized
into four upper, two mid, and two lower level units (Table 2.5). As
noted in section 2.0 above, the basis for this hierarchy is
substantially revised from the FGDC 1997 hierarchy, as illustrated in
Table 2.1, particularly in that levels and requirements for cultural
vegetation are now defined separately from the natural vegetation levels
(see 2.1 above). See Faber-Langendoen et al. (2007) for further details
on the rationale behind these changes.

### **2.2.2 Criteria for Classification of Cultural Vegetation** 

Floristic and physiognomic criteria are the primary properties of
cultural vegetation used to define all units of the classification, but
assessed in light of human activities that govern these properties.
Thus, choice of how these criteria are used should be evaluated in light
of human management needs. Excluded from these criteria are properties
from outside the current vegetation, such as explicit habitat factors
(e.g., climate, soil type) or land use activities (e.g., grazed pasture
versus ungrazed pasture), except as these are expressed in the
vegetation cover. Some types are difficult to place in terms of natural
versus cultural vegetation (e.g., forest plantation, pastures), and the
user may need to look in both parts of the hierarchy to determine the
type's location. The broad criteria for classifying cultural vegetation
may be summarized as follows:

**A. Growth form criteria**

1\. Diagnostic patterns of growth forms

2\. Ecologic and managed patterns of growth forms

• Growth forms of similar management significance (e.g., crop types)

• Growth forms of similar ecology and habitat

3\. Vertical stratification (layering) of growth forms

**B. Floristic (crop or managed species) criteria**

1\. Diagnostic combinations of species/crop or managed types

**Table 2.5.** **Hierarchy for Cultural Vegetation with Examples.** A
fuller set of examples of vegetation types for each of these levels is
provided in Appendix I.

  ------------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------
  **Hierarchy for Culturall      **Example**            **Example**
  Vegetation**                                          

  **Upper**                                             

  Level 1 -- Cultural Class      Agricultural           Agricultural
                                 Vegetation             Vegetation

  Level 2 -- Cultural Subclass   Herbaceous             Woody Agricultural
                                 Agricultural           Vegetation
                                 Vegetation             

  Level 3 -- Cultural Formation  Cultivated Crop        Woody
                                                        Horticultural Crop

  Level 4 -- Cultural            Row Crop               Orchard
  Subformation                                          

  **Mid**                                               

  *Level 5 -- Cultural Group     *Temperate and         *Temperate and
  \[optional\]*                  Tropical Row Crop*     Tropical Orchard*

  Level 6 -- Cultural Subgroup   Corn                   Fruit - Orchards

  **Lower**                                             

  Level 7 -- Cultural Type       Sweet Corn             Apple

  *Level 8 -- Cultural Subtype                          
  \[optional\]*                                         
  ------------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------

2\. Ecologic and managed combinations of species/crop or managed types

• Species of similar management significance (e.g., crop types)

• Species of similar ecology and habitat

3\. Vertical stratification (layering) of species

All type concepts based on these criteria should be derived from field
observations, in which the crop or managed species, growth forms, and
their abundance, along with the field observation record, overall
vegetation structure, and habitat setting are described. These field
data provide the fundamental information for the description of types.
All types at all levels should be described and characterized.
Initially, the new upper and mid levels may have only brief
characterizations, but shall be elaborated over time.

### **2.2.3 Definitions of Cultural Vegetation Hierarchy Levels**

The cultural vegetation hierarchy consists of eight levels (see Table
2.5). These levels are different from the natural vegetation hierarchy,
by providing an additional physiognomic level (level 4), placing less
emphasis on broad-scale, biogeographic and climate patterns, but still
providing for multiple scales of floristically and physiognomically
defined agricultural and developed vegetation types.

*Upper level (physiognomic-ecological) units*:

**a. Cultural Class:** A cultural vegetation classification unit of high
rank (1^st^ level) defined by a characteristic combination of *dominant
growth forms* adapted to *relatively intensive* *human manipulations, as
reflected in relatively rapid changes in structure and/or composition.*

**b. Cultural Subclass:** A cultural vegetation classification unit of
high rank (2^nd^ level) defined by combinations and degree of
*herbaceous* versus woody *growth forms.*

**c. Cultural Formation:** A cultural vegetation classification unit of
high rank (3^rd^ level) defined by whether or not *canopy structure* of
dominant growth forms is *annually converted* or *heavily manipulated /
harvested.*

**d. Cultural Subformation:** A vegetation classification unit of
intermediate rank (4^th^ level) defined by the *spatial* *structure* of
the vegetation, including whether in *swards,* *rows,* and degree of
*manipulation to the canopy*.

*Mid-level (physiognomic-floristic) units*:

**e. Cultural Group:** A cultural vegetation classification unit of
intermediate rank (5^th^ level) defined by a *common set of growth
forms* and *many* *diagnostic* *plant taxa* sharing a broadly similar
*region* and *climate,* and *disturbance factors.*

**f. Cultural SubGroup:** A cultural vegetation classification unit of
intermediate rank (6th level) defined by a *common set of* *growth
forms* and *diagnostic species* (taxa) preferentially sharing a similar
set of *regional edaphic, topographic,* and *disturbance factors.*

*Lower-level (floristic) units*:

**g. Cultural Type:** A vegetation classification unit, of moderately
low rank (7^th^ level) defined by one or more *dominant or co-dominant
species,* as well as *habitat conditions,* and *physiognomy.*

**h. Cultural Subtype:** A vegetation classification unit, of low rank
(8^th^ level) defined on the basis one or more *dominant or co-dominant
species,* in conjunction with a *characteristic set of associated
species, habitat conditions and physiognomy*.

### **2.2.4 Criteria for Cultural Vegetation Hierarchy Levels**

The cultural vegetation hierarchy is based on a combination of growth
forms, dominant species and associated species. These are species and
growth forms that exhibit patterns of relative constancy or dominance
that differentiate one type from another. Emphasis is placed on dominant
growth forms at upper levels, on dominant species and dominant growth
forms at intermediate levels, and on a combination of dominant and
associated species at lower floristic levels, in combination with
specific physiognomic and habitat conditions. Cultural vegetation
encompasses a broad range and scale of types (agricultural fields,
orchards, lawns) and, as with natural vegetation, attempts to coin
universal definitions and criteria at the outset that are valid for each
level will be challenging. For each vegetation type, the diagnostic
criteria used to define the unit should be clearly stated, and the range
of variation in composition, habitat, and physiognomy and structure
should be clearly described, including similarity with other related
types. Cultural vegetation types already in use by the agricultural
community should be preferentially used (see Appendix I). A comparison
with some European approaches to some kinds of cultural vegetation (such
as pastures and lawns) is provided in Appendix J.

For the purposes of this Standard, the various kinds of diagnostic
growth forms and species are defined as follows:

> **Dominant Growth Form** --- a growth form with a high percent cover,
> usually in the uppermost dominant layer
>
> **Indicator Growth Form** --- a growth form whose presence, abundance,
> or vigor is considered to indicate certain climatic, site and/or
> cultural conditions.
>
> **Dominant Species** --- species with a high percent of cover, usually
> in the uppermost dominant layer (in other contexts dominant species
> can be defined in terms of biomass, density, height, coverage, etc.
> (Kimmins 1997).
>
> **Indicator Species**--- a species whose presence, abundance, or vigor
> is considered to indicate certain climate, site and/or cultural
> conditions (adapted from Gabriel and Talbot 1984).

*Diagnostics*:

Diagnostic criteria used to define the units should be clearly stated,
and the range of variation in composition, habitat, and physiognomy and
structure should be clearly described, including similarity with other
related types.

*Existing vegetation*:

All vegetation units are categories of existing, or actual, vegetation
(i.e., the plant species present and the vegetation structure found at a
given location at the time of observation).

*Classification hierarchy*:

All units recognized within the cultural vegetation part of the NVC
shall be defined so as to uniquely subdivide or nest within other
categories of the recognized hierarchy.

# **3. Description and Classification of Natural Vegetation**

This section describes the process standard for updating and revising
the dynamic content of the NVC. Standards for field plot data and other
data sources are described next, in Section 3.1. Conventions for
defining, naming, and describing vegetation types are provided in
Section 3.2. The process for peer review of proposals to change the
names or concepts of vegetation types is described in Section 3.3.
Finally, the component databases and the technical structure of the NVC
information system are described in Section 3.4. The content of each of
these sections is in outline format for practical application and
referencing.

## *3.1 Data Sources*

Vegetation types may be based on two sources of data: field plot data
and scientific literature. Plot data are preferred, but literature may
be used to expedite the development of the NVC. Eventually, all NVC
vegetation types should be based on, and linked to, publicly available
plot data. In the meantime, confidence levels are used to evaluate the
quality of documentation for each vegetation type (see Section 3.3.1). A
fundamental goal of the NVC is to have all vegetation types described
from quantitative analysis of field plot data.

### **3.1.1 Collecting Field Plot Data**

The capability to describe vegetation types from quantitative and
repeatable measurements depends largely on field data that are collected
and archived in a consistent manner and are publicly available. This
section describes the types of information that shall be collected in
the field. It addresses: selecting vegetation stands for sampling, plot
design, recording species composition and site conditions, the
geographic information required, and the types of metadata that shall be
provided by field workers for each plot record. The focus here is on
plot information that is complete enough to serve as *classification
plots*; that is, plots which contribute to classification analyses that
help define vegetation types. Less information is required from plots
that are gathered only for the purpose of documenting the occurrence of
a previously defined vegetation type. These plots are referred to as
*occurrence plots*. All of the required data fields are listed and
defined in Appendix D.

1.  *Stand selection and plot design*:

> A stand of vegetation may be selected by a variety of methods and the
> criteria used to select stands should be thoroughly documented. Each
> plot should represent one relatively homogeneous stand of vegetation
> in the field. A plot shall be large enough to represent the stand in
> terms of total species composition and abundance. A plot may be either
> a single large comprehensively sampled plot (macroplot), or a set of
> subsampled areas (microplots) within a larger plot.

2.  *Species composition of the plot*:

> Species composition is required for defining units in Levels 4 -- 8 of
> the hierarchy. The floristic composition of a plot consists of both
> the identity and the abundance of the genera, species, and finer taxa.
> The actual identity of a plant taxon can be somewhat complicated since
> it consists of (a) a name, and (b) a dated taxonomic reference (for
> example, the flora or manual used to identify the plant) or an
> explicit statement that the reference is unknown.

a.  For classification plots, sampling should be designed to detect and
    record the complete assemblage of vascular plant species in the
    stand. Recording of nonvascular species is expected in vegetation
    where nonvascular species are dominant. Only one field visit at an
    appropriate time of year is required, though additional visits can
    improve plot quality and are recommended for vegetation types with
    marked phenological variation.

b.  For classification plots, cover is the required measure of species
    abundance. Measurement of canopy cover, as opposed to foliar cover,
    is recommended. If cover values are in discrete categories rather
    than continuous, the cover scales should be defined quantitatively
    and able to nest within the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale
    classes (Table 3.1).

c.  For occurrence plots, the minimum requirements are: names of the
    dominant taxa (name plus taxonomic reference if available), their
    cover values (or another suitable measure of abundance), geographic
    coordinates, date of observation, and name(s) of those who made the
    observation. Examples of other suitable measures of abundance
    include, for trees, basal area, density, or some index based on the
    two; for forbs and graminoids, air dried weight or measures of
    biomass. If such measures are used to estimate cover, the methods
    used for this conversion, including appropriate calibration
    techniques, should be thoroughly documented.

d.  The term species is used here to indicate the fundamental
    orientation of the plot sampling approach -- that of a species-based
    approach. But it may include species, subspecies, or varieties. If
    it is not possible to recognize these in the field at the time of
    sampling, it may include either higher units such as genera or
    family, or ad hoc units (i.e., "Carex fuzzy red base") that aid in
    later identification and recording.

> For each species listed in a plot, assign each to a stratum (see Table
> 3.3) or growth form (see Table 3.2), with a separate cover estimate
> for its abundance in each of these strata or growth forms. When using
> strata, epiphytes and lianas are listed in the strata in which they
> occur. At a minimum, total cover of a species in the plot is required,
> though this may be calculated based on the stratum cover values.

*3. Vertical structure and physiognomy of the plot*:

> To describe the structure and physiognomy of vegetation, record the
> canopy cover of major growth forms (Table 3.2) and strata or layers
> (Table 3.3, Figure 3.1). Two approaches are acceptable 1) growth forms
> may be described first, then subdivided into size classes (or layers),
> or 2) strata may be described first, then subdivided by growth forms.
> Either approach provides sufficient information on the dominant and
> diagnostic growth forms and their structure to place types into the
> upper levels (levels 1 -- 3) of the hierarchy. Where species data are
> not collected, the information represents the minimum required
> information for describing the units in these upper levels. See Tables
> 3.2 and 3.3 for examples of both approaches. It is also possible to
> approximately convert the data from one approach to the other as shown
> in Tables 3.4 and Appendix I (see also Jennings et al. 2006).

a.  Each plant is assigned to a stratum based on its height, and
    secondarily by its growth form. Consequently, a tree *species* that
    has both seedlings and saplings in a plot could be listed in several
    strata. However, an *individual* plant shall be assigned only to one
    stratum.

b.  Provide the prevailing height of the top and the base of each
    stratum.

c.  The cover of the stratum is the total vertical projection on the
    ground of the canopy cover of all species collectively, not the sum
    of the individual covers of all species in the stratum. The total
    cover of the stratum will, therefore, never exceed 100% (whereas,
    adding up the individual cover of species within the stratum could
    well exceed 100% since species may overlap in their cover). Foliar
    cover is also acceptable.

d.  The percent cover of at least the three most abundant growth forms
    in the dominant or uppermost stratum should also be estimated (see
    Appendix E for a list of growth forms).

e.  Bryophytes (including liverworts) and lichens growing on the same
    ground substrate as vascular plants are treated as part of the
    nonvascular strata.

f.  When assessing total cover of each stratum, an epiphyte or liana
    should be included in the stratum where it occurs.

g.  The nonvascular stratum (sometimes called ground, bryoid, or moss
    stratum) is reserved strictly for cryptogams (mosses, lichens,
    liverworts, algae and bacteria), even where herbs or woody plants
    may be reduced to very short heights.

> **Table 3.1.** **Comparison of Commonly Used Cover-Abundance Scales.**

Agencies and authors are abbreviated as: BB=Braun-Blanquet (1928);
NC=North Carolina Vegetation Survey (Peet et al. 1998); K=Domin sensu
Krajina (1933); DAUB=Daubenmire (1959); FS (Db)=Forest Service, modified
Daubenmire (1959) scale; PA=Pfister and Arno (1980); NZ=New Zealand
LandCare (Allen 1992, Hall 1992); BDS=Barkman et al. (1964); D=Domin
(1928); FS (eco) = Jensen et al. (1994), U.S. Forest Service ECODATA
software. Break points shown in the Cover-abundance column reflect the
major break points of the Braun-Blanquet scale, which is considered the
minimum standard for cover classes. Among the available cover class
systems, the NC and K cover class systems can be unambiguously collapsed
to the B-B standard, and the D, DAUB, FS, PA and NZ scales are for all
practical purposes collapsible into the B-B scale without damage to data
integrity. The BDS is discordant with the B-B standard and should be
avoided except when required for incorporation of legacy data.

  --------------------- -------- -------- ------- ---------- ------------ -------- -------- --------- ------- -------------
  **Cover-abundance**   **BB**   **NC**   **K**   **DAUB**   **FS(Db)**   **PA**   **NZ**   **BDS**   **D**   **FS(eco)**

  Present but not in    ( )^†^                                            \+                                  
  plot                                                                                                        

  Single individual     r        1        \+      1          T            T        1        \-        \+      1

  Sporadic or few       \+       1        1       1          T            T        1        \-        1       1

  0 - 1%                1^‡^     2        2       1          T            T        1        \-        2       1

  1 - 2%                1        3        3       1          1            1        2        \-        3       3

  2 - 3%                1        4        3       1          1            1        2        0         3       3

  3 - 5%                1        4        3       1          1            1        2        0         4       3

  5 - 6.25%             2        5        4       2          2            2        3        1         4       10

  6.25 -- 10%           2        5        4       2          2            2        3        1         4       10

  10 -- 12.5%           2        6        5       2          2            2        3        1         5       10

  12.5 -- 15%           2        6        5       2          2            2        3        1         5       10

  15 -- 25%             2        6        5       2          2            2        3        2         5       20

  25 -- 30%             3        7        6       3          3            3        4        3         6       30

  30 -- 33%             3        7        6       3          3            3        4        3         6       30

  33 -- 35%             3        7        7       3          3            3        4        3         7       30

  35 -- 45%             3        7        7       3          3            3        4        4         7       40

  45 -- 50%             3        7        7       3          3            3        4        5         7       50

  50 -- 55%             4        8        8       4          4            4        5        5         8       50

  55 -- 65%             4        8        8       4          4            4        5        6         8       60

  65 -- 75%             4        8        8       4          4            4        5        7         8       70

  75 -- 85%             5        9        9       5          5            5        6        8         9       80

  85 -- 90%             5        9        9       5          5            5        6        9         9       90

  90 -- 95%             5        9        9       5          5            5        6        9         10      90

  95 -- 100%            5        10       10      6          6            6        6        10        10      98

  † Species present in                                                                                        
  the stand but not in                                                                                        
  the plot are usually                                                                                        
  added in parentheses                                                                                        
  to the species list.                                                                                        

  ‡ This is a                                                                                                 
  cover/abundance                                                                                             
  scale; if numerous                                                                                          
  individuals of a                                                                                            
  taxon collectively                                                                                          
  contribute less than                                                                                        
  5% cover, then the                                                                                          
  taxon can be assigned                                                                                       
  a value of 1 or, if                                                                                         
  very sparse, a "+."                                                                                         
  --------------------- -------- -------- ------- ---------- ------------ -------- -------- --------- ------- -------------

**Table 3.2. Example of describing growth forms first, then subdividing
into size classes USFS Protocol (Tart et al. 2005b). For definitions of
optional size classes see Tart et al. (2005b).**

+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
| **General Growth Form**        | **Required Size       | **Optional  |
|                                | Classes**             | Size        |
|                                |                       | Classes**   |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
| **Trees:** *Woody plants that  | **Overstory**: Trees  | Supercanopy |
| generally have a single main   | at least 5 meters in  |             |
| stem and have more or less     | height that make up   | Main Canopy |
| definite crowns.* In instances | the forest canopy or  | Subcanopy   |
| where growth form cannot be    | dwarf trees\* that    |             |
| determined, woody plants equal | have attained at      |             |
| to or greater than 5 meters in | least half of their   |             |
| height at maturity shall be    | (site-specific)       |             |
| considered trees               | potential height      |             |
|                                | growth and make up    |             |
|                                | the forest canopy     |             |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
|                                | **Regeneration**:     | Sapling     |
|                                | Trees less than 5     |             |
|                                | meters in height or   | Seedling    |
|                                | dwarf trees\* that    |             |
|                                | have attained less    | Established |
|                                | than half of their    |             |
|                                | (site-specific)       | Non-        |
|                                | potential height      | Established |
|                                | growth and are        |             |
|                                | clearly overtopped by |             |
|                                | the overstory layer.  |             |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
| **Shrubs**: *Woody plants ...  |                       | Tall Shrubs |
| that generally exhibit several |                       |             |
| erect, spreading, or prostrate |                       | Medium      |
| stems which give it a bushy    |                       | Shrubs      |
| appearance*. In instances      |                       |             |
| where growth form cannot be    |                       | Low Shrubs  |
| determined, woody plant less   |                       |             |
| than 5 meters in height at     |                       |             |
| maturity shall be considered   |                       |             |
| shrubs.                        |                       |             |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
| **Herbs**: "V*ascular plants   |                       | Additional  |
| without significant woody      |                       | recommended |
| tissue above the ground, with  |                       | growth      |
| perennating buds borne at or   |                       | forms:      |
| below the ground surface.*"    |                       |             |
| Includes graminoids, forbs,    |                       | Graminoid   |
| ferns, club mosses,            |                       |             |
| horsetails, and quillworts.    |                       | Forb        |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
| **Nonvascular**: *A plant or   |                       | Additional  |
| plant-like organism without    |                       | recommended |
| specialized water or fluid     |                       | growth      |
| conductive tissue (xylem and   |                       | forms:      |
| phloem).* Includes mosses,     |                       |             |
| liverworts, hornworts,         |                       | Moss        |
| lichens, and algae). Also      |                       |             |
| called thallophytes or         |                       | Lichen      |
| "nonvascular cryptogams,"      |                       |             |
| (that is, excluding the fern   |                       |             |
| cryptogams)                    |                       |             |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
| **Floating:** *Rooted or       |                       |             |
| drifting plants that float on  |                       |             |
| the water surface* (e.g.,      |                       |             |
| duckweed, water-lily).         |                       |             |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
| **Submerged**: *Rooted or      |                       |             |
| drifting plants that           |                       |             |
| by-and-large remain submerged  |                       |             |
| in the water column or on the  |                       |             |
| aquatic bottom* (e.g., sea     |                       |             |
| grass).                        |                       |             |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
| **Epiphyte\*\*** *A vascular   |                       |             |
| or nonvascular plant that      |                       |             |
| grows by germinating and       |                       |             |
| rooting on other plants or     |                       |             |
| other perched structures, and  |                       |             |
| does not root in the ground.*  |                       |             |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+
| **Liana:\*\*** *A woody,       |                       |             |
| climbing plant that begins     |                       |             |
| life as terrestrial seedlings  |                       |             |
| but relies on external         |                       |             |
| structural support for height  |                       |             |
| growth during some part of its |                       |             |
| life* (Gerwing 2004),          |                       |             |
| *typically exceeding 5 m in    |                       |             |
| height or length at maturity.* |                       |             |
+--------------------------------+-----------------------+-------------+

> \*Dwarf trees are defined as trees that are typically less than 12
> meters tall at maturity due to genetic and/or environmental
> constraints (e.g., pinyon pines, junipers, and mountain mahogany).
>
> \*\*Epiphyte and liana growth forms are subdivided by the size classes
> in which they occur (e.g., tree overstory, regeneration, shrub).

**Table 3.3. Example of describing strata first, then subdividing by
growth forms (ESA Guidelines - Jennings et al. 2006).**

  ---------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------
  **Stratum**      **Definition**                       **Possible General
                                                        Growth Forms in
                                                        Stratum**

  Tree Stratum     *The layer of vegetation where woody Tree (overstory),
                   plants are typically more than 5 m   Shrub\*, Liana,
                   in height, including mature trees,   Epiphyte
                   shrubs over 5 m tall, and lianas.*   
                   Epiphytes growing on these woody     
                   plants are also included in this     
                   stratum.                             

  Shrub Stratum    *The layer of vegetation where woody Tree (sapling),
                   plants are typically more than 0.5 m Shrub, Liana,
                   tall but less than 5 m in height,    Epiphyte
                   such as shrubs, tree saplings, and   
                   lianas. Epiphytes may also be        
                   present in this stratum.* Rooted     
                   herbs are excluded even if they are  
                   over 0.5 m in height, as their stems 
                   often die back annually and do not   
                   provide a consistent structure.      

  Field (Herb)     *The layer of vegetation consisting  Herb,
  Stratum          of herbs, regardless of height, as   Dwarf-shrub\*\*,
                   well as woody plants less than 0.5 m Tree
                   in height.*                          (seedling\*\*\*)

  Nonvascular      *The layer of vegetation consisting  Nonvascular
  Stratum (Ground) of non-vascular plants growing on    
                   soil or rock surfaces*. This         
                   includes mosses, liverworts,         
                   hornworts, lichens, and algae.       
                   Sometimes called "moss stratum."     

  Floating Stratum *The layer of vegetation consisting  Floating
                   of rooted or drifting plants that    
                   float on the water surface* (e.g.,   
                   duckweed, water-lily).               

  Submerged        *The layer of vegetation consisting  Submerged
  Stratum          of rooted or drifting plants that    
                   by-and-large remain submerged in the 
                   water column or on the aquatic       
                   bottom (e.g., sea grass).* Emergent  
                   plant growth forms are excluded      
                   (e.g., alder shrubs would be placed  
                   in the shrub stratum, cattails in    
                   the herb stratum).                   
  ---------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------

\*Very tall shrubs are sometimes included in the tree stratum.

\*\*can also include seedlings of shrubs, i.e. all shrubs less than
\<0.5 m.

> \*\*\* tree seedlings are often defined as up to 1.4 m height or as \<
> 2.5 cm dbh by many forest survey methods, in which case they span the
> shrub and herb strata.

**Figure 3.1. An illustration of strata showing growth forms of
individual plants as may be found in a plot** (the field stratum is not
delineated). Height is shown in meters. The field stratum is between 0
and 0.5 m; the shrub stratum is from 0.5 to 3 m; and the tree stratum
extends from 3 m (bottom of canopy) to 12 m (top of canopy), with the
bulk of the canopy clearly exceeding 5 m . Assignment of individual
plants to a stratum is based on height and growth form as follows: A. A
plant having an herbaceous growth form. Although projecting vertically
into the shrub stratum it is excluded from being recorded as part of the
shrub stratum canopy cover since its stems die and regrow each year. B.
A plant having a dwarf shrub growth form is recorded as part of the
field stratum. If desired, a separate dwarf-shrub substratum may be
recognized. C. A moss; recorded as part of the nonvascular stratum. D. A
plant having a tree growth form but at a sapling stage of life. This
individual is recorded as part of the shrub stratum canopy. E. A plant
having a tree growth form but at a seedling stage of life. This plant is
recorded as part of the field stratum canopy. F. Mature trees, recorded
as part of the tree stratum. G. A sapling, as in D. H. A plant having a
shrub growth form; recorded as part of the shrub stratum canopy cover.
I. A plant having an herb growth form and projecting into the shrub
stratum; excluded from being recorded as part of the shrub stratum
canopy (as in A).

![](media/image2.png){width="5.997222222222222in"
height="3.454861111111111in"}

+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
| **[       |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| Table]{.s |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| mallcaps} |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| 3.4.**    |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| **A       |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| crosswalk |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| of strata |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| cat       |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| egories** |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| (left     |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| column)   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| (from     |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| Table     |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| 3.3)      |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| **with    |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| common    |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| growth    |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| form and  |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| size      |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| class     |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| cat       |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| egories** |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| (all      |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| other     |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| columns)  |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| (from     |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| Table     |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| 3.2).     |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| Size      |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| classes   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| in        |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| italics   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| are       |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| optional  |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| for       |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| overall   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| charact   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| erization |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| of        |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| v         |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| egetation |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| structure |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| and       |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| phy       |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| siognomy. |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
| **        | **Gr |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| Stratum** | owth |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
|           | Fo   |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
|           | rm** |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
|           | >    |      |      | > S  |       |      | He | Non- |
|           | Tree |      |      | hrub |       |      | rb | vasc |
|           |      |      |      |      |       |      |    | ular |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
|           | Size |      |      | Size |       |      |    |      |
|           | Clas |      |      | Clas |       |      |    |      |
|           | ses: |      |      | ses: |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
|           | Rege |      | Ov   | *T   | *Me   | Low  |    |      |
|           | nera |      | er-s | all* | dium* | S    |    |      |
|           | tion |      | tory |      |       | hrub |    |      |
|           |      |      |      | *Sh  | *S    |      |    |      |
|           |      |      |      | rub* | hrub* |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
|           | *S   | *    |      |      |       |      |    |      |
|           | eedl | Sapl |      |      |       |      |    |      |
|           | ing* | ing* |      |      |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
| Tree      |      |      | x    | \    |       |      |    |      |
| Stratum   |      |      |      | (x\) |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
| Shrub     | x    | x    |      | x    | x     |      |    |      |
| Stratum   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
| Field     | x    |      |      |      |       | x    | x  |      |
| (Herb)    |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| Stratum   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
| No        |      |      |      |      |       |      |    | x    |
| nvascular |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| Stratum   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
| Ground)   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
| Floating  |      |      |      |      |       |      | x  |      |
| Stratum   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+
| Submerged |      |      |      |      |       |      | x  | x    |
| Stratum   |      |      |      |      |       |      |    |      |
+-----------+------+------+------+------+-------+------+----+------+

x -- Indicates the most common combination of growth form layer and
stratum.

\(x\) -- Indicates an occasional combination of growth form layer and
stratum.

4.  *Physical data of the plot*:

> The physical variables relevant to any interpretation of plot data
> vary widely across the range of vegetation types. It is, therefore,
> difficult to require any absolute minimum set of specific
> environmental criteria. Rather, we provide a set of environmental
> variables that should be given serious consideration in any vegetation
> survey, most especially for classification plots. The following site
> variables should be considered for use describing the environment of
> the type:

a.  Physical features of the stand, including elevation (in m), slope
    aspect (in azimuth degrees of 0 to 360), and slope gradient (in
    degrees or percent), topographic position, landform, and geologic
    parent material.

b.  Soil and water features, including soil moisture, drainage,
    hydrology, depth of water, and water salinity (where appropriate).

c.  The soil surface cover of litter, rock, bare ground, coarse woody
    debris, live vascular stem, nonvascular species on the soil surface,
    surface water, or other important surface features.

d.  General vegetation conditions, including landscape context,
    homogeneity of the vegetation, phenological phase at the time of
    observation, stand maturity, successional status, and evidence of
    disturbance.

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5.  *Geographic data for plots:*

> Information on the location of a plot is vitally important and should
> be carefully recorded in a standard format. For historical, or
> "legacy", data where the geographic information may have been recorded
> in different formats and measurements, the original information shall
> be preserved and the methods used to transform this information should
> be described and reproducible. Additional details can be found in
> Appendix D. The standard requires the following data when recording
> geographic information for field plots:

a.  Latitude and longitude in decimal degrees and WGS 84 (NAD83) datum.
    Record the coordinates that were collected in the field and the
    datum used. If a nonstandard projection was used, then record the
    projection name, spatial units (decimal degrees, meters, etc.), size
    of the spheroid, central meridian, latitude of projection\'s origin,
    and any other vital parameters such as false easting and false
    northing.

b.  Description of the method used to determine the plot location (e.g.,
    estimated from a USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle, GPS, etc.). For
    example: (a) collected in the field with a geographic positioning
    system (this shall include the datum used, or specify if a
    nonstandard projection) or (b) through a narrative that describes
    how the plot location was determined, and the means of locating the
    plot centroid (e.g., the plot location was estimated from the USGS
    Assateague Park 7.5' map quadrangle; the centroid for locating the
    plot is the geographic center of Assateague Park).

c.  An estimate of the accuracy of the plot's location information in
    the form of the radius in meters, preferably for a 95% certainty.

d.  Narrative information useful for plot relocation.

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6.  *Metadata for plots:*

> Careful attention to recording metadata for each plot record is
> essential to maximizing the long term utility of the record. Because
> many type descriptions will necessarily be derived from a variety of
> plot sources, it is the plot metadata that facilitate searching for
> and identifying useful records. All plots should have a project name
> and description associated with them, the methods used to select and
> lay out the plots, the level of effort expended in gathering floristic
> data, cover scale and strata types used, and the name and contact
> information of the lead field investigators. See Appendix D for
> detailed criteria. The requirements are:
>
> a\. An author plot code
>
> b\. An author observation code (if there are multiple observations of
> a plot over time).
>
> c\. Observation date and date accuracy.
>
> d\. Lead field investigator's name

a.  Plot selection approach.

b.  Plot characteristics including:

    i.  Plot area in m^2^.

    ii. Plot type, indicating if vegetation data were recorded in the
        entire plot or using subplots in a specified configuration.

    iii. If subplots are used then specify the species (taxon)
         observation area in terms of size and total area of subplots
         (e.g., a plot may be 100 m^2^, but if 10 1 m^2^ subplots are
         used then the taxon observation area is 10 m^2^).

    iv. Subplot distribution (if subplots are used, how they are
        distributed).

c.  Description of cover or other abundance method for species
    composition, growth form, or strata.

### **3.1.2 Use of Literature and Other Data Sources**

Plot data are not always available, or are available in limited numbers.
In some cases, published literature and other documentation may be used
as a data source to describe the vegetation type.

**[1. Literature-based Data Sources.]{.underline}**

At times, the source of data for a type description may come from the
literature There are several scenarios for using this kind of data:

a\. The literature may describe a type that is now either no longer
extant or no longer available to be described across its historic range.
The literature may be incomplete, but to be useful it should contain
sufficient information to form the basis for a type description.

b\. The literature may summarize a type in a region where the NVC is
weakly developed, and the literature adds information not otherwise
available to the NVC. Or, it may be a range-wide description of types
that have not previously been analyzed to this extent, and the analysis
is strong. Use of this type of information should accompany an estimate
of the confidence the user places in it as discussed in Section 3.3.1

**[2. Table-based Data Sources]{.underline}**

At times, the original plot data themselves may not be readily
available, but the data have been carefully summarized in a tabular
description (synthesis or synoptic table, typically showing the list of
species, their constancy and average cover across all plots). As long as
the original data meet minimum standards (preferably they are stored in
accessible distributed databases), the summarized data may be used as
the basis for describing a type. Subsequent classification and
description of types may even be based on these data, as the use of
synthesis tables can greatly increase the speed of analysis, and allows
the original interpretation of the plots and types to be part of the
analysis. In addition, this approach has value where the intent of an
analysis is to retain direct crosswalk links to a state or provincial
set of types, where the synthesis tables are a summary of those types.
The use of synthesis tables may also have value when a plot-based
description has been developed, and an investigator wants to compare the
type to other related types. Synthesis tables should be used cautiously
because they may combine plots that are part of two types. Synthesis
tables can help with broader comparisons among types, but individual
plot data are the best data source for resolving classification issues
among types.

## *3.2 Classification and Description* 

The most fundamental unit of information for describing and classifying
vegetation types is the field plot. The quality and extent of the field
plot data affect the overall confidence in the concept of the type.
Literature and other data sources, as described in Section 3.1.2, may
also be used, but these provide less confidence in the type
description). Factors affecting the "classification confidence" of the
type include: a) type of analyses used, b) degree of publicly accessible
data, c) quality of the plot data, d) geographical scope of analysis,
relevance to the type being analyzed, e) effort made to compare the type
with closely related types (see also 3.3.1 below). The description of a
vegetation type is a synthesis of data from many plots, possibly from
many data sets, through what is termed here "classification analysis."
This section summarizes the essential steps needed for data preparation,
classification analysis, and interpretation of a proposed vegetation
type, naming conventions for new types, and criteria for describing
types.

Those using the Standard only to crosswalk their plots to an existing
set of NVC types, may find it helpful to collect plot data according to
the standards in Section 3.1.1, then use any available descriptions and
keys of NVC types to assign their plots to a type. Those using the
Standard to crosswalk their own type descriptions to NVC types may find
it helpful to prepare their descriptions using the standard provided in
Section 3.2.3 below, before comparing their descriptions to any
available descriptions of NVC types. Neither of these practices is
required and they are not intended to replace agency methods designed to
meet their specific business needs.

### **3.2.1 Data preparation**

> When preparing plot data for classification analysis one should:

a.  Ensure that the plots used sufficiently sample the biotic and
    abiotic range of the study area.

b.  Ensure a unique and standardized identity for each plant taxon in
    the data set.

### **3.2.2 Classification Analysis and Interpretation**

> A variety of numerical methods are available for classification
> analysis, including direct gradient analysis, ordination, and
> clustering (Gauch 1982, Kent and Coker 1992). No single methodological
> formula is suitable for all possible analyses. It is therefore
> incumbent on those proposing new or modified types to apply
> contemporary methods of vegetation classification for implementing a
> sound statistical approach, and to explain clearly the rationale for
> the approach used. The general components of a classification analysis
> are described below:

a.  The plots records used shall be clearly referenced and accessible by
    others.

b.  An outlier analysis of the initial set of plots should be provided
    and the criteria used for identification and elimination of outlier
    plot records should be provided.

c.  Show that there is sufficient redundancy in plot composition to
    identify a threshold of significant pattern in compositional
    variation. That is, that the data set has the statistical power
    needed to be convincing. One example would be to explore a null
    hypothesis that a given collection of plots is more self-similar
    than would be expected of a random collection of plots.

d.  An exact description of the analysis procedure should be provided,
    including careful documentation of assumptions and limitations of
    the data, methods of dimensional reduction, and value
    transformations.

e.  Results should be presented in tabular and graphical formats as well
    as narrative.

f.  Criteria used to identify diagnostic species, such as constancy and
    fidelity should be specified for mid and lower levels.

g.  Criteria used to identify diagnostic growth forms and other
    physiognomic features, particularly for upper levels, should be
    specified.

h.  A tabular summary of diagnostic and constant species should be
    provided, where appropriate.

### **3.2.3 Description of Vegetation Types**

> Formal description of a vegetation type requires that each of the
> following items be addressed. The required topical sections for
> describing vegetation types are also shown in Table 3.5 and a worked
> example is provided in Appendix F.

*Type Description Sections:*

a.  Name. Develop a scientific name for the vegetation type using the
    nomenclatural standards in the nomenclature section. A colloquial
    name may also be provided.

b.  Hierarchy Level. A description shall indicate the hierarchical level
    of the vegetation type being described.

c.  Placement in Hierarchy. Indicate the full name of the vegetation
    type under which the type shall be placed, based on the most current
    list of NVC types available.

d.  Classification Comments. Describe any classification issues relating
    to the definition or concept of the type.

e.  Classification Rationale. Describe basis for choosing the nominal
    taxa or physiognomic criteria (the species or growth forms by which
    the type is named). For mid and lower units, explain the choice of
    nominal species and growth forms; for example, whether species are
    dominant, character, or indicator.

f.  Type Concept. Provide a concise paragraph describing the overall
    concept of the type based on the structure, composition,
    environmental setting, and geographic range. (See items g through l
    below.)

g.  Floristics (for mid and lower units). Species composition and
    average cover for species should be provided in the following
    summary form:

    i.  A table of floristic composition showing constancy and mean
        cover. All species should be listed that have more than 20%
        constancy, and diagnostic species should be identified. List
        species in descending order of constancy, then cover.

> ii\. Compositional variability of the type across the range of its
> classification plots. A discussion of possible subunits or variants
> may be useful, especially for future refinement of type concepts.

h.  Taxonomic usage in floristic tables should include reference to a
    taxonomic standard so as to define the meaning associated with a
    name. Reference to accepted name in USDA PLANTS or ITIS, coupled
    with the specific date of observation of the website, is sufficient.

i.  Physiognomy. Provide a summary of the physiognomy, structure, and
    dominant species, including an assessment of the physiognomic
    variability of the type.

j.  Dynamics. To the degree possible, provide a summary of the
    successional status of the type and the disturbance factors that
    influence stability and within-plot variation for the type. Describe
    the extent to which this information is known and the limitations
    and assumptions of the assessment.

k.  Environmental description. Provide a description of important
    factors such as climate, elevation (in meters), landscape context,
    slope aspect, slope gradient, geology, soils, hydrology, and any
    other environmental factors thought to be determinants of the
    biological composition or structure of the type.

l.  Description of the range. To the extent possible, provide a brief
    textual description (not a list of places) of the total range
    (present and historic) of the type. List national and subnational
    (states, provinces, or counties) jurisdictions of occurrence across
    the entire range of the type. Distinguish between areas where the
    type: (a) definitely occurs; (b) probably occurs; or (c) does not
    occur and is believed to have historically occurred.

m.  Identify field plots. Identify plots used to define the type and
    indicate where the plot data are archived and the associated plot
    identifiers. All plot records used shall conform to the standards
    for classification plots. Identify any occurrence plots that may
    have been used to help describe the geographic range or other
    characteristics of the type.

*Supporting Documentation Sections:*

a.  Plot data quality. Describe all factors that affect plot data
    adequacy and quality, including such factors as incomplete sampling
    throughout the range or poor quality of floristic information.

b.  The number and size of plots. Justify the number of and sizes of
    plots used in terms of the floristic variability and geographic
    distribution.

c.  Methods used to analyze and interpret field data. Discuss the
    analytical methods used by the author of the type description to
    define the types. Include software citations.

d.  Overall confidence level for the type. Recommend a level of
    confidence of high, moderate, or low, based on criteria described in
    Section 3.3.1. The peer-review process shall ultimately establish
    the formal confidence level (see Section 3.3.1) for a given type.

e.  Citations. Provide complete citations for all references used in the
    above section.

f.  Vegetation type synonymy. List any names already in use in the NVC
    or other classifications to describe this or closely related types,
    either in whole or in part. Where possible, include comments or
    explanations on the relatedness of the type to other types that are
    adjacent in the classification. For example, is a type listed as
    being synonymous, broader in concept, more narrow, or equal to the
    type concept being proposed?

### **3.2.4 Naming of Mid and Lower Level Vegetation Types**

> The nomenclature of vegetation types is not to be confused with the
> nomenclature of plant taxa, even though species names are used in the
> names of associations and alliances. To be accepted, a name shall
> address the following criteria:

a.  Community nomenclature shall contain both scientific and English
    common names, e.g., *Pinus taeda - Quercus* (*alba, falcata,
    stellata* ) Forest Alliance as well as Loblolly Pine - (White Oak,
    Southern Red Oak, Post Oak) Forest Alliance. If desirable, common
    names may also be provided in French and Spanish. A colloquial name,
    e.g., Ozark Dolomite Glade, may also be provided. The relevant
    dominant and diagnostic species that are useful in naming a type
    should be selected from the tabular summaries of the types. Dominant
    and diagnostic species should include at least one from the dominant
    stratum (layer) of the type.

b.  Nomenclature for vascular plant taxa used in scientific type names
    should follow the accepted name in USDA PLANTS or ITIS except when
    this would prevent the recognition of ecologically distinct types,
    coupled with the specific date of observation of the website.
    Exceptions should be documented in the rationale for choosing
    nominal taxa (see item 3e above). Each plant taxon used in a
    scientific name shall have only one common name that shall form the
    basis for the common name of types. (e.g. aspen, not quaking aspen
    or trembling aspen)

c.  For alliance and mid-level unit names, taxa from subordinate layers
    should be used sparingly.

d.  Among the taxa that are chosen to name the type, those occurring in
    the same stratum or growth form (tree, shrub, herb, nonvascular,
    floating, submerged) are separated by a hyphen ( - ), and those
    occurring in different strata are separated by a slash ( / ).
    Diagnostic taxa occurring in the uppermost stratum are listed first,
    followed successively by those in lower strata. The order of taxon
    names within stratum or growth form generally reflects decreasing
    levels of dominance, constancy, or other measures of diagnostic
    value.

e.  Association or alliance names include the name of the level of the
    hierarchy that the unit is placed in, e.g., (e.g., *Pinus ponderosa*
    Forest alliance).

f.  In cases where diagnostic taxa are unknown or in question, a more
    general term is currently allowed as a "placeholder" (e.g.,
    *Cephalanthus occidentalis / Carex* spp. Northern shrubland).
    Associations and alliances with placeholders in the name shall not
    be considered of high or moderate confidence. Minimize the use of
    placeholders.

g.  The least possible number of taxa is used in a name. Up to five
    species may be necessary to define associations in some regions that
    contain very diverse vegetation with relatively even dominance and
    variable total composition. For alliances and other levels, no more
    than three species shall be used.

Nomenclatural rules shall be followed exactly to avoid creating the
appearance of distinct names that are based on differences in character
spacing, punctuation or spelling.

### **3.2.5 Naming of Upper Level Vegetation Types**

Formation types at Levels 1 -3 are named, defined and organized by
structure and physiognomy, as these are reflected in broad climatic and
site factors. It is a convenient aid to naming the formations to use
terms based on the habitats that they occupy (though it should be
re-emphasized that habitat factors are not typically used in defining
the Formation(s) (Whitmore 1984, pg. 155). The result is a set of easily
recognized formations with memorable names that say something about the
most distinctive associated ecological characteristics of the formation.
These names serve as both common and scientific names.

[Level 1 (Formation class)]{.underline}

Class names are based on the very broad growth forms that correspond to
global moisture/temperature regimes. The single name helps identify the
broad grouping of growth forms that correspond to particular
moisture/temperature conditions. A parenthetical set of names is
included to guide general users to the main kind of vegetation included
in the class. The level is organized by decreasing complexity and cover
of the vegetation, reflecting increasingly stressful site factors. Given
the wide overlap in use of the terms "Forest" and "Woodland" we use both
terms to indicate that the class definition encompasses all mesomorphic
(i.e. broad-leaved or needle-leaved) trees of varying height and canopy
spacing.

Examples:

Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation (Forest & Woodland)

Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation (Shrubland & Grassland)

Xeromorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation (Semi-Desert)

Hydromorphic Vegetation (Aquatic Vegetation)

[Level 2 (Formation subclass)]{.underline}

The subclass name reflects the structure, physiognomy and environmental
factors that characterize the subclass. The primary environmental factor
is macroclimate. Physiognomic terms are sometimes more specific than the
class name (e.g., scrub versus shrubland where the vegetation may
include tall xeromorphic tree-like plants such as tall cacti). All such
terms, if used, should be defined.

Examples:

Tropical Dry Forest

> Mediterranean Scrub and Grassland
>
> Cool Semi-Desert Scrub and Grassland

Saltwater Aquatic Vegetation

[Level 3 (Formation)]{.underline}

The formation name reflects the structure, physiognomy and environmental
factors that characterize the formation. The primary environmental
factors are soil moisture conditions and elevation. Physiognomic terms
are sometimes more specific than the class or subclass name. All
physiognomic terms should be defined in the vegetation type description.

Examples:

Tropical Evergreen Sclerophyll Forest

Mediterranean Scrub

Cool Semi-Desert Sparse Vegetation

> Marine & Estuarine Aquatic Vegetation

## *3.3 Peer Review of Proposed Vegetation Types*

Vegetation types shall be established through an authoritative peer
review process (Figure 3.2, 3.3). An authoritative process is necessary
to maintain the consistency, credibility, orderly change, and rigor of
the classification. Peer review of proposals for new vegetation types,
as well as for changes proposed to type concepts that are already
recognized, is essential to the long term utility and progressive
development of the NVC. The peer process requires those proposing new
types to make a convincing case based on a clear explanation of the
data, methods, and results. A unified classification of plant
communities for the United States can only be viable if peer review of
proposed types is an integral part of it. The essential components of a
peer review system for the NVC are summarized below.

### **3.3.1 Classification Confidence and Status**

> Each accepted vegetation type, particularly for lower and middle level
> units, shall be assigned one of the confidence levels based on the
> relative rigor of the data and the analysis used to identify, define,
> and describe the type. Upper level vegetation types, which are global
> in scope and typically based on very synthetic data, often from the
> literature, cannot be as easily assigned confidence levels based on
> these criteria:

a.  [High]{.underline}: Type is based on quantitative analysis of
    classification plots that are published in full or are archived in a
    publicly accessible database. Classification plots shall meet the
    minimum requirements shown in Appendix D. Classification plots shall
    represent the geographic distribution and habitat range of the type
    as known from classification and occurrence plots. In addition,
    plots that form the basis for closely related types shall be
    compared.

> For an alliance, the majority of component associations shall have a
> high to moderate level of confidence.

b.  [Moderate]{.underline}: Type is lacking in either geographic scope
    or degree of quantitative characterization and subsequent comparison
    with related types, or plots are published only as a comprehensive
    summary (floristic) table; plot otherwise meets the requirements for
    a high level of confidence.

> For an alliance, many associations within the type may have a moderate
> to low level of classification confidence.

c.  [Low]{.underline}: Type is based on plot data that are incomplete,
    not accessible to others, or not published; or, based on informal
    analysis, anecdotal information, or community descriptions that are
    not accompanied by plot data, or if so, only in an incomplete
    summary (floristic) table (such as only reporting dominant or
    characteristic species of a type). Local experts have often
    identified these types. Although there is a high level of confidence
    that they represent significant vegetation entities that should be
    incorporated in the NVC, it is not clear whether they would meet the
    standard for floristic types in concept or in the NVC classification
    approach if data were available.

> Alliances are classified as low confidence if defined primarily from:

i.  incomplete or unpublished and inaccessible plot data (e.g., plots
    may only contain information about species in the dominant layer),

ii. non-standard, anecdotal, or local vegetation types, or

iii. imagery, or other information, that relies primarily on the
     dominant species in the dominant canopy layer.

#### In addition to the three levels of classification confidence, two categories are established to identify vegetation types that have been described to some extent, but which have not been formally accepted as an NVC unit of vegetation, and therefore are not part of the content standard. These categories are:

> d\. Proposed: Formally described types that are in some stage of the
> NVC peer review process, but for which the process is still
> incomplete. For example, indicating that a type is "proposed" may be
> used when investigators have a need to refer to these types in
> publications or reports prior to the completion of the peer review
> process.
>
> e\. Provisional: These types not yet formally described, but are
> expected to be additions to the existing list of NVC types for an area
> or project. Provisional types should only be used when a clear effort
> is being made to apply the NVC, but where some vegetation does not
> appear to have been covered by the concepts of known units for an area
> or project. For example, authors of a report or publication may need
> to submit a list of NVC types and any additional observed types, such
> as those that have not been recognized by the NVC nor have they been
> formally submitted for peer review. Such types may be designated as
> "provisional."

### **3.3.2 Peer Review Process**

a.  The objectives of the peer review process are to:

    i.  ensure compliance with classification, nomenclature and
        documentation standards,

    ii. maintain reliability of the vegetation data and other supporting
        documentation, and

    iii. referee conflicts with established and proposed NVC types.

b.  The peer review process shall be administered by the NVC Peer Review
    Board (authorized and overseen by the Lead Agency (USDA Forest
    Service)), which provides independent and scientifically credible
    reviewers.

c.  The NVC Peer Review Board may structure a peer review process that
    is different for the various levels of the hierarchy; e.g., a
    different process may be needed for upper levels (which are global
    in definition), mid levels (often national to regional in
    definition), and lower levels (regional to local in definition), but
    this shall be left to the discretion of the Board.

d.  The Peer Review Board is responsible for ensuring that the criteria
    specified in this standard are followed. This Board shall adhere to
    the scientific and technical principles of the NVC and it shall
    ensure the good order and scientific credibility of the
    classification.

e.  Investigators wishing to contribute to the NVC by proposing changes
    to the classification shall submit their methods and results to the
    Peer Review Board.

f.  The Peer Review Board shall maintain publicly available Proceedings
    of all official actions. Full descriptions of types shall constitute
    the NVC primary literature and shall be published in the
    Proceedings. The Proceedings shall contain official changes to the
    list of NVC associations and alliances, and it shall include the
    required supporting information for all changes made to the list.

g.  Peer reviewers shall have sufficient regional expertise to
    understand how a given proposed change to the NVC would affect
    related associations and alliances.

h.  Investigators proposing revisions to the NVC shall use a defined
    template for type descriptions that can be readily reviewed.

i.  Investigators who describe types shall place their proposed types
    within the context of existing NVC types so as to determine whether
    the type under consideration is distinct, or whether their proposal
    will instead refine or upgrade the definition of a type or types
    already on the list.

j.  The peer review process should occur in a reasonable time frame, and
    should balance the need for improvement to the quality and to the
    stability of the NVC.

**Figure 3.2. Flow of information through the peer review process for
formal recognition of a vegetation type.**

Beginning at the top, field plot data, existing summary data, or
literature based on field plot data, are collected or compiled, the data
are submitted to a publicly available database (such as VegBank), data
are analyzed, and a proposal describing a type is submitted for review.
If accepted by reviewers, the type description is classified under the
NVC, the monograph is published, and the description made available.

![](media/image3.wmf){width="5.804861111111111in"
height="6.013194444444444in"}

**Figure 3.3. Relationship of peer review processes to the NVC.**

Initial NVC types are the current set of provisional NVC alliances and
associations for natural vegetation (FGDC 1997, NatureServe 2006), upper
level types developed by the Hierarchy Revisions Working Group
(Faber-Langendoen et al. 2007), and cultural vegetation types developed
by NRI (2003).

# 

# 

##   {#section-3 .unnumbered}

## *3.4 Data Management and Dissemination*

The vegetation classification described in this standard cannot succeed
without careful and explicit rules for data management. The
classification process requires three dynamic and interacting datasets
of (a) botanical taxonomy and nomenclature, (b) vegetation field plots,
and (c) classified alliance and associations. It is the synthesis of
these datasets that will provide a consistent working knowledge of the
vegetation of the United States and its Trust Terrritories.

### **3.4.1 Component Datasets**

a.  The Taxonomic Dataset

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i.  Each known taxon shall be reported as a name-and-reference couplet
    known as a "taxon-concept".

ii. Unknown or irregular taxa (such as composite morphotypes
    representing several similar taxa) should be reported with the name
    of the taxon for the finest taxonomic level with certain
    identification, and should be associated with a note field in the
    dataset that provides additional information.

iii. Taxonomic names and concepts shall be cross-walked in order to
     classify floristic units.

iv. Growth form names and concepts used to describe vegetation types
    should be based on a specified reference that contains clear
    definitions. A list of preferred growth form names and definitions
    are provided in Appendix E.

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b.  The Plots Dataset

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i.  Plot data used to support the NVC shall be archived in publicly
    accessible and searchable datasets.

ii. Plot data used to support description of a vegetation type shall be
    linked by a unique number to the description of the type and shall
    be publicly available.

iii. All uses of plot data with respect to the NVC shall cite the
     original author of the plot.

iv. The Plot dataset shall use concept-based taxonomy by allowing
    multiple interpretations of each taxon (e.g., a plot record may
    contain multiple names for a given taxon in the plot, that of the
    field ecologist who used a name with a reference of a regional
    taxonomy manual and that of another person who annotated the name to
    correspond to the PLANTS list. Both names are stored in the
    database).

v.  All datasets used to archive plot data supporting the NVC shall have
    assured data permanency and should be able to export plot data in a
    consistent format.

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c.  The Vegetation Classification Dataset

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i.  The Vegetation Classification Dataset shall contain all fields
    needed for a type description (Section 3).

ii. The Vegetation Classification Dataset shall use concept-based
    taxonomy for vegetation types. At a minimum this requires citing a
    reference for each type name.

iii. The Vegetation Classification Dataset shall allow for backward
     compatibility. That is, a user should be able to track the history
     of vegetation type concepts and names used in the NVC as they
     change over time.

### **3.4.2 Web Access**

a.  Each of these datasets shall be publicly viewable and searchable
    over the web, and shall be regularly updated.

b.  There shall be a primary access point for viewing and retrieving
    information from these datasets over the web. Although mirrors of
    this information may be established at other sites, the primary
    access point shall be the definitive source of information on
    taxonomy and nomenclature, field plots, and recognized alliances and
    associations, respectively.

c.  The website shall contain an explicit date and version, so that
    users of the NVC can cite the website and the explicit version
    observed (or date observed) so as to allow exact reconstruction of
    the taxonomic and community concepts employed as well as the
    observation data provided from field plots.

### **3.4.3 Publication**

Successful proposals for recognized associations and alliances shall be
published in the Proceedings of the NVC and shall be accessible at the
primary access point for the Vegetation Classification Dataset. The
Proceedings shall constitute the primary literature underpinning the
NVC, and will be permanently and publicly available.

#  

# **4. Description and Classification of Cultural Vegetation**

This section describes the process standard for updating and revising
the dynamic content of cultural vegetation in the NVC. Standards for
field plot data and other data sources are described in Section 4.1.
Conventions for defining, naming, and describing vegetation types are
provided in Section 4.2. The process for peer review of proposals to
change the names or concepts of vegetation types is described in Section
4.3. Finally, the component databases and the technical structure of the
NVC information system are described in Section 4.4. The content of each
of these sections is in outline format for practical application and
referencing.

## ***4.1 Data Sources***

Assigning a cultural vegetation \'stand\' to a classification type at
each level of the classification hierarchy requires a defined set of
information. The cultural vegetation types in the NVC may be developed
through the analysis of imagery, thematic spatial data layers, and field
survey data. More and more detailed data are required to derive units at
consecutively finer levels of the classification hierarchy. Standard
sampling methods should be followed and documented to identify the
sample points, and uniform data collection protocols should be followed
to ensure consistency and comparability of the field data. The standards
for vegetation sampling methods for cultural vegetation will be
completed as a future stage of work by this Subcommittee. In the
meantime, standards for natural vegetation may be followed, if desired
(see Section 3.1).

## *4.2 Classification and Description*

A comprehensive list of the nation\'s cultural vegetation types is
currently a goal to be pursued in the long term application of this
Standard. The first approximation of a national list of cultural
vegetation types is provided in this standard, based on the work of NRI
(2003) (see Appendix I). This publication shall serve as the initial
basis for assigning vegetation stands to cultural types within the NVC.
A process to help users classify cultural vegetation will be developed
in the future involving Federal, State, and private agencies and
professional organizations. The standards for vegetation classification
and description for cultural vegetation will be completed as a future
stage of work by this Subcommittee. In the meantime, standards for
natural vegetation may be followed, as desired (see Section 3.2).

The nomenclature for planted and cultivated types shall initially follow
that of the NRI list shown in Appendix I. Where appropriate, it may
include the name of the species present (e.g., Corn). Preferably a Latin
name is also provided. If desired, the name may be modified by an
appropriate structural (formation) name (e.g. Corn Row Crop).

## ***4.3 Peer Review*** 

Questions regarding the use of this part of the classification may be
referred to the FGDC Vegetation Subcommittee, which shall maintain a
professional advisory panel authorized by the Subcommittee for review
and assistance. The Subcommittee or the authorized professional panel
shall ensure that the vegetation is classified within the NVC at the
appropriate level and type within the classification hierarchy.

## *4.4 Data Management and Dissemination*

The standards for data management and dissemination of cultural
vegetation information will be completed as a future stage of work by
this Subcommittee. In the meantime, standards for natural vegetation may
be followed (see Section 3.4).

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# **APPENDICES**

## Appendix A (Normative): Glossary 

**Agricultural Vegetation** --- a vegetation type that exhibits a) rapid
turnover in structure, typically at least on an annual basis, either
through comprehensive manipulation of physiognomy and floristics by
harvesting and/or planting, or by continual removal of above ground
structure (e.g., cutting, haying), or b) showing strong linear (planted)
features. The herbaceous layer may be bare at various times of the year.

**Abiotic** --- pertaining to the nonliving parts of an ecosystem, such
as soil particles, bedrock, air, and water (Helms 1998).

**Abundance** --- the total number of individuals of a taxon or taxa in
an area, volume, population, or community; often measured as cover in
plants (Lincoln et al. 1998).

**Alliance** --- a vegetation classification unit containing one or more
associations, with a defined by a characteristic range of species
composition, habitat conditions, physiognomy, and diagnostic species,
typically at least one of which is found in the upper most or dominant
stratum of the vegetation (Jennings et al.2006).

**Association** --- a vegetation classification unit defined on the
basis of a characteristic range of species composition, diagnostic
species occurrence, habitat conditions, and physiognomy (Jennings et al.
2006).

**Basal Area** --- the cross-sectional area of all stems of a species or
all stems in a stand measured at breast height (4.5 feet or 1.37 meters
above the ground) and expressed per unit of land area (Helms 1998).

**Canopy Cover** --- the percentage of ground covered by the vertical
projection of the outermost perimeter of the natural spread of foliage
of plants. Small openings in the canopy are included (SRM 1989, USDA
NRCS 1997). *cf.* foliar cover.

**Character species** --- a species that shows a distinct maximum
concentration (quantitatively and by presence) in a well-definable
vegetation types, sometimes recognized at local, regional, and general
geographic scales. Character species may also be viewed as very strong
differential species (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg 1974, p. 178, 208;
Bruelheide 2000). *cf.* differential species, fidelity.

**Class** --- see Formation Class.

**Classification** --- the grouping of similar types (in this case --
vegetation types) according to criteria (in this case - physiognomic and
floristic). The rules for classification shall be clarified prior to
delineation of the types within the classification standard.
Classification methods should be clear, precise, and based upon
objective criteria so that the outcome is theoretically independent of
who applies the classification. (UNEP/FAO 1995, FGDC 1997).

**Classification Plot Records** --- plot records that contain the data
necessary to inform the development or revision of the floristic units
within the NVC. Such plots typically contain high quality data on
floristic composition and structure, and conform to the standard
articulated in Section 3.1.1 (Jennings et al.2006). *cf.* Occurrence
Plot Records.

**Climax Vegetation** --- the final, relatively stable community at the
conclusion of ecological succession that is able to reproduce itself
indefinitely under existing environmental conditions (Gabriel and Talbot
1984).

**Close grown crops** --- crops that are generally drill-seeded or
broadcast, such as wheat, oats, rice, barley, and flax, resulting in
very narrow regularly spaced, structure (adapted from NRI 2003).

**Community** --- a group of organisms living together and linked
together by their effects on one another and their responses to the
environment they share (Whittaker 1975).

**Compositional similarity** --- the degree of commonality in species
composition between two plant communities, based on either species
presence (usually at broad scales) or species abundance (usually at fine
scales).

**Constancy** --- the percentage of plots in a given data set that a
taxon occurs in (Jennings et al. 2006).

**Constant species** --- -- species that are present in a high
percentage of the plots that define a type, often defined as those
species with at least 60% constancy (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg 1974,
p. 178). Sometimes referred to as "constant companion" species.

**Cover** --- see canopy cover, foliar cover.

**Cover Type** --- a vegetation type defined on the basis of the plant
species forming a plurality of composition and abundance (FGDC 1997;
also see Eyre 1980).

**Cropland** --- see Agricultural Vegetation.

**Cross-walk** --- to describe and document the relationships between
members of one set or series and members of another set or series. These
relationships may be one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many.

**Cryomorphic** --- pertaining to plants having structural or functional
adaptations to survive cold temperatures and resist frost damage (e.g.,
alpine creeping dwarf-shrubs,krummholz).

**Cultural Vegetation** --- vegetation with a distinctive structure,
composition, and development determined by regular human activity
(Küchler 1969).

**Developed Vegetation** --- a vegetation type that typically contains
an almost continuous herbaceous (typically grass) layer, with a closely
cropped physiognomy, typically through continual removal of above ground
structure (e.g. cutting, mowing), and where tree cover is highly
variable, or other highly manipulated planted gardens.

**Diagnostic Species** --- any species or group of species whose
relative constancy or abundance differentiates one vegetation type from
another (Jennings et al. 2006). It can include Character, Differential,
Constant, Indicator or Dominant species. Some authors restrict the term
to include only Character, Differential and Constant species (Westhoff
and van der Maarel 1973).

**Diagnostic Growth Form** --- any growth form or group of growth forms
whose relative constancy or abundance differentiates one vegetation type
from another. Diagnostic growth forms include Dominant Growth Form and
Indicator Growth Form.

**Differential Species** --- A plant species that is distinctly more
widespread or successful in one of a pair of plant communities than in
the other, although it may be still more successful in other communities
not under discussion (Curtis 1959, Bruelheide 2000). *cf.* character
species, fidelity.

**Division** --- the fourth level in the NVC natural vegetation
hierarchy, in which each vegetation unit is defined by a group of plant
communities in a given continental or other broad geographic area
exhibiting a common set of dominant growth forms and many diagnostic
plant taxa (including character taxa of the dominant growth forms)
corresponding to broad climatic and environmental characteristics.
(Westhoff and van der Maarel 1973, p 664-665, Whittaker 1975).

**Dominance** --- the extent to which a given taxon or growth form has a
strong influence in a community because of its size, abundance, or
cover. (Lincoln et al. 1998).

**Dominance Type** --- a class of communities defined by the dominance
of one or more species, which are usually the most important ones in the
uppermost or dominant layer of the community, but sometimes of a lower
layer of higher coverage (Gabriel and Talbot 1984).

**Dominant Growth Form** --- growth form with the highest percent of
cover, usually in the uppermost dominant layer (in other contexts
dominant growth forms can be defined in terms of biomass, density,
height, coverage, etc.

**Dominant Species** --- species with the highest percent of cover,
usually in the uppermost dominant layer (in other contexts dominant
species can be defined in terms of biomass, density, height, coverage,
etc. (Kimmins 1997).

**Entitation** --- the process by which we recognize and define
entities, usually by dividing a continuously varying phenomenon into a
set of discreet entities. In vegetation ecology entitation refers to the
act of segmenting an area of vegetation into homogeneous entities,
within which samples (plots) can be placed (Mueller-Dombois and
Ellenberg 1974), or the division of community data (usually plot data)
into discrete vegetation classes.

**Epiphyte** --- a vascular or nonvascular plant that grows by
germinating and rooting on other plants or other perched structures, and
does not root in the ground (adapted from FGDC 1997).

**Existing Vegetation** --- vegetation found at a given location at the
time of observation (Jennings et al.2006). cf. Potential Natural
Vegetation.

**Fidelity** --- the degree to which a species is confined in a given
vegetation unit. The fidelity of a species determines whether it can be
considered a **differential** or **character** species, or just a
companion (a species not particularly restricted to any vegetation type)
or **accidental** species (a species not normally occurring in a
particular vegetation type or habitat), (Bruelheide 2000, Lincoln et al.
1998).

**Field Stratum** --- the layer of vegetation consisting of herbs,
regardless of height, as well as woody plants less than 0.5 m in height
(Jennings et al. 2006).

**Floating Aquatic Stratum** --- the layer of vegetation consisting of
rooted or drifting plants that float on the water surface; e.g.
duckweed, water-lily (Jennings et al. 2006).

**Foliar Cover** --- the percentage of ground covered by the vertical
projection of the aerial portion of plants. Small openings in the canopy
and intraspecific overlap are excluded (SRM 1989) *cf.* canopy cover.

**Forb** --- a non-aquatic, non-graminoid herb with relatively broad
leaves and/or showy flowers. Includes both flowering and spore-bearing,
non-graminoid herbs.

**Formation** --- the third level in the NVC natural vegetation
hierarchy, in which each vegetation unit is defined by a geographically
widespread (global) plant communities of similar physiognomy and
dominant growth forms, typically related to major topographic and
edaphic conditions occurring within major climatic conditions (Whittaker
1975, Lincoln et al. 1998).

**Formation Class** --- the first (highest) level in the NVC natural
vegetation hierarchy, in which each vegetation unit is defined by a
characteristic combination of dominant growth forms adapted to a very
basic set of moisture / temperature regimes.

**Formation Subclass** --- the second level in the NVC natural
vegetation hierarchy, in which each vegetation unit is defined by
geographically widespread (global) plant communities of similar
physiognomy and dominant growth forms, typically related to major
climatic conditions (Whittaker 1975, Lincoln et al. 1998).

**Frequency** --- percentage of occurrence of a species in a series of
samples of uniform size contained in a single stand (Daubenmire 1968).

**Graminoid** --- a non-aquatic, flowering herb with relatively long,
narrow leaves and inconspicuous flowers with parts reduced to bracts.
Includes grasses, sedges, rushes, and arrowgrasses.

**Ground Stratum** --- *cf.* nonvascular stratum.

**Group** --- the sixth level in the NVC natural vegetation hierarchy,
in which each vegetation unit is defined by a group of plant communities
with a common set of growth forms and diagnostic species or taxa
(including several character species of the dominant growth forms),
preferentially sharing a similar set of regional edaphic, topographic,
and disturbance factors. (cf. Pignatti et al. 1995, Specht and Specht
2001)

**Growth form** --- the shape or appearance of a plant reflecting
growing conditions and genetics. Growth form is usually consistent
within a species, but may vary under extremes of environment
(Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg1974). Growth forms determine the visible
structure or physiognomy of plant communities (Whittaker 1973a).

**Habitat** --- a general term referring to the locality, site and
particular type of local environment occupied by an organisim or
community (adapted from Lincoln et al. 1998).

**Habitat Type** --- a collective term for all parts of the land surface
supporting, or capable of supporting, a particular kind of climax plant
association (Daubenmire 1978; Gabriel and Talbot 1984).

**Herb** --- a vascular plant without perennial aboveground woody stems,
with perennating buds borne at or below the ground surface (Whittaker
1975, FGDC 1997). Includes forbs (both flowering forbs and spore-bearing
ferns), graminoids, and herbaceous vines.

**Herb Stratum** --- see Field Stratum.

**Hydromorphic** --- pertaining to plants having structural or
functional adaptations for living in water-dominated or aquatic habitats
(adapted from FGDC 1997 and Lincoln et al. 1998).

**Indicator Growth Form** --- a growth form whose presence, abundance,
or vigor is considered to indicate certain site conditions.

**Indicator Species** --- a species whose presence, abundance, or vigor
is considered to indicate certain site conditions (Gabriel and Talbot
1984).

**Informative Appendix** --- an appendix giving additional information
with is not part of the Standard. They are provided only for the
purposes of clarification, illustration, and general information in
respect to the standard (FGDC 2002).

**Land Cover** --- the observed (bio)physical cover of the earth's
surface (Di Gregorio and Jansen 1996).

**Land Use** --- the arrangements, activities, and inputs people
undertake in a certain land cover type to produce, change, or maintain
it (Di Gregorio and Jansen 1996).

**Layer (vegetation)** --- a structural component of a community
consisting of plants of approximately the same height and growth form
(e.g., tree overstory, tree regeneration). *cf.* Stratum.

**Liana** --- a woody, climbing plant that begins life as terrestrial
seedlings but relies on external structural support for height growth
during some part of its life (Gerwing 2004), typically exceeding 5 m in
height or length at maturity.

**Life form** --- plant type defined by the characteristic structural
features and method of perennation, generally as defined by Raunkiaer
(1934; see Beard 1973).

**Lithomorphic** --- pertaining to plants having structural or
functional adaptations for living on rock surfaces or in rocky
substrates (i.e. particle sizes larger than 2 mm diameter (adapted from
Lincoln et al. 1998).

**Macroclimate** --- the climate of a major geographical region
primarily reflecting latitude and continental position, excluding the
effects of landform and vegetation (adapted from Bailey 1988, 1996;
Lincoln et al. 1998; Forman and Godron 1986).

**Macrogroup** --- the fifth level in the NVC natural vegetation
hierarchy, in which each vegetation unit is defined by a group of plant
communities with a common set of growth forms and many diagnostic plant
taxa, including many character taxa of the dominant growth forms,
preferentially sharing a broadly similar geographic region and regional
climate, and disturbance. (cf Pignatti et al. 1995, and Braun-Blanquet
concept of "Class").

**Mesoclimate** --- the climate of a geographic area resulting from
modification of the macroclimate by the influences of landforms,
altitude, aspect, and slope gradient (Bailey 1988, 1996).

**Mesomorphic** --- pertaining to plants requiring environmental
conditions of moderate moisture and temperature or which are only
partially protected against desiccation (adapted from Lincoln et al.
1998).

**Metadata** --- information about data. This describes the content,
quality, condition, and other characteristics of a given dataset. Its
purpose is to provide information about a dataset or some larger data
holdings to data catalogues, clearinghouses, and users. Metadata are
intended to provide a capability for organizing and maintaining an
institution's investment in data as well as to provide information for
the application and interpretation of data received through a transfer
from an external source (FGDC 1997).

**Microclimate** --- the climate of the immediate surroundings or
habitat resulting from modification of the mesoclimate by the influences
of local topography, vegetation, and soil (adapted from Lincoln et al.
1998 and Bailey 1988, 1996).

**Moss Stratum** --- see Ground Stratum.

**Natural Vegetation** --- vegetation where ecological processes
primarily determine species and site characteristics; that is,
vegetation comprised of a largely spontaneously growing set of plant
species that are shaped by both site and biotic processes (Kuchler 1969,
Westhoff and Van der Maarel. 1973).

**Nonvascular** --- a plant or plant-like organism without specialized
water or fluid conductive tissue (xylem and phloem). Includes mosses,
liverworts, hornworts, lichens, and algae (adapted from FGDC 1997).

**Nonvascular Stratum** --- the layer of vegetation consisting of
non-vascular plants growing on soil or rock surfaces. This includes
mosses, liverworts, hornworts, lichens, and algae (Jennings et al.
2006). Sometimes called the Ground Stratum.

**Non-vegetated** --- A category used to classify lands with limited
capacity to support life and typically having less than 1 percent
vegetative cover. Vegetation, if present, is widely spaced. Typically,
the surface of barren land is sand, rock, exposed subsoil, or
salt-affected soils. Subcategories include salt flats; sand dunes; mud
flats; beaches; bare exposed rock; quarries, strip mines, gravel pits,
and borrow pits; river wash; oil wasteland; mixed barren lands; and
other barren land (adapted from NRI 2003). Exceptions include vegetation
which exhibits a distinct composition under very sparse conditions
(e.g., sea rocket coastal shore vegetation, or amaranth coastal
vegetation). These types rarely have greater than 1% cover.

**Normative Appendix** --- an appendix which contains information which
is an integral part of the Standard, but for reasons of convenience is
placed in an appendix (FGDC 2002).

**Occurrence Plot Records** --- plot records that contain data valuable
for ecological and geographical characterization of vegetation, but
which do not contain sufficient data to be used in quantitative
description of an association or alliance (see Section 3.1.1 (Jennings
et al.2006). *cf.* Classification Plot Records.

**Physiognomy** --- the visible structure or outward appearance of a
plant community as expressed by the dominant growth forms, such as their
leaf appearance or deciduousness (Fosberg 1961, Jennings et al. 2006)
*cf.* structure.

**Plant Community** --- a group of plant species living together and
linked together by their effects on one another and their responses to
the environment they share (modified from Whittaker 1975). Typically the
plant species that co-occur in a plant community show a definite
association or affinity with each other (Kent and Coker 1992).

**Planted/Cultivated** --- see Cultural Vegetation.

**Plot** --- in the context of vegetation classification, an area of
defined size and shape that is intended for characterizing a homogenous
occurrence of vegetation. *cf.* relevé.

**Potential Natural Vegetation** --- the vegetation that would become
established if successional sequences were completed without
interference by man or natural disturbance under the present climatic
and edaphic conditions (Tüxen 1956). *cf.* existing vegetation.

**Range of Variation** --- the values of an attribute, such as species
composition or environmental parameters, that fall within the upper and
lower bounds determined for that attribute. The range of variation in
the floristic composition of a vegetation type may, for example, be
expressed in terms of its beta diversity (*cf.* Wilson and Shmida 1984,
McCune et al. 2002), either along an environmental gradient or as the
amount of compositional change among a group of plots.

**Relevé** --- a record of vegetation intended for characterizing a
stand of vegetation having uniform habitat and relatively homogeneous
plant cover, and which is large enough in area to contain a large
proportion of the species typically occurring in the plant community
(Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg 1974) *cf.* plot.

**Reserved** --- a section of the FGDC standard that will be addressed
or developed in subsequent versions.

**Sampling Strategy** --- the means and criteria used to select the
locations for plots (based on Tart et al. 2005b, Mueller-Dombois and
Ellenberg 1974, and Gauch 1982).

**Seral** --- a vegetation type (or component species) that is
nonclimax; a species or community demonstrably susceptible to
replacement by another species or community (Daubenmire 1978).

**Semi-Natural Vegetation** --- vegetation in which past or present
human activities significantly influence composition or structure, but
do not eliminate or dominate spontaneous ecological processes (Westhoff
and Van der Maarel 1973).

**Sere** --- a continuous sequence of community types that occur in a
successional sequence prior to reaching the climax type (Jennings et al.
2006).

**Shrub** --- a woody plant that generally has several erect, spreading,
or prostrate stems which give it a bushy appearance. In instances where
growth form cannot be determined, woody plants less than 5 m in height
at maturity shall be considered shrubs. Includes dwarf-shrubs,
krummholz, and low or short woody vines (adapted from FGDC 1997 and Box
1981).

**Shrub Stratum** --- the layer of vegetation consisting of woody plants
more than 0.5 m tall but less than 5 m in height, such as shrubs, tree
seedling and saplings, and lianas. Epiphytes may also be included in
this stratum. Rooted herbs are excluded even if they are over 0.5 m in
height (adapted from Jennings et al. 2006).

**Stand** --- a spatially continuous unit of vegetation with uniform
composition, structure, and environmental conditions. This term is often
used to indicate a particular example of a plant community (Jennings et
al. 2006).

**Stratum** --- a structural component of a community consisting of
plants of approximately the same height; e.g., tree, shrub, or herb
strata (Jennings et al. 2006).

**Structure (vegetation)** --- (1) the spatial pattern of growth forms
in a plant community, especially with regard to their height, abundance,
or coverage within the individual layers (Gabriel and Talbot 1984). (2)
the spatial arrangement of the components of vegetation resulting from
plant size and height, vertical stratification into layers, and
horizontal spacing of plants (Lincoln et al, 1998, Mueller-Dombois and
Ellenberg 1974). *cf.* physiognomy.

**Subclass** --- the level in the NVC classification hierarchy under
class (see Figure 1) based on growth form characteristics (Grossman et
al. 1998).

**Subclimax** --- the stage plant succession immediately preceding the
climax stage (Gabriel and Talbot 1984).

**Submerged Aquatic Stratum** --- the layer of vegetation consisting of
rooted or drifting plants that by-and-large remain submerged in the
water column or on the aquatic bottom; e.g. sea grass (Jennings et al.
2006).

**Taxon-concept** ---when used with respect to taxonomic nomenclature,
the combination of a taxon name along with a reference to a
circumscribed taxonomic concept (as in "potential taxon" of Berendsohn
(1995) or "assertion" of Pyle (2004)).

**Tree** --- a woody plant that generally has a single main stem and a
more or less definite crown. In instances where growth form cannot be
determined, woody plants equal to or greater than 5 m in height at
maturity shall be considered trees (adapted from FGDC 1997). Includes
dwarf trees (Tart et al. 2005b) or "treelets" (Box 1981).

**Tree Stratum** --- the layer of vegetation consisting of woody plants
more than 5 m in height, including mature trees, shrubs over 5 m tall,
and lianas. Epiphytes growing on these woody plants are also included in
this stratum (Jennings et al. 2006).

**Type** --- see Vegetation Type.

**Vegetation** --- the collective plant cover of an area (FGDC 1997)

**Vegetation type** --- a named category of plant community or
vegetation defined on the basis of shared floristic and/or physiognomic
characteristics that distinguish it from other kinds of plant
communities or vegetation (Tart et al. 2005a). This term can refer to
units in any level of the NVC hierarchy.

**Xeromorphic** --- pertaining to plants having structural or functional
adaptations to prevent water loss by evaporation (Lincoln et al. 1998).

## Appendix B (Informative). Relation of USNVC to Land Cover Classifications

Table B.1. Comparison of FAO LCCS Land Cover Types (based on structural
domains) and National Land Cover Database (NLCD) types with that of NVC
Levels 1&2 (see Di Gregorio and Jansen 1996, USGS 2001).

+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
|    |   | **C       |                |              |                |
|    |   | ATEGORY** |                |              |                |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
| 1  | 2 | **LCCS**  | **LCCS Major   | **NLCD (\*   | **NVC Level**  |
|    |   |           | Land Cover     | indicates    |                |
|    |   |           | Type with      | applies to   |                |
|    |   |           | Structural     | Alaskan      |                |
|    |   |           | Domain**       | tundra       |                |
|    |   |           |                | only).**     |                |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
| >  | > | TER       | Forest &       | • **Forest** | **Forest &     |
|  V |   | RESTRIAL: | Woodland       |              | Woodland**     |
| EG | N | A12.      |                | **•          |                |
| ET | A | Natural   | Thicket &      | Shrubland**  | **Shrubland &  |
| AT | T | and       | Shrubland      |              | Grassland**    |
| ED | U | Sem       |                | -- Dwarf     |                |
|    | R | i-Natural | Grasslands     | Shrub\*      | *              |
|    | A | Te        |                |              | *Semi-Desert** |
|    | L | rrestrial | Sparse         | --           |                |
|    |   | V         | Vegetation     | Shrub/Scrub  | **Polar & High |
|    |   | egetation |                |              | Montane        |
|    |   |           | Lichens/Mosses | •            | Vegetation**   |
|    |   |           |                | *            |                |
|    |   |           |                | *Grasslands/ | **Aquatic      |
|    |   |           |                | Herbaceous** | Vegetation**   |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                | --           | **Nonvascular  |
|    |   |           |                | Grasslan     | & Sparse       |
|    |   |           |                | d/Herbaceous | Vascular       |
|    |   |           |                |              | Vegetation**   |
|    |   |           |                | -- Sedge     |                |
|    |   |           |                | Herbaceous\* |                |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                | **•          |                |
|    |   |           |                | No           |                |
|    |   |           |                | n-Vascular** |                |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                | -- Lichens\* |                |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                | -- Moss\*•   |                |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                | **Wetlands** |                |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                | Forested     |                |
|    |   |           |                | Wetland      |                |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                | Scrub/Shrub  |                |
|    |   |           |                | Wetland      |                |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                | Emergent     |                |
|    |   |           |                | Herb Wetland |                |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                | Aquatic Bed  |                |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
|    |   | WE        | Forest &       |              |                |
|    |   | TLAND/AQU | Woodland       |              |                |
|    |   | ATIC:A24. |                |              |                |
|    |   | Natural   | Closed Shrubs  |              |                |
|    |   | and       | & Open Shrubs  |              |                |
|    |   | Sem       |                |              |                |
|    |   | i-Natural | Grasslands     |              |                |
|    |   | Aquatic   |                |              |                |
|    |   | or        | Sparse         |              |                |
|    |   | Regularly | Vegetation     |              |                |
|    |   | Flooded   |                |              |                |
|    |   | V         | Lichens/Mosses |              |                |
|    |   | egetation |                |              |                |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
|    | > | TER       | • Agriculture  | •            | •              |
|    |   | RESTRIAL: |                | **A          | **Agricultural |
|    | C |           | > Tree Crops   | griculture** | Vegetation**   |
|    | U | A11.      | >              |              |                |
|    | L | C         | > Shrub Crops  | \-           | \- Woody Ag.   |
|    | T | ultivated | >              | Cultivated   | Vegetation     |
|    | U | and       | > Herbaceous   | Crops        |                |
|    | R | Managed   | > Crops        | (woody)      | Woody          |
|    | A | Te        |                |              | Horticultural  |
|    | L | rrestrial | • Developed    | \-           | Crops          |
|    |   | Areas     |                | Cultivated   |                |
|    |   |           | > Managed      | Crops (herb) | Other Woody    |
|    |   |           | > Lands        |              | Ag. Vegetation |
|    |   |           | >              | \-           |                |
|    |   |           | > \- parks     | Pasture/Hay  | \- Herbaceous  |
|    |   |           | > (woody)      |              | Ag. Vegetation |
|    |   |           | >              | •            |                |
|    |   |           | > \- parkland  | *            | Cultivated     |
|    |   |           | > (scattered   | *Developed** | Crop           |
|    |   |           | > woody)       |              |                |
|    |   |           | >              | --           | Pasture/Hay    |
|    |   |           | > \- lawns     | Developed,   |                |
|    |   |           | > (herb)       | Open Space   | Other          |
|    |   |           |                |              | Herbaceous Ag  |
|    |   |           |                |              | Vegetation     |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                |              | • **Developed  |
|    |   |           |                |              | Vegetation**   |
|    |   |           |                |              |                |
|    |   |           |                |              | \- Herbaceous  |
|    |   |           |                |              | and Woody      |
|    |   |           |                |              | Developed      |
|    |   |           |                |              | Vegetation     |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
|    |   | WETLAND   | \- Aquatic Or  | ?            |                |
|    |   | /AQUATIC: | Regularly      |              |                |
|    |   |           | Flooded        |              |                |
|    |   | A23.      | Graminoid      |              |                |
|    |   | C         | Crops          |              |                |
|    |   | ultivated |                |              |                |
|    |   | Aquatic   | \- Aquatic Or  |              |                |
|    |   | or        | Regularly      |              |                |
|    |   | Regularly | Flooded        |              |                |
|    |   | Flooded   | Non-Graminoid  |              |                |
|    |   | Areas     | Crops          |              |                |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
| >  | > | TER       | Consolidated   | • **Barren** | FAO            |
|  N |   | RESTRIAL: | Areas          |              | (informative)  |
| ON | N |           |                | --           |                |
| -V | A | B16. Bare | Unconsolidated | Ro           |                |
| EG | T | Areas     | Areas          | ck/Sand/Clay |                |
| ET | U |           |                |              |                |
| AT | R |           |                | --           |                |
| ED | A |           |                | Un           |                |
|    | L |           |                | consolidated |                |
|    |   |           |                | Shore\*\*    |                |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
|    |   | AQUATIC:  | Natural        | • **Water**  | FAO            |
|    |   |           | Waterbodies    |              | (informative)  |
|    |   | B28.      |                | -- Open      |                |
|    |   | Natural   | Snow           | Water        |                |
|    |   | Wat       |                |              |                |
|    |   | erbodies, | Ice            | -- Perennial |                |
|    |   | Snow and  |                | Ice/Snow     |                |
|    |   | Ice       |                |              |                |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
|    | > | TER       | Built-Up Areas | **•          | (FAO           |
|    |   | RESTRIAL: | (Developed)    | Developed**  | informative)   |
|    | C |           |                |              |                |
|    | U | B15.      | Non Built-Up   | -- Low       |                |
|    | L | A         | Areas (Waste)  | Intensity    |                |
|    | T | rtificial |                |              |                |
|    | U | Surfaces  |                | -- Medium    |                |
|    | R | and       |                | Intensity    |                |
|    | A | A         |                |              |                |
|    | L | ssociated |                | -- High      |                |
|    |   | Areas     |                | Intensity    |                |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+
|    |   | AQUATIC:  | Artificial     | • **Water**  | FAO            |
|    |   |           | Waterbodies    |              | (informative)  |
|    |   | B27.      |                | -- Open      |                |
|    |   | A         | Artificial     | Water        |                |
|    |   | rtificial | Snow           |              |                |
|    |   | Surfaces  |                | -- Perennial |                |
|    |   | and       | Artificial Ice | Ice/Snow     |                |
|    |   | A         |                |              |                |
|    |   | ssociated |                |              |                |
|    |   | Areas     |                |              |                |
+----+---+-----------+----------------+--------------+----------------+

Table B2. Relation of NRCS National Resources Inventory classification
(NRI 2003) used on non-federal lands in the lower 48 States, to the
broad categories and classification units of the NVC.

  --------------- --------------- ---------------------- -------------------
  **Category 1**  **Category 2**  **NVC Level 1          **NRCS NRI
                                  (vegetated) or FAO     Category**
                                  equivalents            
                                  (non-vegetated**       

  VEGETATED       NATURAL         Forest & Woodland      Forest Land

                                  Shrubland & Grassland  Rangeland

                                  Semi-Desert            

                                  Polar & High Montane   
                                  Vegetation             

                                  Aquatic Vegetation     

                                  Nonvascular & Sparse   
                                  Vascular Vegetation    

                  CULTURAL        Agricultural           Cropland
                                  Vegetation             

                                                         Pastureland

                                  Developed Vegetation   Developed Land

                                                         Other Rural Land
                                                         (?)

  NON-VEGETATED   NATURAL         *NATURAL NON-VEGETATED Other Rural Land
                                  TERRESTRIAL AREAS*     (?)

                                  *NATURAL NON-VEGETATED Water
                                  WATERBODIES (Open      
                                  water)*                

                  CULTURAL        *CULTURAL              Other Rural Land
                                  NON-VEGETATED          (?)
                                  TERRESTRIAL AREAS*     

                                  *CULTURAL              Water
                                  NON-VEGETATED          
                                  WATER-BODIES (Open     
                                  Water)*                
  --------------- --------------- ---------------------- -------------------

## Appendix C (Informative): Multilingual version of natural hierarchy.

*Table C.1. Multilingual version of names for the levels of the natural
vegetation hierarchy*

  --------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
  *Level*   *English      *English      *French Name* *French Short *Spanish     *Spanish
            name*         Short name*                 Name*         Name*        Short Name*

  1         Formation     Class         Classe de     Classe        Clase de     Clase
            Class                       formation                   formación    

  2         Formation     Subclass      Sous-classe   Sous-classe   Subclase de  Subclase
            Subclass                    de formation                formación    

  3         Formation     Formation     Formation     Formation     Formación    Formación

  4         Division      Division      Division      Division      División     División

  5         Macrogroup    Macrogroup    Macrogroupe   Macrogroupe   Macrogrupo   Macrogrupo

  6         Group         Group         Groupe        Groupe        Grupo        Grupo

  7         Alliance      Alliance      Alliance      Alliance      Alianza      Alianza

  8         Association   Association   Association   Association   Asociación   Asociación
  --------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------

##  {#section-5 .unnumbered}

##   {#section-6 .unnumbered}

## Appendix D (Normative): Required attributes for plots

***Classification plots*** provide data needed to develop and define
classified vegetation types. ***Occurrence plots*** document a less
formal observation of a known vegetation type at a location. Required
fields are those minimally needed to serve as either classification or
occurrence plots. The required information includes the plot data
itself, metadata about the plot, and information about each assignment
of a field plot to a vegetation type.

## *D.1 Information required in field plot data sets.*

Field plot data includes the following kinds of information

1.  Information required in the field plot record.

2.  Information required for the plot vegetation.

3.  Information required for the plot location.

4.  Information about the plot environment.

Tables D.1.1 through D.1.4 describe field plot data requirements.

**Table D.1.1 ― Information required in the field plot record**.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attribute Name** **Attribute Definition**       **Classification   **Occurrence
                                                    Plots**            Plots**
  ------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------ --------------
  Author Plot Code   Author\'s plot number/code, or Required           Required
                     the original plot number if                       
                     taken from literature.                            

  Author Observation Code or name that the author   Required           
  Code               uses to identify this plot                        
                     observation. Where a plot has                     
                     only one observation, this                        
                     code may equal Author Plot                        
                     Code.                                             

  Observation Start  The date of the observation,   Required           Required
  Date               or the first day if the                           
                     observation spanned more than                     
                     one day.                                          

  Date Accuracy      Estimated accuracy of the      Required           
                     observation date. Accuracy is                     
                     often low for legacy data.                        
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

**[Table D.1.2. ― Information required for the plot
vegetation.]{.mark}**

+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Attribute     | **Attribute Definition**     | **Class   | **Occu |
| Name**          |                              | ification | rrence |
|                 |                              | Plots**   | P      |
|                 |                              |           | lots** |
+=================+==============================+===========+========+
| []{.mark}       |                              |           |        |
|                 |                              |           |        |
| ***The          |                              |           |        |
| following       |                              |           |        |
| stratum         |                              |           |        |
| variables are   |                              |           |        |
| recorded once   |                              |           |        |
| for each        |                              |           |        |
| stratum         |                              |           |        |
| recognized.***  |                              |           |        |
|                 |                              |           |        |
| ***While not    |                              |           |        |
| strictly        |                              |           |        |
| required,       |                              |           |        |
| measurements of |                              |           |        |
| strata are a    |                              |           |        |
| best            |                              |           |        |
| practice.***    |                              |           |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Stratum Index   | Indices used to represent    | Required  |        |
|                 | stratum                      | only if   |        |
|                 |                              | strata    |        |
|                 |                              | are       |        |
|                 |                              | recorded  |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Stratum Name    | Name of stratum              | Required  |        |
|                 |                              | only if   |        |
|                 |                              | strata    |        |
|                 |                              | are       |        |
|                 |                              | recorded  |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Stratum         | Description of stratum       | Required  |        |
| Description     |                              | only if   |        |
|                 |                              | strata    |        |
|                 |                              | are       |        |
|                 |                              | recorded  |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Stratum Cover   | Total cover of vegetation    | Required  |        |
|                 | within the given stratum in  | only if   |        |
|                 | percent.                     | strata    |        |
|                 |                              | are       |        |
|                 |                              | recorded  |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| []{.mark}       |                              |           |        |
|                 |                              |           |        |
| ***The          |                              |           |        |
| following       |                              |           |        |
| growth form     |                              |           |        |
| variables are   |                              |           |        |
| recorded once   |                              |           |        |
| for each growth |                              |           |        |
| form            |                              |           |        |
| recognized.***  |                              |           |        |
|                 |                              |           |        |
| ***While not    |                              |           |        |
| strictly        |                              |           |        |
| required,       |                              |           |        |
| measurements of |                              |           |        |
| growth form are |                              |           |        |
| a best          |                              |           |        |
| practice. If    |                              |           |        |
| growth forms    |                              |           |        |
| are measured,   |                              |           |        |
| the first three |                              |           |        |
| and last are    |                              |           |        |
| required***     |                              |           |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Growth Form     | Indices used to represent    | Required  |        |
| Index           | growth form                  | only if   |        |
|                 |                              | growth    |        |
|                 |                              | forms are |        |
|                 |                              | recorded  |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Growth Form     | Name of growth form          | Required  |        |
| Name            |                              | only if   |        |
|                 |                              | growth    |        |
|                 |                              | forms are |        |
|                 |                              | recorded  |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Growth Form     | Description of growth form   | Required  |        |
| Description     |                              | only if   |        |
|                 |                              | growth    |        |
|                 |                              | forms are |        |
|                 |                              | recorded  |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Growth Form     | Total cover of vegetation    | Required  |        |
| Cover           | for the growth form in       | only if   |        |
|                 | percent.                     | growth    |        |
|                 |                              | forms are |        |
|                 |                              | recorded  |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| []{.mark}       |                              |           |        |
|                 |                              |           |        |
| ***The          |                              |           |        |
| following apply |                              |           |        |
| for recording   |                              |           |        |
| plant taxa,     |                              |           |        |
| with at least   |                              |           |        |
| one record per  |                              |           |        |
| taxon, and      |                              |           |        |
| multiple        |                              |           |        |
| records when    |                              |           |        |
| taxa are        |                              |           |        |
| observed in     |                              |           |        |
| multiple        |                              |           |        |
| strata.***      |                              |           |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Plant Name      | Name of the taxon. For       | Required  | Re     |
|                 | occurrence plots, only       | if        | quired |
|                 | dominant taxa are required,  | species   | if     |
|                 | whereas for classification   | are       | s      |
|                 | plots a comprehensive list   | recorded  | pecies |
|                 | of taxa is required.         |           | are    |
|                 |                              |           | re     |
|                 |                              |           | corded |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Plant Reference | Authority followed for taxon | Required  | Re     |
|                 | (could be entered by taxon,  | if        | quired |
|                 | or collectively for the      | species   | if     |
|                 | whole plot or as a default   | are       | s      |
|                 | where not otherwise          | recorded  | pecies |
|                 | specified in the metadata).  |           | are    |
|                 |                              |           | re     |
|                 |                              |           | corded |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Taxon Cover     | Overall cover of the taxon   | Required  | Re     |
|                 | across all strata. For       | if        | quired |
|                 | occurrence plots, only       | species   | if     |
|                 | dominant taxa are required,  | are       | s      |
|                 | whereas for classification   | recorded  | pecies |
|                 | plots a comprehensive list   |           | are    |
|                 | of taxa is required.         |           | re     |
|                 |                              |           | corded |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+
| Taxon Inference | This is the area in square   | Required  |        |
| Area            | meters used to estimate the  | if        |        |
|                 | cover of a given taxon.      | species   |        |
|                 | Generally this should be     | are       |        |
|                 | equal to Taxon Observation   | recorded  |        |
|                 | Area, but at times this area |           |        |
|                 | may be larger or smaller for |           |        |
|                 | a specific taxon.            |           |        |
+-----------------+------------------------------+-----------+--------+

**Table D.1.3 ― Information required for the plot location.**

(some may be determined after a return to office, for example, with
coordinate conversions)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attribute Name** **Attribute Definition**       **Classification   **Occurrence
                                                    Plots**            Plots**
  ------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------ --------------
  Latitude &         WGS84 Latitude and Longitude   Required           Required
  Longitude          of the plot origin in degrees                     
                     and decimals following any                        
                     adjustments, conversions and                      
                     postprocessing.                                   

  Type of Field      Coordinates recorded in the    Required           Required
  Coordinates        field (latitude and longitude                     
                     with datum, UTM with datum, or                    
                     alternative geographic                            
                     projection with units,                            
                     longitude of center of                            
                     projection, latitude of center                    
                     of projection, False easting,                     
                     False northing, X axis shift,                     
                     & Y axis shift)                                   

  Location Accuracy  Estimated accuracy of the                         Required
                     location of the plot. Plot                        
                     origin has a 95% or greater                       
                     probability of being within                       
                     this many meters of the                           
                     reported location.                                

  Area               Total area of the plot in      Required           
                     square meters. If many                            
                     subplots, this area includes                      
                     the subplots and the                              
                     interstitial space.                               
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Table D.1.4 ― Information about the plot environment.**

**(Reserved)**

There are no required plot environment fields, because no one set of
factors is relevant for all vegetation types. Provisions shall be made
in the database to store a variety of plot environment information.

## *D.2 Information to be included as field plot metadata.*

Field plot metadata includes the following kinds of information

1.  Metadata about the plot and the plot observation.

2.  Metadata about the methods used to collect the field data.

3.  Metadata about the human sources of the field data.

4.  Metadata about references for other sources of plot data.

Tables D.2.1 through D.2.4 describe the required metadata attributes.

**Table D.2.1 ―** Metadata about the plot and the plot observation.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attribute Name** **Attribute Definition**       **Classification   **Occurrence
                                                    Plots**            Plots**
  ------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------ --------------
  Plot Type          Indicate if information is     Required           
                     recorded from the entire plot                     
                     or from subplots. If from                         
                     subplots indicate how the                         
                     subplots were configured:                         
                     contiguous, regular, random,                      
                     or haphazard                                      

  Taxon Observation  The total surface area (in     Required           
  Area               square meters) used for cover                     
                     estimates and for which a                         
                     complete species list is                          
                     provided. If subplots were                        
                     used, this would be the total                     
                     area of the subplots without                      
                     interstitial space.                               

  Cover Dispersion   Indication of how cover values Required           
                     for the total taxon list were                     
                     collected; i.e., from one                         
                     contiguous area or dispersed                      
                     subplots (e.g., contiguous,                       
                     dispersed-regular,                                
                     dispersed-random)?                                
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Table D.2.2 ― Metadata about the methods used to collect the field
data.**

Identify the stratum/growth form method used. Vertical strata used for
recording taxon cover shall be defined in terms of their upper and lower
limits with this information reported in Table 1.2.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attribute Name** **Attribute Definition**       **Classification   **Occurrence
                                                    Plots**            Plots**
  ------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------ --------------
  Stratum/Growth     Name of the stratum/growth     Required           
  Form Method Name   form method. Any appropriate                      
                     label (e.g., NVC,                                 
                     Braun-Blanquet, NatureServe,                      
                     North Carolina Vegetation                         
                     Survey #1, etc..).                                

  Stratum/Growth     This field describes the       Required           
  Form Method        general methods used for                          
  Description        strata/growth forms.                              

  Cover Class Method Name of the cover class method Required           
                     (e.g., Braun-Blanquet,                            
                     Barkman, Domin, Daubenmire,                       
                     North Carolina Vegetation                         
                     Survey, etc.).                                    

  Cover Source       Direct Field Measure, Indirect Required           
                     (calculated) Measure                              

  Cover Code         The name or label used in the  Required           
                     cover class scale for this                        
                     specific cover class.                             

  Cover Code Upper   Upper limit, in percent,       Required           
  Limit              associated with the specific                      
                     cover code.                                       

  Cover Code Lower   This is the lower limit, in    Required           
  Limit              percent, associated with a                        
                     specific Cover Code.                              
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Table D.2.3 ―** Metadata about the human sources of the field data.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attribute Name** **Attribute Definition**       **Classification   **Occurrence
                                                    Plots**            Plots**
  ------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------ --------------
  Given Name         One\'s first name.             Required           Required

  Surname            Name shared in common to       Required           Required
                     identify the members of a                         
                     family, as distinguished from                     
                     each member\'s given name.                        

  Address Start Date The first date on which the    Required           Required
                     address/organization                              
                     information was applied                           

  ***The following                                                     
  may be repeated an                                                   
  indefinite number                                                    
  of times per                                                         
  person***                                                            

  Role: Plot         Name of the person submitting  Required           Required
  submitter          the analysis.                                     

  Role: Plot Primary Name of the person who made    Required           Required
  Field Observer     the field observation (e.g.,                      
                     PI, technician, volunteer,                        
                     etc.).                                            

  Role: Plot Author  Name of the author of the plot Required           Required
                     record.                                           
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Table D.2.4 ― Metadata about references for other sources of plot
data.**

These fields are used when plot observations are taken from published
literature sources.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attribute Name** **Attribute Definition**       **Classification   **Occurrence
                                                    Plots**            Plots**
  ------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------ --------------
  Authors            Name of authors if plot record Required           Required
                     is taken from published work.                     

  Title              Title of publication, if plot  Required           Required
                     record is taken from published                    
                     work.                                             

  Publication Date   Date of publication, if plot   Required           Required
                     record is taken from published                    
                     work.                                             

  Edition            Edition of publication if      Required           Required
                     applicable, and if plot record                    
                     is taken from published work.                     

  Series Name        Name of publication series, if Required           Required
                     applicable, and if plot record                    
                     is taken from published work.                     

  Page               Page number of publication, if Required           Required
                     plot record is taken from                         
                     published work.                                   

  Table Cited        Table number or code, if       Required           Required
                     applicable and if plot record                     
                     is taken from published work.                     

  Plot Cited         Original plot name, if plot    Required           Required
                     record is taken from published                    
                     work.                                             

  Citation Type      Describes the type of          Required           Required
                     reference this generic type is                    
                     being used to represent.                          
                     Examples: book, journal                           
                     article, webpage.                                 

  Title              The formal title given to the  Required           Required
                     work by its author or                             
                     publisher.                                        

  Pub Date           Represents the date that the   Required           Required
                     reference was published.                          

  Access Date        The date the reference being   Required           Required
                     referenced was accessed. This                     
                     is useful if the reference is                     
                     could be changed after formal                     
                     publication, such as websites                     
                     or databases.                                     

  Conference Date    The date the conference was    Required           Required
                     held.                                             

  Volume             The volume of the journal in   Required           Required
                     which the article appears.                        

  Issue              The issue of the journal in    Required           Required
                     which the article appears.                        

  Page Range         The beginning and ending pages Required           Required
                     of the journal article that is                    
                     being documented.                                 

  Total Pages        The total number of pages in   Required           Required
                     the book that is being                            
                     described.                                        

  Publisher          The organization that          Required           Required
                     physically put together the                       
                     report and publishes it.                          

  Publication Place  The location at which the work Required           Required
                     was published. This is usually                    
                     the name of the city in which                     
                     the publishing house produced                     
                     the work.                                         

  ISBN               The ISBN, or International     Required           Required
                     Standard Book Number assigned                     
                     to this literature reference.                     

  Edition            The edition of the generic     Required           Required
                     reference type that is being                      
                     described.                                        

  Number Of Volumes  Number of volumes in a         Required           Required
                     collection                                        

  Chapter Number     The chapter number of the      Required           Required
                     chapter of a book that is                         
                     being described.                                  

  Report Number      The unique identification      Required           Required
                     number that has been issued by                    
                     the report institution for the                    
                     report being described.                           

  Journal            The name of the publication in Required           Required
                     which the article was                             
                     published. Example(s):                            
                     Ecology, New York Times,                          
                     Harper\'s, Canadian Journal of                    
                     Botany/Revue Canadienne de                        
                     Botanique, The Journal of the                     
                     American Medical Association                      

  ISSN               The ISSN, or International     Required           Required
                     Standard Serial Number                            
                     assigned to this literature                       
                     reference. Example(s): ISSN                       
                     1234-5679                                         

  ***The following                                                     
  may be repeated an                                                   
  indefinite number                                                    
  of times for each                                                    
  contributor to the                                                   
  reference (e.g.                                                      
  author,                                                              
  editor).***                                                          

  Role Type          The role the party played with Required           Required
                     respect to the reference                          
                     contribution. Some potential                      
                     roles include technician,                         
                     reviewer, principal                               
                     investigator, and many others.                    

  Order              Numerical order in which this  Required           Required
                     contributor\'s name should be                     
                     in the order of contributors,                     
                     if applicable. Examples: 1                        
                     \[for the first author\], 2,                      
                     \[for the second author\],                        
                     etc.                                              

  Type               The type of Party that a given Required           Required
                     record refers to, usually a                       
                     person or institution.                            

  Given Name         The given name field is used   Required           Required
                     for all names except the                          
                     surname of the individual.                        
                     Examples: Jo, Jo R., Jo R.W.,                     
                     John Robert Peter                                 

  Surname            The surname field is used for  Required           Required
                     the last name of the                              
                     individual.                                       
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

## *D.3 Information about each assignment of a field plot to a vegetation type.*

Information that should be included about each assignment of a field
plot to a vegetation type in the NVC or other party-specific
classification. Assignment, per se, of a plot to a classification type
is not required. Table D.3.1 describes the required information.

**Table D.3.1 ― Information about each assignment of a plot**

**to a vegetation type.**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Attribute Name** **Attribute Definition**       **Classification   **Occurrence
                                                    Plots**            Plots**
  ------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------ --------------
  Classification     Start date for the application Required           Required
  Start Date         of a vegetation class to a                        
                     plot observation by one or                        
                     more parties.                                     

  Classifier         Name of person who classified  Required           Required
                     the plot -- this should link                      
                     to a person included in the                       
                     human resources metadata                          
                     table.                                            

  Interpretation     The date that the              Required if known  Required
  Date               interpretation was made.                          

  Interpretation     Categories for the             Required if known  Required
  Type               interpretation (e.g., author,                     
                     computer-generated, simplified                    
                     for comparative analysis,                         
                     correction, finer resolution).                    

  Original           Does this interpretation       Required if known  Required
  Interpretation     correspond to the original                        
                     interpretation of the plot                        
                     author, as best as can be                         
                     determined. There is no                           
                     requirement that the authority                    
                     match the authority of the                        
                     author; only that the concepts                    
                     are synonymous.                                   

  Current            This interpretation is the     Required if known  Required
  Interpretation     most accurate interpretation                      
                     currently available.                              

  ***The following                                                     
  may be repeated                                                      
  for each community                                                   
  type associated                                                      
  with a plot during                                                   
  a classification                                                     
  event***                                                             

  Community Name     Name of the community          Required if known  Required

  Community          Reference wherein the above    Required if known  Required
  Reference          name is defined                                   
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

# 

##  {#section-8 .unnumbered}

## **Appendix E (Normative): Growth Form Names, Codes, and Definitions**

Table E.1. Names, definitions and codes for growth forms for use in
collecting vegetation plot data (see also Whittaker 1975:359, Tart et
al. 2005b, and Table 1.2 of Appendix B). Not to be confused with
vegetation strata.

+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| ##     | **Table E.1a. General Growth Forms**                        |
|        |                                                             |
|        | #####                                                       |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **     | ##### **Name and Definition**                               |
| Growth |                                                             |
| Form   |                                                             |
| Code** |                                                             |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **T**  | **Tree** - *A woody plant that generally has a single main  |
|        | stem and a more or less definite crown.* In instances where |
|        | growth form cannot be determined, woody plants equal to or  |
|        | greater than 5 m in height at maturity shall be considered  |
|        | trees (adapted from FGDC 1997). Includes small trees or     |
|        | "treelets" (Box 1981)                                       |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **S**  | **Shrub** - *A woody plant that generally has several       |
|        | erect, spreading, or prostrate stems which give it a bushy  |
|        | appearance.* In instances where growth form cannot be       |
|        | determined, woody plants less than 5 m in height at         |
|        | maturity shall be considered shrubs (adapted from FGDC      |
|        | 1997). Includes dwarf-shrubs (less than 30 cm), krummholz   |
|        | (wind-stunted woody scrub), low or short woody vines, and   |
|        | arborescents (woody plants that branch at or near           |
|        | ground-level but grow to low tree heights). (Box 1981).     |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **H**  | **Herb** - *A vascular plant without perennial aboveground  |
|        | woody stems, with perennating buds borne at or below the    |
|        | ground surface.* (Whittaker 1975, FGDC 1997). Includes      |
|        | forbs (both flowering forbs and spore-bearing ferns),       |
|        | graminoids, and herbaceous vines.                           |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **N**  | **Nonvascular** - *A plant or plant-like organism without   |
|        | specialized water or fluid conductive tissue (xylem and     |
|        | phloem).* Includes mosses, liverworts, hornworts, lichens,  |
|        | and algae (adapted from FGDC 1997). Also called             |
|        | thallophytes or "nonvascular cryptogams," (that is,         |
|        | excluding the fern cryptogams) (Box 1981).                  |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **E**  | **Epiphyte** - *A vascular or nonvascular plant that grows  |
|        | by germinating and rooting on other plants or other perched |
|        | structures, and does not root in the ground* (adapted from  |
|        | FGDC 1997).                                                 |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **L**  | **Liana** - *A woody, climbing plant that begins life as    |
|        | terrestrial seedlings but relies on external structural     |
|        | support for height growth during some part of its life*     |
|        | (Gerwing 2004), *typically exceeding 5 m in height or       |
|        | length at maturity.*                                        |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+

**Table E.1b. Specific Growth Forms**

+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| **Ge  | *         | **Name and Definition**                         |
| neral | *Specific |                                                 |
| G     | Growth    |                                                 |
| rowth | Form      |                                                 |
| Form  | Code**    |                                                 |
| C     |           |                                                 |
| ode** |           |                                                 |
+=======+===========+=================================================+
| **T** | #         | **Broad-leaved deciduous tree** - *A tree with  |
|       | ##### TBD | a branching crown, leaves that have             |
|       |           | well-defined leaf blades that are generally of  |
|       |           | at least microphyll size ([\>]{.underline}225   |
|       |           | mm^2^, or 0.35 in^2^) and* *which seasonally    |
|       |           | loses all of its leaves and becomes temporarily |
|       |           | bare-stemmed.* (adapted from FGDC 1997, Box     |
|       |           | 1981)                                           |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **TBE**   | **Broad-leaved evergreen tree** - *A tree with  |
|       |           | a branching crown, leaves that have             |
|       |           | well-defined leaf blades that are generally of  |
|       |           | at least microphyll size ([\>]{.underline}225   |
|       |           | mm^2^ or 0.35 in^2^) and which has green leaves |
|       |           | all year round.* (FGDC 1997, Box 1981)          |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **TBES**  | **Sclerophyllous tree** - *A type of            |
|       |           | broad-leaved evergreen tree with leaves that    |
|       |           | are stiff and firm, and retain their stiffness  |
|       |           | even when wilted.* *The leaves are* *relatively |
|       |           | small (microphyll to small mesophyll in         |
|       |           | size),and sometimes rather linear* (FGDC 1997,  |
|       |           | Whittaker 1975, Box 1981)                       |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **TN**    | **Needle-leaved tree** - *A tree with slender,  |
|       |           | elongated leaves or with small overlapping      |
|       |           | leaves that usually lie flat on the stem.*      |
|       |           | Includes scale-leaved and needle-leaved trees,  |
|       |           | deciduous and everrgreen, needleleaf trees.     |
|       |           | (FGDC 1997, Box 1981)                           |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | ###### TU | **Succulent tree** -- *A tree or arborescent    |
|       |           | plant with fleshy stems or leaves with          |
|       |           | specialized tissue for the conservation of      |
|       |           | water.* (FGDC 1997) Includes cacti, Joshua      |
|       |           | trees, euphorbias, and others over 5 meters in  |
|       |           | height at maturity. Referred to as "arborescent |
|       |           | stem-succulent" by Box (1981)                   |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **TM**    | **Small-leaved tree** - *A tree with very small |
|       |           | leaves (\<225 mm^2^, or 0.35 in^2^), or even    |
|       |           | leafless, sometimes armed with spines.*         |
|       |           | Includes both evergreen and deciduous           |
|       |           | small-leaved trees, such as *Acacia gregii,     |
|       |           | Mimosa* (adapted from Thorn tree by Whittaker   |
|       |           | 1975).                                          |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **TP**    | **Palm tree** - *An evergreen, broad-leaved,    |
|       |           | flowering tree with a simple, unbranched stem   |
|       |           | and terminal, rosulate crown of large, pinnate  |
|       |           | or fan-shaped leaves.* A type of rosette tree.  |
|       |           | Palms are the primary taxa (but see             |
|       |           | Draceanaceae, some Pandanaceae etc in Box 1981) |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **TF**    | **Tree fern** *- An evergreen, broad-leaved,    |
|       |           | spore-bearing tree (or arborescent fern) with a |
|       |           | simple, unbranched stem and terminal, rosulate  |
|       |           | crown of large fronds.* A type of rosette tree, |
|       |           | including taxa from Cyatheaceae and some        |
|       |           | Velloziaceae (Box 1981).                        |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **TG**    | **Bamboo tree**- *A woody-stemmed, arborescent  |
|       |           | grass that is equal to or greater than 5 m in   |
|       |           | height at maturity.* Only applies to            |
|       |           | woody-stemmed bamboo graminoids. Includes the   |
|       |           | "Arborescent grasses" of Box (1981).            |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| **S** | **SD**    | **Dwarf-shrub** - *A caespitose, creeping,      |
|       |           | matted, or cushion-forming shrub that is        |
|       |           | typically less than 30 cm tall at maturity due  |
|       |           | to genetic and/or environmental constraints,    |
|       |           | and generally small-leaved.* Does not include   |
|       |           | shrubs less than 30 cm tall due to young age.   |
|       |           | (adapted from Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg     |
|       |           | 1974)                                           |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **SBD**   | **Broad-leaved deciduous shrub** - *A shrub     |
|       |           | that is typically more than 30 cm tall at       |
|       |           | maturity with leaves that have well-defined     |
|       |           | leaf blades that are generally of at least      |
|       |           | microphyll size ([\>]{.underline}225 mm^2^, or  |
|       |           | 0.35 in^2^ and seasonally loses all of its      |
|       |           | leaves and becomes temporarily bare-stemmed.*   |
|       |           | (FGDC 1997)                                     |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **SBE**   | **Broad-leaved evergreen shrub** - *A shrub     |
|       |           | that is typically more than 30 cm tall at       |
|       |           | maturity with leaves that are generally of at   |
|       |           | least microphyll size ([\>]{.underline}225      |
|       |           | mm^2^, or 0.35 in^2^ and has green leaves all   |
|       |           | year round.* (adapted from FGDC 1997, Box 1981) |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **SBES**  | **Sclerophyllous shrub** - *A type of           |
|       |           | broad-leaved evergreen shrub with relatively    |
|       |           | small, leaves that are stiff and firm, and      |
|       |           | retain their stiffness even when wilted.* (FGDC |
|       |           | 1997, Whittaker 1975)                           |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **SN**    | **Needle-leaved shrub** - *A shrub that is      |
|       |           | typically more than 30 cm tall at maturity with |
|       |           | slender, elongated leaves or with small         |
|       |           | overlapping leaves that usually lie flat on the |
|       |           | stem.* (FGDC 1997) Includes scale-leaved as     |
|       |           | well as needle-leaved shrubs, and deciduous as  |
|       |           | well as evergreen.                              |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | ###### SU | **Succulent shrub** -- *A shrub or shrub-like   |
|       |           | plant that is typically more than 30 cm tall at |
|       |           | maturity with fleshy stems or leaves with       |
|       |           | specialized tissue for the conservation of      |
|       |           | water.* (adapted from FGDC 1997 and the Thorn   |
|       |           | shrub of Whittaker 1975) Includes cacti less    |
|       |           | than 5 meters in height at maturity. Includes   |
|       |           | both the "Typical Stem succulents" and "Bush    |
|       |           | succulents" of Box (1981). Includes Aloe,       |
|       |           | Agave.                                          |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | ###### SM | **Small-leaved shrub** - *A shrub that is       |
|       |           | typically more than 30 cm tall at maturity with |
|       |           | very small leaves (\<225 mm^2^, or 0.35 in^2^), |
|       |           | or even leafless, sometimes armed with spines,  |
|       |           | usually having compound, deciduous leaves that  |
|       |           | are often reduced in size*. Includes *Larrea    |
|       |           | tridentata*, *Prosopis glandulosa,Acacia        |
|       |           | neovernicosa, Senna, Calliandra* (Jennings et   |
|       |           | al. 2006, Whittaker 1975)                       |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | ###### SP | **Palm shrub** - *An evergreen, broad-leaved,   |
|       |           | unbranched shrub that is typically more than 30 |
|       |           | cm tall at maturity with a simple stem and      |
|       |           | terminal, rosulate crown of large, pinnate or   |
|       |           | fan-shaped leaves.* Includes palms, espelettia, |
|       |           | etc.                                            |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+

+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| **Ge  | *         | **Name and Definition**                         |
| neral | *Specific |                                                 |
| G     | Growth    |                                                 |
| rowth | Form      |                                                 |
| Form  | Code**    |                                                 |
| C     |           |                                                 |
| ode** |           |                                                 |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| **H** | **HA**    | **Aquatic herb** - *A flowering or              |
|       |           | non-flowering herb structurally adapted to live |
|       |           | floating or submerged in an aquatic             |
|       |           | environment*. Does not include emergent herbs   |
|       |           | such as cattails and sedges. (FGDC 1997,        |
|       |           | Jennings et al. 2006)                           |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **HF**    | **Forb** - *A non-aquatic, non-graminoid herb   |
|       |           | with relatively broad leaves and/or showy       |
|       |           | flowers*. Includes both flowering and           |
|       |           | spore-bearing, non-graminoid herbs.             |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **HFF**   | **Flowering forb** - *A forb with relatively    |
|       |           | broad leaves and showy flowers*. Does not       |
|       |           | include graminoids, ferns, or fern-allies.      |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **HFE**   | **Fern (Spore-bearing forb)** - *A              |
|       |           | non-flowering, spore-bearing forb.* Includes    |
|       |           | non-aquatic, non-woody ferns, clubmosses,       |
|       |           | horsetails, and quillworts.                     |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **HFS**   | **Succulent forb** - *A flowering forb with a   |
|       |           | fleshy stem and often with reduced leaves.*     |
|       |           | Includes Salicornia and others.                 |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **HG**    | **Graminoid** - *A non-aquatic, flowering herb  |
|       |           | with relatively long, narrow leaves and         |
|       |           | inconspicuous flowers with parts reduced to     |
|       |           | bracts*. Includes grasses, sedges, rushes, and  |
|       |           | arrowgrasses.                                   |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| **N** | **NB**    | **Bryophyte** - *A nonvascular, non-flowering,  |
|       |           | photosynthetic plant that bears leaf-like       |
|       |           | appendages or lobes and attaches to substrates  |
|       |           | by rhizoids*. Includes mosses, liverworts, and  |
|       |           | hornworts. (Abercrombie et al. 1966)            |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **NA**    | **Alga** - *A nonvascular, photosynthetic plant |
|       |           | with a simple form ranging from single- or      |
|       |           | multi-celled to a filamentous or ribbon-like    |
|       |           | thallus with relatively complex internal        |
|       |           | organization.* (Abercrombie et al. 1966)        |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ##    | **NL**    | **Lichen** - *An organism generally recognized  |
|       |           | as a single plant that consists of a fungus and |
|       |           | an alga or cyanobacterium living in symbiotic   |
|       |           | association.* (FGDC 1997)                       |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| **E** | **E**     | **Epiphyte** - *A vascular or nonvascular plant |
|       |           | that grows by germinating and rooting on other  |
|       |           | plants or other perched structures, and does    |
|       |           | not root in the ground* (adapted from FGDC      |
|       |           | 1997).                                          |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+
| **L** | **L**     | **Liana** - *A woody, climbing plant that       |
|       |           | begins life as terrestrial seedlings but relies |
|       |           | on external structural support for height       |
|       |           | growth during some part of its life* (Gerwing   |
|       |           | 2004), *typically exceeding 5 m in height or    |
|       |           | length at maturity.*                            |
+-------+-----------+-------------------------------------------------+

#  {#section-33 .unnumbered}

## Appendix F (Informative): Example Association Description

**Field names and information are taken, in part, from the NatureServe
Biotics database.**

**OVERVIEW:**

**Names:**

Name: Sporobolus heterolepis - Schizachyrium scoparium - (Carex
scirpoidea) / (Juniperus horizontalis) Herbaceous Association.

Name, translated: Prairie Dropseed - Little Bluestem - (Scirpus-like
Sedge) / (Creeping Juniper) Herbaceous Vegetation

Common Name: Little Bluestem Alvar Grassland

**Identifier:** CEGL005234

**Unit**: ASSOCIATION

**Placement in Hierarchy**:

FORMATION:Temperate Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland

DIVISION: Eastern North America Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland

MACROGROUP: Northeastern Rocky Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland

GROUP: Great Lakes Alvar Grassland & Shrubland

ALLIANCE: SPOROBOLUS HETEROLEPIS - (DESCHAMPSIA CAESPITOSA,
SCHIZACHYRIUM SCOPARIUM) HERBACEOUS ALLIANCE

**Summary:** The little bluestem alvar grassland type is found primarily
in the upper Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, in
northern Michigan and southern Ontario. These grasslands occur on very
shallow, patchy soils (usually less than 20 cm deep, averaging about 6
cm deep) on flat alkaline limestone and dolostone outcrops (pavements).
This community often has a characteristic soil moisture regime of
alternating wet and dry periods. The vegetation is dominated by grasses
and sedges, which tyically have at least 45% cover. Characteristic
species of the grassland are *Sporobolus heterolepis, Schizachyrium
scoparium, Juniperus horizontalis, Carex scirpoidea, Deschampsia
caespitosa, Packera paupercula (= Senecio pauperculus)*, and *Carex
crawei*. There is usually less than 10% cover of shrubs over 0.5 m tall;
however there may be as much as 50% cover of dwarf-shrubs (under 0.5 m
tall) especially *Juniperus horizontalis*. Less than 50% of the ground
surface is exposed bedrock (including bedrock covered with nonvascular
plants: lichens, mosses, algae).

**Classification Comments:** The most commonly associated alvar
communities that occur with this community in a landscape mosaic are
*Juniperus horizontalis - Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda /
Schizachyrium scoparium - Carex richardsonii* Dwarf-shrubland (Creeping
Juniper - Shrubby-cinquefoil Alvar Pavement Shrubland; CEGL005236),
*Deschampsia caespitosa - (Sporobolus heterolepis, Schizachyrium
scoparium) - Carex crawei - Packera paupercula* Herbaceous Vegetation
(Tufted Hairgrass Wet Alvar Grassland;CEGL005110), *Tortella tortuosa -
Cladonia pocillum - Placynthium* spp. Sparse Vegetation (Alvar
Nonvascular Pavement;CEGL005192) and, *Thuja occidentalis - Pinus
banksiana / Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda / Clinopodium
arkansanum* Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation (White-cedar - Jack Pine /
Shrubby-cinquefoil Alvar Savanna; CEGL005132) (Reschke et al. 1998).

**Rational for nominal species**: *Sporobolus heterolepis* and
*Schizachyrium scoparium* are dominants. *Carex scirpoidea* and
*Juniperus horizontalis* are constants (\>60% constancy) in the type.
*Sporobolus heterolepis*, *Carex scirpoidea* and *Deschampsia cespitosa*
are differential species.

**VEGETATION:**

**Physiognomy and structure:** The vegetation is dominated by grasses
and sedges, which usually have at least 45% cover. There is usually less
than 10% cover of shrubs over 0.5 m tall; however there may be as much
as 50% cover of dwarf-shrubs (under 0.5 m tall) especially *Juniperus
horizontalis*. This dwarf-shrub is shorter than the dominant grasses,
and usually is found under the canopy of grasses, so the physiognomic
type here is considered a grassland (in spite of relatively high cover
of dwarf-shrubs). Less than 50% of the ground surface is exposed bedrock
(including bedrock covered with nonvascular plants: lichens, mosses,
algae).

+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Table 1. Physiognomy of the       |           |                     |
| Sporobolus heterolepis -          |           |                     |
| Schizachyrium scoparium - (Carex  |           |                     |
| scirpoidea) / (Juniperus          |           |                     |
| horizontalis) Herbaceous          |           |                     |
| Association; Little Bluestem      |           |                     |
| Alvar Grassland, NVC identifier   |           |                     |
| code CEGL005234.                  |           |                     |
+===================================+===========+=====================+
| Physiognomy                       | Average   | Range of Cover      |
|                                   | Cover     |                     |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Tree Cover (\> 5m)                | 1.0       | > 0 - 15            |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Tree Height (m)                   | 0.5       | > 0 - 9             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Tall Shrub Cover (2-5 m)          | 0.5       | > 0 - 3             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Tall Shrub Height (m)             | 0.5       | > 0 - 3             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Short Shrub Cover (0.5-2 m)       | 11.0      | > 0 - 33            |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Short Shrub Height (m)            | 1.0       | > 0 - 1.8           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Vine Cover                        | 0.0       | > 0 - 0             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Vine Height                       | 0.0       | > 0 - 0             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Herb Cover                        | 46.0      | > 4 - 99            |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Herb Height                       | 0.3       | > 0-1               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+
| Nonvascular Cover                 | 34.0      | > 0 - 90            |
+-----------------------------------+-----------+---------------------+

**Floristics:** Characteristic species of the grassland are *Sporobolus
heterolepis, Schizachyrium scoparium, Juniperus horizontalis, Carex
scirpoidea, Deschampsia caespitosa, Packera paupercula (= Senecio
pauperculus)*, and *Carex crawei*. *Juniperus horizontalis* may
co-dominate in some stands.

+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Table 2: Floristic table of   |         |           |               |
| the Sporobolus heterolepis -  |         |           |               |
| Schizachyrium scoparium -     |         |           |               |
| (Carex scirpoidea) /          |         |           |               |
| (Juniperus horizontalis)      |         |           |               |
| Herbaceous Association;       |         |           |               |
| Little Bluestem Alvar         |         |           |               |
| Grassland, NVC identifier     |         |           |               |
| code CEGL005234. For species  |         |           |               |
| in \> 10% of stands for a     |         |           |               |
| total of 17 field plots.      |         |           |               |
| Species nomenclature is       |         |           |               |
| according to Gleason and      |         |           |               |
| Cronquist (1991).             |         |           |               |
+===============================+=========+===========+===============+
| Species by Layer              | Co      | Avg.      | Range of      |
|                               | nstancy | Cover     | Cover,        |
|                               |         |           |               |
|                               |         |           | Where Present |
|                               |         |           | \*            |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| SHORT SHRUB LAYER (0.5-2 m)   |         |           |               |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Juniperus communis            | 24      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 2     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Juniperus horizontalis        | 71      | 8.0       | > 1 - 33      |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Prunus pumila                 | 29      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 4     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Thuja occidentalis            | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| HERB LAYER                    |         |           |               |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Achillea millefolium          | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Agropyron trachycaulum        | 24      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Ambrosia artemisiifolia       | 18      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Antennaria spp.               | 24      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Aquilegia canadensis          | 18      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Arenaria stricta              | 29      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 1     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Aster ciliolatus              | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Aster laevis                  | 47      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 2     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Bromus kalmii                 | 18      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 2     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Calamagrostis canadensis      | 12      | 0.1       | > 1 - 2       |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Calamintha arkansana          | 59      | 1.0       | > 0.3 - 5     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Campanula rotundifolia        | 65      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 1     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Carex aurea                   | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Carex crawei                  | 24      | 2.0       | > 0.3 - 18    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Carex eburnea                 | 24      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 4     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Carex granularis              | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 1     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Carex richardsonii            | 12      | 0.1       | > 1 - 3       |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Carex scirpoidea              | 71      | 4.0       | > 0.3 - 23    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Carex viridula                | 41      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 2     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Castilleja coccinea           | 29      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 1     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Cladium mariscoides           | 12      | 0.5       | > 1 - 5       |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Comandra umbellata            | 53      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 1     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Danthonia spicata             | 53      | 1.0       | > 0.3 - 5     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Deschampsia cespitosa         | 47      | 1.0       | > 0.3 - 5     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Eleocharis compressa          | 29      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 3     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Eleocharis elliptica          | 12      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 5     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Fragaria virginiana           | 29      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 1     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Geum triflorum                | 18      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Hedyotis longifolia           | 18      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 5     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Hypericum kalmianum           | 41      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Hypericum perforatum          | 29      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Muhlenbergia glomerata        | 12      | 0.1       | > 1 - 2       |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Panicum spp.                  | 35      | 1.0       | > 0.3 - 5     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Poa compressa                 | 47      | 5.0       | > 0.3 - 55    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Polygala senega               | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 1     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Potentilla fruticosa          | 71      | 2.0       | > 0.3 - 8     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Prunella vulgaris             | 24      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Rhamnus alnifolia             | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 2     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Rhus aromatica                | 18      | 0.2       | > 0.3 - 3     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Saxifraga virginiensis        | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Schizachyrium scoparium       | 71      | 8.0       | > 0.3 - 38    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Scirpus cespitosus            | 12      | 2.0       | > 1 - 25      |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Senecio pauperculus           | 88      | 2.0       | > 0.3 - 23    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Sisyrinchium mucronatum       | 18      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 1     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Solidago juncea               | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| > Solidago ohioensis          | 12      | 1.0       | > 0.3 - 16    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| > Solidago ptarmicoides       | 76      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 3     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| > Solidago spp.               | 18      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| > Sporobolus heterolepis      | 53      | 12.0      | > 0.3 - 76    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| > Sporobolus                  | 24      | 2.0       | > 0.3 - 25    |
| > neglectus/vaginiflorus      |         |           |               |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| > Zigadenus elegans var.      | 29      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 2     |
| > glaucus                     |         |           |               |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| MOSS LAYER                    |         |           |               |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Gloeocapsa /rock surface      | 47      | 12.0      | > 5 - 60      |
| algae                         |         |           |               |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Nostoc commune                | 41      | 2.0       | > 0.3 - 18    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Trentepohlia spp              | 29      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Ditrichum flexicaule          | 24      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 3     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Pseudocalliergon turgescens   | 18      | 1.0       | > 0.3 - 15    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Schistidium rivulare          | 24      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 10    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Tortella spp.                 | 41      | 3.0       | > 0.3 - 29    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Tortella tortuosa             | 12      | 0.5       | > 0.3 - 10    |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Cladina rangiferina           | 18      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Cladina spp.                  | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Cladonia pyxidata             | 29      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 1     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Cladonia spp.                 | 18      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 2     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Peltigera spp. (P.            | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
| rufescens?)                   |         |           |               |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Placynthium nigrum            | 24      | 0.2       | > 0.3 - 2     |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| Xanthoparmelia spp.           | 12      | 0.1       | > 0.3 - 0.3   |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+
| \* Each species may not be    |         |           |               |
| present in every plot; the    |         |           |               |
| range of values is derived    |         |           |               |
| only from plots where the     |         |           |               |
| species has been found.       |         |           |               |
+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+---------------+

**Dynamics**: Not documented.

**Environment:** These grasslands occur on very shallow, patchy soils
(usually less than 20 cm deep, averaging about 6 cm deep) on flat
limestone and dolostone outcrops (pavements). Soils are loams high in
organic matter. This community often has a characteristic soil moisture
regime of alternating wet and dry periods; they can have wet, saturated
soils in spring and fall, combined with summer drought in most years. In
large patches over 20 ha (50 acres) this grassland often occurs as a
small-scale matrix, with smaller patches of other alvar communities
occurring within the larger patch of little bluestem alvar grassland,
forming a landscape mosaic (Reschke et al. 1998).

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Table 3. Physical environment of                           
  the Sporobolus heterolepis -                               
  Schizachyrium scoparium - (Carex                           
  scirpoidea) / (Juniperus                                   
  horizontalis) Herbaceous                                   
  Association; Little Bluestem Alvar                         
  Grassland, NVC identifier code                             
  CEGL005234.                                                
  ---------------------------------- ----------------------- -------------
  Continuous Variables               Average                 Range

  Elevation (m)                      186.0                   178-209

  Slope Gradient (degrees)           0.5                     0 - 3

  Organic Horizon Depth (cm)         1.0                     0 - 8

  Average Field pH                   7.8                     7.3 - 9

  Soil Depth (cm)                    4.0                     1 - 9

  Exposed Bedrock (%)                18.0                    0 - 75

  Large Rock, Surficial (% \> 10 cm) 7.0                     0 - 35

  Small Rock, Surficial (% 0.2 - 2   10.0                    0 - 72
  cm)                                                        

  Sand, Surficial (%)                0.0                     0 - 0

  Bare Soil, Surficial (%)           0.5                     0 - 5

  Litter (%)                         2.0                     0 - 12

  Down Wood (% \> 1 cm dbh)          0.1                     0 - 1

  Water (%)                          0.1                     0 - 1

                                                             

  Categorical Variables              Category                Number of
                                                             Plots (%)

  Slope Aspect                       Flat                    7 (41)

  Slope Aspect                       South                   6 (35)

  Slope Aspect                       Northeast               2 (12)

  Slope Aspect                       West                    1 (6)

  Slope Aspect                       North                   1 (6)

  Topographic Position               High, level             5 (28)

  Topographic Position               Low, level              4 (24)

  Topographic Position               Midslope                2(12)

  Topographic Position               Other                   4 (24)

  Topographic Position               No Value                2 (12)

  Soil Moisture                      Periodically Inundated  7 (41)

  Soil Moisture                      Moist                   4 (24)

  Soil Moisture                      Somewhat Moist          3 (17)

  Soil Moisture                      Dry                     1 (6)

  Soil Moisture                      Extremely Dry           1 (6)

  Soil Moisture                      No Value                1 (6)
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------

**DISTRIBUTION:**

**Range:** The little bluestem alvar grassland type is found primarily
in the upper Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, in
northern Michigan, and in Ontario on Manitoulin Island and vicinity, on
the Bruce Peninsula, and at a few sites further east in the Carden Plain
and Burnt Lands.

**Nations:** CA US

**States/Provinces:** Michigan, Ontario

**USFS Ecoregions:** 212H:CC, 212Pc:CCC

**PLOT SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:**

**Location of archived plot data:** Spreadsheet files with compiled
vegetation data from plots and structural types are available from The
Nature Conservancy\'s Great Lakes Program Office or from the state or
provincial Heritage Programs. Original field forms are filed at
state/provincial Heritage Programs. Plot data access forthcoming (2004)
at [www.vegbank.org](../www.vegbank.org).

**Factors affecting data consistency:** See "Methods," below.

**The number and size of plots:** Vegetation data were collected using
10 x 10 m relevé plots placed haphazardly within subjectively defined
stands.

**Methods used to analyze field data and identify type:**

From Reschke et al. (1998): Field data collected by collaborators in
Michigan, Ontario, and New York were compiled by the Heritage program
staff in each jurisdiction, and provided to Carol Reschke (inventory and
research coordinator for the Alvar Initiative). With assistance from a
contractor (Karen Dietz), field data on vegetation, environment, and
evidence of ecological processes from alvar sites were entered into
spreadsheets. Spreadsheets were edited to combine a few ambiguous taxa
(e.g. *Sporobolus neglectus* and *S. vaginiflorus* look similar and can
only be positively distinguished when they are flowering in early fall),
incorporate consistent nomenclature (Kartesz 1994), delete duplicates,
and delete species that occurred in only one or a few samples.
Corresponding data on the environment and evidence of ecological
processes were compiled in two additional spreadsheets. The plot data
set consisted of data from 85 sample plots; there were 240 taxa of
vascular and nonvascular taxa included in the initial data set.

The plot data set included a great deal of structural detail. If a tree
species was present in different vegetation strata, then it was recorded
as a separate taxon for each layer in which it occurred; for example,
*Thuja occidentalis* might be recorded as a tree (over 5 m tall), a tall
shrub (2 to 5 m tall), and a short shrub (05 to 2 m tall). The full data
set of 85 samples by 240 taxa was analyzed using PC-ORD v 3.0 (McCune
and Mefford 1995). Vegetation data on percent cover were relativized for
each sample and then transformed with an arcsine - square root
transformation. This standardization is recommended for percentage data
(McCune and Mefford 1995).

Two kinds of classification and two kinds of ordination procedures were
applied to the full data set. Classification procedures used were: 1)
cluster analysis with group average (or UPGMA) group linkage method and
Sørenson\'s distance measure, and 2) TWINSPAN with the default settings.
The two ordination procedures used were 1) Bray-Curtis ordination with
Sørenson\'s distance and variance-regression endpoint selection, and 2)
non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) using Sørenson\'s distance and
the coordinates from the Bray-Curtis ordination as a starting
configuration.

Environmental data recorded for each plot and data on evidence of
ecological processes were used as overlays in ordination graphs to
interpret ordination patterns and relationships among samples.

The classification dendrograms and ordination graphs were presented to a
core group of ecologists to discuss the results. Participants in the
data analysis discussions were: Wasyl Bakowsky, Don Faber-Langendoen,
Judith Jones, Pat Comer, Don Cuddy, Bruce Gilman, Dennis Albert, and
Carol Reschke. The two classifications were compared to see how they
grouped plots, and ordinations were consulted to check and confirm
groupings of plots suggested by the classification program. At the end
of the first meeting to discuss the data analysis, collaborating
ecologists agreed on eight alvar community types, and suggested another
four or five that had been observed in field surveys but were not
represented in the plot data set. The group also recommended some
refinements to the data analysis.

Following the recommendations of the ecology group, the plot data were
modified in two ways. For nonvascular plants, the first data set
included data on individual species or genera, as well as taxa
representing simple growth forms. Since only a few collaborators could
identify nonvascular plants in the field, we had agreed to describe the
nonvascular plants in plots by their growth form and collect a specimen
if the species had at least 5% cover in the plot. If nonvascular species
were identified by the surveyor, or from the collected specimen, the
species were included in the data set. This may have biased the results,
because the plots sampled by investigators who knew the nonvascular
plants had a greater potential diversity than plots in which only a few
growth forms were identified. Therefore, all data on nonvascular taxa
were lumped into nine growth form categories: foliose algae (e.g.
*Nostoc*), rock surface algae, microbial crusts, turf or cushion mosses,
weft mosses, thalloid bryophytes, crustose lichens, foliose lichens, and
fruticose lichens. The second modification involved lumping the
different structural growth forms of woody taxa into a single taxon; for
example, trees, tall shrubs and short shrubs forms of *Thuja
occidentalis* were lumped into a single taxon.

These modifications reduced the data set to 85 plots and 199 taxa, and
even fewer taxa with the woody growth forms lumped. The analyses were
run again using the procedures described above with the modified data
sets. Lumping the nonvascular plants improved the classification and
ordination results (yielding more clearly defined groups), but lumping
the growth forms of tree species was actually detrimental to the
results. The final classification that we used was produced from an
analysis of the data set with nonvascular plants lumped into nine growth
forms, and multiple growth forms of tree species kept separate.

**CONFIDENCE LEVEL:**

**Confidence Rank**: High.

**CITATIONS:**

**Synonymy:**

Dry -- Fresh Little Bluestem Open Alvar Meadow Type = (Lee et al. 1998).

**References:**

Gleason, H.A. and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of vascular of plants of
northeastern United States and adjacent Canada, 2nd edition. The New
York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY, USA. 910 p.

Kartesz, J. T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of
the United States, Canada, and Greenland. Second edition. Volume
1\--Checklist. Timber Press, Portland, OR. 622 p.

Lee, H., W. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig, and
S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological land classification for southern Ontario:
First approximation and its application. Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and
Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.

McCune, B., and M.J. Mefford. 1995. Multivariate analysis of ecological
data, PC-ORD version 3.0. MjM Software, Gleneden Beach, Oregon, USA.

Reschke, C., R. Reid, J. Jones, T. Feeney, and H. Potter, on behalf of
the Alvar Working Group. 1998. Conserving Great Lakes Alvars. Final
Technical Report of the International Alvar Conservation Initiative.
December 1998. The Nature Conservancy, Great Lakes Program, Chicago, IL.
119 pp. plus 4 appendices.

**Author of Description:** C. Reschke and Don Faber-Langendoen

## **APPENDIX G. (Informative). Pilot examples of units for Natural Vegetation: Levels 1 -- 4** 

Levels 1 -- 3 are comprehensive for the globe; Level 4 is incompletely
developed for the Western Hemisphere.

+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| **LEVEL 1-- | **LEVEL 2 --  | **LEVEL 3 --       | **LEVEL 4 --     |
| FORMATION   | FORMATION     | FORMATION Wetland  | DIVISION         |
| CLASS**     | SUBCLASS**    | formations marked  | (examples        |
|             |               | with \***          | only)**          |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| **1.        | **1.A.        | **1.A.1. Tropical  | **Polynesian     |
| Mesomorphic | Tropical      | Lowland Evergreen  | Lowland          |
| Tree        | Moist         | Rainforest**       | Evergreen        |
| Vegetation  | Forest**      |                    | Rainforest,      |
| (Forest &   |               |                    | Central          |
| Woodland)** |               |                    | Am               |
|             |               |                    | erican-Caribbean |
|             |               |                    | Lowland          |
|             |               |                    | Evergreen        |
|             |               |                    | Rainforest**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **1.A.2. Tropical  | **Polynesian     |
|             |               | Montane & Cloud    | Montane & Cloud  |
|             |               | Forest**           | Forest**         |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **1.A.3. Tropical  | **Neotropical    |
|             |               | Flooded & Swamp    | Flooded & Swamp  |
|             |               | Forest \***        | Forest**         |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **1.A.4.           | **Atlanti        |
|             |               | Mangrove\***       | c-Caribbean-East |
|             |               |                    | Pacific          |
|             |               |                    | Mangrove**       |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | **1.B.        | **1.B.1. Tropical  | **Central        |
|             | Tropical Dry  | (Semi-) Deciduous  | Am               |
|             | Forest**      | Forest**           | erican-Caribbean |
|             |               |                    | Tropical Dry     |
|             |               |                    | Forest**         |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | **1.C.        | **1.C.1. Warm      | **Southeastern   |
|             | Temperate     | Temperate Forest** | North America    |
|             | Forest**      |                    | Warm Temperate   |
|             |               |                    | Forest, Madrean  |
|             |               |                    | Warm Temperate   |
|             |               |                    | Forest**         |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **1.C.2. Cool      | **Eastern North  |
|             |               | Temperate Forest** | America          |
|             |               |                    | Temperate        |
|             |               |                    | Forest, Western  |
|             |               |                    | North America    |
|             |               |                    | Cool Temperate   |
|             |               |                    | Forest**         |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **1.C.3. Temperate | **Eastern North  |
|             |               | Flooded & Swamp    | America Flooded  |
|             |               | Forest \***        | & Swamp Forest** |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | **1. D.       | **1.D.1. Lowland & | **North American |
|             | Boreal        | Montane Boreal     | Boreal Forest**  |
|             | Forest**      | Forest**           |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **1.D.2. Boreal    | **North American |
|             |               | Flooded & Swamp    | Boreal Flooded & |
|             |               | Forest \***        | Swamp Forest**   |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| **2.        | **2.A.        | **2.A.1. Tropical  | **Central        |
| Mesomorphic | Tropical      | Lowland Shrubland, | Am               |
| Shrub &     | Shrubland,    | Grassland, &       | erican-Caribbean |
| Herb        | Grassland, &  | Savanna**          | Shrubland,       |
| Vegetation  | Savanna**     |                    | Grassland &      |
| (Shrubland  |               |                    | Savanna**        |
| &           |               |                    |                  |
| G           |               |                    |                  |
| rassland)** |               |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.A.2. Tropical  | **Central        |
|             |               | Montane Shrubland, | Am               |
|             |               | Grassland, &       | erican-Caribbean |
|             |               | Savanna**          | Montane          |
|             |               |                    | Shrubland,       |
|             |               |                    | Grassland, &     |
|             |               |                    | Savanna Andean   |
|             |               |                    | Montane          |
|             |               |                    | Shrubland,       |
|             |               |                    | Grassland, &     |
|             |               |                    | Savanna**        |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.A.3. Tropical  | **Neotropical    |
|             |               | Scrub & Herb       | Scrub & Herb     |
|             |               | Coastal            | Coastal          |
|             |               | Vegetation**       | Vegetation**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.A.4. Tropical  | **Polynesian Bog |
|             |               | Bog & Fen \***     | & Fen**          |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.A.5. Tropical  | **Neotropical    |
|             |               | Freshwater Marsh   | Freshwater       |
|             |               | \***               | Marsh, Tropical  |
|             |               |                    | Pacific Islands  |
|             |               |                    | Freshwater       |
|             |               |                    | Marsh**          |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.A.6. Tropical  | **Tropical       |
|             |               | Salt Marsh\***     | Pacific Islands  |
|             |               |                    | Salt Marsh**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | **2.B.        | **2.B.1.           | **Californian    |
|             | Mediterranean | Mediterranean      | Scrub**          |
|             | Scrub &       | Scrub**            |                  |
|             | Grassland**   |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.B.2.           | **Californian    |
|             |               | Mediterranean      | Grassland & Forb |
|             |               | Grassland & Forb   | Meadow**         |
|             |               | Meadow**           |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | **2.C.        | **2.C.1. Temperate | **North American |
|             | Temperate &   | Grassland, Meadow  | Great Plains     |
|             | Boreal        | & Shrubland**      | Grassland and    |
|             | Shrubland &   |                    | Shrubland**      |
|             | Grassland**   |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.C.2. Boreal    | **North American |
|             |               | Grassland, Meadow  | Boreal           |
|             |               | & Shrubland**      | Grassland,       |
|             |               |                    | Meadow &         |
|             |               |                    | Shrubland**      |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.C.3. Temperate | **North American |
|             |               | & Boreal Scrub &   | Atlantic Scrub & |
|             |               | Herb Coastal       | Herb Coastal     |
|             |               | Vegetation**       | Vegetation**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.C.4. Temperate | **North American |
|             |               | & Boreal Bog &     | Bog & Fen**      |
|             |               | Fen\***            |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.C.5. Temperate | **North American |
|             |               | & Boreal           | Freshwater       |
|             |               | Freshwater         | Marsh**          |
|             |               | Marsh\***          |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **2.C.6. Temperate | **Temperate &    |
|             |               | & Boreal Salt      | Boreal Atlantic  |
|             |               | Marsh \***         | Rim Salt Marsh,  |
|             |               |                    | Temperate &      |
|             |               |                    | Boreal Pacific   |
|             |               |                    | Rim Salt Marsh** |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| **3.        | **3.A. Warm   | **3.A.1. Warm      | **Sonoran &      |
| Xeromorphic | Semi-Desert   | Semi-Desert Scrub  | Chihuahuan       |
| Scrub &     | Scrub &       | & Grassland**      | Semi-Desert      |
| Herb        | Grassland**   |                    | Scrub &          |
| Vegetation  |               |                    | Grassland**      |
| (Sem        |               |                    |                  |
| i-Desert)** |               |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | **3.B. Cool   | **3.B.1. Cool      | **Great Basin    |
|             | Semi-Desert   | Semi-Desert Scrub  | Cool Semi-Desert |
|             | Scrub &       | & Grassland**      | Scrub &          |
|             | Grassland**   |                    | Grassland**      |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| **4.        | **4.A.        | **4.A.1. Tropical  | **Central        |
| Cryomorphic | Tropical High | High Montane Scrub | Am               |
| Shrub &     | Montane       | & Grassland**      | erican-Caribbean |
| Herb        | Vegetation**  |                    | High Montane     |
| Vegetation  |               |                    | Scrub &          |
| (Polar &    |               |                    | Grassland,       |
| High        |               |                    | Andean High      |
| Montane     |               |                    | Montane Scrub &  |
| Ve          |               |                    | Grassland**      |
| getation)** |               |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | **4.B.        | **4.B.1. Alpine    | **Western North  |
|             | Temperate &   | Scrub, Forb Meadow | America Alpine   |
|             | Boreal Alpine | & Grassland**      | Scrub, Forb      |
|             | Vegetation**  |                    | Meadow &         |
|             |               |                    | Grassland;       |
|             |               |                    | Eastern North    |
|             |               |                    | America**        |
|             |               |                    |                  |
|             |               |                    | **Alpine Scrub,  |
|             |               |                    | Forb Meadow &    |
|             |               |                    | Grassland;**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | **4.C. Polar  | **4.C.1.           | **Arctic         |
|             | Tundra**      | Dwarf-shrub, Herb  | Dwarf-shrub,     |
|             |               | and Non-vascular   | Herb and         |
|             |               | Tundra**           | Non-vascular     |
|             |               |                    | Tundra**         |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | ** **         | **4.C.2. Tundra    | **Arctic Tundra  |
|             |               | Wet Meadow \***    | Wet Meadow**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| **5.        | **5.A.        | **5.A.1. Marine    | **Temperate      |
| H           | Saltwater     | and Estuarine      | Atlantic         |
| ydromorphic | Aquatic       | Saltwater Aquatic  | Saltwater        |
| Vegetation  | Vegetation**  | Vegetation \* (and | Aquatic          |
| (Aquatic    |               | inland             | Vegetation,      |
| Ve          |               | saltwater?)**      | Temperate        |
| getation)** |               |                    | Pacific          |
|             |               |                    | Saltwater        |
|             |               |                    | Aquatic          |
|             |               |                    | Vegetation**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ** **       | **5.B.        | **5.B.1.           | **North American |
|             | Freshwater    | Freshwater Aquatic | Freshwater       |
|             | Aquatic       | Vegetation \***    | Aquatic          |
|             | Vegetation**  |                    | Vegetation**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| **6.        | **6.A.        | **6.A.1. Tropical  | **Neotropical    |
| L           | Tropical      | Cliff, Scree, &    | Cliff, Scree, &  |
| ithomorphic | Nonvascular   | Rock Vegetation**  | Rock             |
| Vegetation  | and Sparse    |                    | Vegetation**     |
| (           | Vegetation**  |                    |                  |
| Nonvascular |               |                    |                  |
| & Sparse    |               |                    |                  |
| Vascular    |               |                    |                  |
| Rock        |               |                    |                  |
| Ve          |               |                    |                  |
| getation)** |               |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
|             | **6.B.        | **6.B.1.           | **Californian    |
|             | M             | Mediterranean      | Cliff, Scree, &  |
|             | editerranean, | Cliff, Scree, &    | Rock             |
|             | Temperate, &  | Rock Vegetation**  | Vegetation**     |
|             | Boreal        |                    |                  |
|             | Nonvascular & |                    |                  |
|             | Sparse        |                    |                  |
|             | Vegetation**  |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
|             | ** **         | **6.B.2. Temperate | **Eastern North  |
|             |               | & Boreal Cliff,    | America Cliff,   |
|             |               | Scree, & Rock      | Scree, & Rock    |
|             |               | Vegetation**       | Vgetation**      |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
|             | **6.C.        | **6.C.1. Warm      | **Sonoran        |
|             | Semi-Desert   | Semi-Desert Cliff, | &Chihuahuan Warm |
|             | Nonvascular & | Scree, & Rock      | Semi-Desert      |
|             | Sparse        | Vegetation**       | Cliff, Scree, &  |
|             | Vascular      |                    | Rock             |
|             | Vegetation**  |                    | Vegetation**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
|             | ** **         | **6.C.2. Cool      | **Great Basin    |
|             |               | Semi-Desert Cliff, | Cool Semi-Desert |
|             |               | Scree, & Rock      | Cliff, Scree, &  |
|             |               | Vegetation**       | Rock             |
|             |               |                    | Vegetation**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
|             | **6.D. Polar  | **6.D.1. Tropical  | **Andean High    |
|             | & High        | High Montane       | Montane Cliff,   |
|             | Montane       | Cliff, Scree, &    | Scree, & Rock    |
|             | Nonvascular & | Rock Vegetation**  | Vegetation**     |
|             | Sparse        |                    |                  |
|             | Vegetation**  |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
|             | ** **         | **6.D.2. Polar &   | **Arctic Cliff,  |
|             |               | Alpine Cliff,      | Scree, & Rock    |
|             |               | Scree, & Rock      | Vegetation;      |
|             |               | Vegetation**       | North American   |
|             |               |                    | Alpine Cliff,    |
|             |               |                    | Scree, & Rock    |
|             |               |                    | Vegetation**     |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ***6        | ***18         | ***39              | ***incomplete*** |
| classes***  | subclasses*** | formations***      |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| **7.        | See Appendix  |                    |                  |
| Agromorphic | I             |                    |                  |
| Vegetation  |               |                    |                  |
| (A          |               |                    |                  |
| gricultural |               |                    |                  |
| Ve          |               |                    |                  |
| getation)** |               |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| **8.        | See Appendix  |                    |                  |
| H           | I             |                    |                  |
| ortomorphic |               |                    |                  |
| Vegetation  |               |                    |                  |
| (Developed  |               |                    |                  |
| Ve          |               |                    |                  |
| getation)** |               |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+
| ***8        |               |                    |                  |
| classes***  |               |                    |                  |
+-------------+---------------+--------------------+------------------+

## **APPENDIX H. (Informative). Pilot examples of units for Natural Vegetation: Levels 1 -- 7 for Eastern U.S. forests.** 

Pilot example of NVC units for Eastern U.S. forests. Scientific names
are used for Levels 1-4 and 7, and Colloquial Names for 5 -- 6, but are
not yet fully standardized. All units are in Formation Class L1 -
Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation (Forest and Woodland).

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  L2.         L3. Formation      L4. Division              L5. MacroGroup  L6. Group          L7. Alliance
  Formation                                                                                   
  Subclass                                                                                    
  ----------- ------------------ ------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------------
  1A.         1A1.Tropical       1A1a.Caribbean-Central    Caribbean -     Caribbean Hardwood BURSERA SIMARUBA -
  Tropical    Lowland Evergreen  American Lowland          Central         Hammock Forest     COCCOLOBA
  Moist       Rainforest         Evergreen Rainforest      American        Group              DIVERSIFOLIA -
  Forest                                                   Seasonal                           NECTANDRA CORIACEA -
                                                           Evergreen                          EUGENIA AXILLARIS
                                                           Forest MG                          FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.33)

                                                                                              CASASIA CLUSIIFOLIA -
                                                                                              GUAPIRA DISCOLOR
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.34)

                                                                                              METOPIUM TOXIFERUM -
                                                                                              EUGENIA FOETIDA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.38)

                                                                                              SABAL PALMETTO -
                                                                                              COCCOLOBA UVIFERA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.43)

                                                                                              METOPIUM TOXIFERUM
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.465)

                                                                                              CONOCARPUS ERECTUS -
                                                                                              METOPIUM TOXIFERUM
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.77)

              1A3.Tropical       1A3a.Neotropical Swamp    Caribbean -     Caribbean Hardwood MAGNOLIA VIRGINIANA -
              Flooded & Swamp    Forest                    Central         Swamp Group        PERSEA PALUSTRIS -
              Forest                                       American                           CHRYSOBALANUS ICACO
                                                           Broadleaf                          SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                           Evergreen Swamp                    WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                           Forest MG                          (A.474)

                                                                                              ANNONA GLABRA
                                                                                              SEMIPERMANENTLY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.76)

              1A4.Mangrove       1A4a.Atlantic-Caribbean   Western         Caribbean Mangrove CONOCARPUS ERECTUS
                                 East Pacific Mangrove     Atlantic        Basin Swamp Group  SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                 Forest                    -Caribbean                         WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                           Mangrove MG                        (A.473)

                                                                                              RHIZOPHORA MANGLE -
                                                                                              CONOCARPUS ERECTUS
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.75)

                                                                                              LAGUNCULARIA RACEMOSA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.81)

                                                                           Caribbean Mangrove CONOCARPUS ERECTUS
                                                                           Tidal Swamp Group  TIDAL FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.1923)

                                                                                              AVICENNIA GERMINANS
                                                                                              TIDAL FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.80)

                                                                                              RHIZOPHORA MANGLE
                                                                                              TIDAL FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.83)

  1B.         1B3.Tropical       1B3a.Caribbean-Central    Caribbean -     Caribbean Pine     PINUS ELLIOTTII
  Tropical    (Semi)-Deciduous   American Dry Forest       Central         Forest Group       TROPICAL WOODLAND
  Dry Forest  and Conifer Forest                           American Pine -                    ALLIANCE (A.491)
                                                           Oak MG                             

  1C.         1C1. Warm          1C1a.Southeastern North   Southern        Southern Live      CARYA GLABRA - TILIA
  Temperate   Temperate Forest   America Warm Temperate    Broadleaf       Oak - Coastal      AMERICANA VAR.
  Forest                         Forest                    Evergreen       Hardwood Forest    CAROLINIANA - CELTIS
                                                           Hardwood MG     Group              LAEVIGATA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.223)

                                                                                              CELTIS LAEVIGATA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.226)

                                                                                              ILEX OPACA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.3002)

                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              CELTIS LAEVIGATA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.374)

                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS PAGODA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.375)

                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA - QUERCUS
                                                                                              NIGRA FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.406)

                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              JUNIPERUS
                                                                                              VIRGINIANA - (SABAL
                                                                                              PALMETTO) WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.479)

                                                                                              SABAL PALMETTO
                                                                                              TEMPERATE WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.481)

                                                                                              QUERCUS GEMINATA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.52)

                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              (SABAL PALMETTO)
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.55)

                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              (CELTIS LAEVIGATA) /
                                                                                              PRUNUS CAROLINIANA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.666)

                                                                           Beech - Magnolia - FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA -
                                                                           Oak Forest Group   LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                                              STYRACIFLUA - PINUS
                                                                                              TAEDA - (MAGNOLIA
                                                                                              GRANDIFLORA)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.1989)

                                                                                              FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS ALBA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.228)

                                                                                              FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA -
                                                                                              MAGNOLIA GRANDIFLORA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.369)

                                                           Coastal Plain   Sand Pine Scrub    PINUS CLAUSA FOREST
                                                           Pine MG         Forest Group       ALLIANCE (A.117)

                                                                                              PINUS CLAUSA WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.511)

                                                                           Dry & Mesic        PINUS PALUSTRIS /
                                                                           Longleaf Pine      QUERCUS SPP. WOODLAND
                                                                           Woodland Group     ALLIANCE (A.499)

                                                                                              PINUS ELLIOTTII
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.517)

                                                                                              PINUS PALUSTRIS
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.520)

                                                                                              QUERCUS LAEVIS
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.617)

                                                                           Wet Longleaf Pine  PINUS ELLIOTTII
                                                                           Woodland Group     SATURATED TROPICAL
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.493)

                                                                                              PINUS ELLIOTTII
                                                                                              SATURATED TEMPERATE
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.574)

                                                                                              PINUS PALUSTRIS -
                                                                                              PINUS (ELLIOTTII,
                                                                                              SEROTINA) SATURATED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.578)

                                                                                              PINUS ELLIOTTII -
                                                                                              TAXODIUM ASCENDENS
                                                                                              SATURATED WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.692)

              1C2. Cool          1C2a. Eastern North       Southern        Southeastern Oak - QUERCUS ALBA -
              Temperate Forest   America Cool Temperate    Hardwood & Pine Hickory Forest     (QUERCUS NIGRA)
                                 Forest                    MG              Group              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.238)

                                                                                              QUERCUS ALBA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (FALCATA,
                                                                                              STELLATA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.241)

                                                                                              QUERCUS FALCATA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.243)

                                                                                              QUERCUS SHUMARDII -
                                                                                              QUERCUS PAGODA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.252)

                                                                                              QUERCUS
                                                                                              HEMISPHAERICA - CARYA
                                                                                              GLABRA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.372)

                                                                                              QUERCUS HEMISPHAERICA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.53)

                                                                                              QUERCUS ALBA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS STELLATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS VELUTINA -
                                                                                              (QUERCUS FALCATA)
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.613)

                                                                           Shortleaf Pine -   PINUS ECHINATA FOREST
                                                                           Oak Forest Group   ALLIANCE (A.119)

                                                                                              PINUS ECHINATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (ALBA,
                                                                                              FALCATA, STELLATA,
                                                                                              VELUTINA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.394)

                                                                                              PINUS ECHINATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (COCCINEA,
                                                                                              PRINUS) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.395)

                                                                                              PINUS ECHINATA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.515)

                                                                                              PINUS ECHINATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (ALBA,
                                                                                              FALCATA, STELLATA,
                                                                                              VELUTINA) WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.679)

                                                                                              PINUS ECHINATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS STELLATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS MARILANDICA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.680)

                                                                           Loblolly Pine -    PINUS TAEDA - PINUS
                                                                           Oak Forest Group   ECHINATA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.129)

                                                                                              PINUS (ECHINATA,
                                                                                              TAEDA) - QUERCUS
                                                                                              (STELLATA,
                                                                                              MARILANDICA, FALCATA)
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.2011)

                                                                                              PINUS (ECHINATA,
                                                                                              TAEDA) - QUERCUS
                                                                                              (INCANA,
                                                                                              MARGARETTIAE,
                                                                                              ARKANSANA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.386)

                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA - QUERCUS
                                                                                              (ALBA, FALCATA,
                                                                                              STELLATA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.404)

                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.526)

                                                                                              QUERCUS INCANA -
                                                                                              (QUERCUS ARKANSANA)
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.615)

                                                           Central Oak -   Bur Oak - Northern QUERCUS MACROCARPA
                                                           Hardwood & Pine Pin Oak Woodland   FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                           MG              Group              (A.245)

                                                                                              QUERCUS ELLIPSOIDALIS
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.255)

                                                                                              QUERCUS MACROCARPA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS BICOLOR -
                                                                                              (CARYA LACINIOSA)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.293)

                                                                                              QUERCUS MACROCARPA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (ALBA,
                                                                                              ELLIPSOIDALIS,
                                                                                              VELUTINA) WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.619)

                                                                                              QUERCUS MACROCARPA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.620)

                                                                           Chestnut Oak -     CASTANEA DENTATA -
                                                                           American Chestnut  QUERCUS PRINUS FOREST
                                                                           Forest Group       ALLIANCE (A.224)

                                                                                              QUERCUS PRINUS -
                                                                                              (QUERCUS COCCINEA,
                                                                                              QUERCUS VELUTINA)
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.248)

                                                                                              QUERCUS PRINUS -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (ALBA,
                                                                                              FALCATA, RUBRA,
                                                                                              VELUTINA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.249)

                                                                                              QUERCUS PRINUS -
                                                                                              QUERCUS RUBRA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.250)

                                                                                              CASTANEA DENTATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS RUBRA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.268)

                                                                                              QUERCUS PRINUS -
                                                                                              QUERCUS COCCINEA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.622)

                                                                                              QUERCUS PRINUS -
                                                                                              QUERCUS MARILANDICA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.623)

                                                                                              QUERCUS RUBRA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS PRINUS
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.624)

                                                                           Chinquapin Oak -   QUERCUS
                                                                           Ash - Red Cedar    MUEHLENBERGII - (ACER
                                                                           Alkaline Forest    SACCHARUM) FOREST
                                                                           Group              ALLIANCE (A.1912)

                                                                                              FRAXINUS
                                                                                              QUADRANGULATA -
                                                                                              (JUNIPERUS
                                                                                              VIRGINIANA) WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.1913)

                                                                                              ACER BARBATUM -
                                                                                              FRAXINUS AMERICANA -
                                                                                              (JUGLANS NIGRA)
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.214)

                                                                                              JUGLANS NIGRA -
                                                                                              AESCULUS GLABRA -
                                                                                              CELTIS (LAEVIGATA,
                                                                                              OCCIDENTALIS) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.232)

                                                                                              JUNIPERUS
                                                                                              VIRGINIANA - QUERCUS
                                                                                              (MUEHLENBERGII,
                                                                                              STELLATA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.382)

                                                                                              JUNIPERUS VIRGINIANA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.545)

                                                                                              FRAXINUS AMERICANA -
                                                                                              CARYA GLABRA -
                                                                                              (JUNIPERUS
                                                                                              VIRGINIANA) WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.604)

                                                                                              FRAXINUS
                                                                                              QUADRANGULATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS MACROCARPA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS MUEHLENBERGII
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.605)

                                                                                              QUERCUS MUEHLENBERGII
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.621)

                                                                           Post Oak -         QUERCUS STELLATA -
                                                                           Blackjack Oak      QUERCUS MARILANDICA
                                                                           Woodland Group     FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.253)

                                                                                              QUERCUS STELLATA
                                                                                              FLATWOODS FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.261)

                                                                                              JUNIPERUS
                                                                                              VIRGINIANA - QUERCUS
                                                                                              (STELLATA, VELUTINA,
                                                                                              MARILANDICA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.383)

                                                                                              QUERCUS STELLATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS MARILANDICA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.625)

                                                                           White Oak - Red    QUERCUS VELUTINA -
                                                                           Oak - Black Oak    QUERCUS ALBA -
                                                                           Forest & Woodland  (QUERCUS COCCINEA)
                                                                           Group              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.1911)

                                                                                              QUERCUS ALBA -
                                                                                              (QUERCUS RUBRA, CARYA
                                                                                              SPP.) FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.239)

                                                                                              QUERCUS RUBRA - (ACER
                                                                                              SACCHARUM) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.251)

                                                                                              CARYA (GLABRA,
                                                                                              OVATA) - FRAXINUS
                                                                                              AMERICANA - QUERCUS
                                                                                              (ALBA, RUBRA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.258)

                                                                                              QUERCUS ALBA MONTANE
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.271)

                                                                                              QUERCUS ALBA -
                                                                                              (QUERCUS VELUTINA)
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.612)

                                                                           Pitch Pine -       PINUS VIRGINIANA
                                                                           Virginia Pine -    FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                           Oak Forest &       (A.131)
                                                                           Woodland Group     

                                                                                              TSUGA CAROLINIANA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.144)

                                                                                              PINUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (ALBA,
                                                                                              STELLATA, FALCATA,
                                                                                              VELUTINA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.407)

                                                                                              PINUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (COCCINEA,
                                                                                              PRINUS) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.408)

                                                                                              PINUS (RIGIDA,
                                                                                              ECHINATA) - QUERCUS
                                                                                              COCCINEA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.415)

                                                                                              PINUS RIGIDA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (VELUTINA,
                                                                                              PRINUS) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.416)

                                                                                              PINUS PUNGENS -
                                                                                              (PINUS RIGIDA)
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.521)

                                                                                              PINUS RIGIDA WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.524)

                                                                                              PINUS (RIGIDA,
                                                                                              PUNGENS,
                                                                                              VIRGINIANA) - QUERCUS
                                                                                              PRINUS WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.677)

                                                                                              PINUS RIGIDA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (ALBA,
                                                                                              STELLATA) WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.681)

                                                                                              PINUS RIGIDA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (COCCINEA,
                                                                                              VELUTINA) WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.687)

                                                           Northern &      Appalachian        ACER RUBRUM - NYSSA
                                                           Central         Mesophytic Montane SYLVATICA - MAGNOLIA
                                                           Mesophytic      Forest Group       FRASERI FOREST
                                                           Hardwood &                         ALLIANCE (A.2009)
                                                           Conifer MG                         

                                                                                              LIRIODENDRON
                                                                                              TULIPIFERA - TILIA
                                                                                              AMERICANA VAR.
                                                                                              HETEROPHYLLA -
                                                                                              AESCULUS FLAVA - ACER
                                                                                              SACCHARUM FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.235)

                                                                                              TSUGA CANADENSIS -
                                                                                              LIRIODENDRON
                                                                                              TULIPIFERA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.413)

                                                                           Maple - Beech -    FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA -
                                                                           Oak Central        QUERCUS RUBRA -
                                                                           Mesophytic Forest  QUERCUS ALBA FOREST
                                                                           Group              ALLIANCE (A.229)

                                                                                              ACER SACCHARUM -
                                                                                              CARYA CORDIFORMIS
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.302)

                                                                           Beech - Maple -    ACER SACCHARUM -
                                                                           Birch - Basswood   BETULA
                                                                           Forest Group       ALLEGHANIENSIS -
                                                                                              (FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA)
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.216)

                                                                                              ACER SACCHARUM -
                                                                                              FRAXINUS AMERICANA -
                                                                                              TILIA AMERICANA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.217)

                                                                                              ACER SACCHARUM -
                                                                                              TILIA AMERICANA -
                                                                                              (QUERCUS RUBRA)
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.220)

                                                                                              FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA -
                                                                                              ACER SACCHARUM -
                                                                                              (LIRIODENDRON
                                                                                              TULIPIFERA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.227)

                                                                                              FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS SPP. - ACER
                                                                                              SPP. FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.230)

                                                                                              BETULA
                                                                                              ALLEGHANIENSIS -
                                                                                              FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA -
                                                                                              AESCULUS FLAVA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.266)

                                                                                              QUERCUS RUBRA MONTANE
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.272)

                                                                                              FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.284)

                                                                                              PINUS STROBUS - ACER
                                                                                              SACCHARUM FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.3012)

                                                                                              POPULUS TREMULOIDES
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.610)

                                                                                              TILIA AMERICANA -
                                                                                              FRAXINUS AMERICANA -
                                                                                              (ACER SACCHARUM)
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.628)

                                                                           Eastern Pine -     PINUS STROBUS - TSUGA
                                                                           Hemlock - Hardwood CANADENSIS FOREST
                                                                           Forest Group       ALLIANCE (A.127)

                                                                                              THUJA OCCIDENTALIS
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.142)

                                                                                              TSUGA CANADENSIS
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.143)

                                                                                              TSUGA CANADENSIS -
                                                                                              (PINUS STROBUS)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.171)

                                                                                              TSUGA CANADENSIS -
                                                                                              BETULA ALLEGHANIENSIS
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.412)

                                                                                              THUJA OCCIDENTALIS -
                                                                                              BETULA ALLEGHANIENSIS
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.417)

                                                                                              THUJA OCCIDENTALIS
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.544)

                                                                           Red Spruce - Fir   ABIES FRASERI - PICEA
                                                                           Forest Group       RUBENS FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.136)

                                                                                              PICEA RUBENS FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.138)

                                                                                              PICEA RUBENS - ABIES
                                                                                              BALSAMEA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.150)

                                                                                              PICEA RUBENS - BETULA
                                                                                              ALLEGHANIENSIS FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.384)

                                                                                              PICEA RUBENS WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.546)

                                                                           White Pine - Red   PINUS RESINOSA FOREST
                                                                           Pine - Oak Forest  ALLIANCE (A.126)
                                                                           & Woodland Group   

                                                                                              PINUS STROBUS FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.128)

                                                                                              PINUS BANKSIANA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS
                                                                                              (ELLIPSOIDALIS,
                                                                                              VELUTINA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.391)

                                                                                              PINUS STROBUS -
                                                                                              (PINUS RESINOSA) -
                                                                                              POPULUS TREMULOIDES
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.400)

                                                                                              PINUS STROBUS -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (ALBA, RUBRA,
                                                                                              VELUTINA) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.401)

                                                                                              PINUS STROBUS -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (COCCINEA,
                                                                                              PRINUS) FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.402)

                                                                                              PINUS (BANKSIANA,
                                                                                              RESINOSA) WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.507)

                                                                                              PINUS RESINOSA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS RUBRA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.670)

                                                                                              PINUS STROBUS -
                                                                                              BETULA POPULIFOLIA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.682)

                                                           Southern Great  Pinchot Juniper    JUNIPERUS PINCHOTII
                                                           Plains Oak -    Scrub Group        WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                           Hardwood MG     \[under review\]   (A.505)

                                                                           Texas Live Oak     QUERCUS FUSIFORMIS
                                                                           Woodland Group     FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.1926)

                                                                                              QUERCUS BUCKLEYI
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.242)

                                                                                              QUERCUS FUSIFORMIS
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.477)

                                                                                              JUNIPERUS ASHEI
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.501)

                                                                                              QUERCUS FUSIFORMIS -
                                                                                              CELTIS LAEVIGATA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.663)

                                                                           Texas Mesic        ACER GRANDIDENTATUM -
                                                                           Hardwoods Forest   QUERCUS BUCKLEYI -
                                                                           Group              QUERCUS MUEHLENBERGII
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.215)

                                                           Eastern North   Southeast Conifer  PINUS PALUSTRIS
                                                           America Ruderal & Hardwood         PLANTED FOREST
                                                           Forest &        Plantation         ALLIANCE (A.96)
                                                           Plantation MG                      

                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA PLANTED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.99)

                                                                           Northern & Central JUNIPERUS VIRGINIANA
                                                                           Hardwood & Conifer FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                           Ruderal Forest     (A.137)

                                                                                              JUGLANS NIGRA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.1932)

                                                                                              AILANTHUS ALTISSIMA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.221)

                                                                                              LIRIODENDRON
                                                                                              TULIPIFERA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.236)

                                                                                              ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.256)

                                                                                              PINUS THUNBERGIANA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.3016)

                                                                                              GLEDITSIA TRIACANTHOS
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.606)

                                                                                              PAULOWNIA TOMENTOSA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.609)

                                                                           Southeast Hardwood PINUS TAEDA FOREST
                                                                           & Conifer Ruderal  ALLIANCE (A.130)
                                                                           Forest             

                                                                                              LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                                              STYRACIFLUA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.234)

                                                                                              QUERCUS NIGRA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.247)

                                                                           Northern & Central PICEA ABIES PLANTED
                                                                           Conifer & Hardwood FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                           Plantation         (A.ZZ)

              1C3.Temperate      1C3a.Eastern North        Southern        Bald-cypress -     PINUS TAEDA - NYSSA
              Flooded & Swamp    America Flooded & Swamp   Bottomland      Tupelo Swamp Group BIFLORA - TAXODIUM
              Forest             Forest                    Flooded/Swamp                      DISTICHUM TIDAL
                                                           MG                                 FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.1886)

                                                                                              TAXODIUM DISTICHUM -
                                                                                              (PLATANUS
                                                                                              OCCIDENTALIS)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.298)

                                                                                              NYSSA (AQUATICA,
                                                                                              BIFLORA, OGECHE)
                                                                                              FLOODPLAIN SEASONALLY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.323)

                                                                                              PLANERA AQUATICA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.326)

                                                                                              TAXODIUM DISTICHUM -
                                                                                              NYSSA (AQUATICA,
                                                                                              BIFLORA, OGECHE)
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.337)

                                                                                              NYSSA AQUATICA -
                                                                                              (TAXODIUM DISTICHUM)
                                                                                              SEMIPERMANENTLY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.345)

                                                                                              TAXODIUM DISTICHUM
                                                                                              SEMIPERMANENTLY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.346)

                                                                                              TAXODIUM DISTICHUM -
                                                                                              NYSSA BIFLORA -
                                                                                              (NYSSA AQUATICA)
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.355)

                                                                                              NYSSA BIFLORA -
                                                                                              (NYSSA AQUATICA,
                                                                                              TAXODIUM DISTICHUM)
                                                                                              TIDAL FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.357)

                                                                                              NYSSA BIFLORA -
                                                                                              TAXODIUM ASCENDENS
                                                                                              SEMIPERMANENTLY
                                                                                              FLOODED WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.655)

                                                                                              TAXODIUM DISTICHUM
                                                                                              TIDAL WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.659)

                                                                           Oak - Sweetgum     LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                           Bottomland         STYRACIFLUA -
                                                                           Flooded/Swamp      (LIRIODENDRON
                                                                           Group              TULIPIFERA, ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM) TEMPORARILY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.287)

                                                                                              QUERCUS (MICHAUXII,
                                                                                              PAGODA, SHUMARDII) -
                                                                                              LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                                              STYRACIFLUA
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.291)

                                                                                              QUERCUS (PHELLOS,
                                                                                              NIGRA, LAURIFOLIA)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.292)

                                                                                              LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                                              STYRACIFLUA - (ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM) SEASONALLY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.321)

                                                                                              LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                                              STYRACIFLUA -
                                                                                              TAXODIUM DISTICHUM
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.322)

                                                                                              QUERCUS (LAURIFOLIA,
                                                                                              PHELLOS) SEASONALLY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.327)

                                                                                              QUERCUS PHELLOS
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.330)

                                                                                              QUERCUS TEXANA -
                                                                                              (QUERCUS LYRATA)
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.331)

                                                                                              LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                                              STYRACIFLUA SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.350)

                                                                                              QUERCUS MICHAUXII -
                                                                                              QUERCUS PAGODA
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.353)

                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              CELTIS LAEVIGATA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS PAGODA
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.376)

                                                                                              PINUS GLABRA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS (LAURIFOLIA,
                                                                                              MICHAUXII, NIGRA)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.431)

                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA -
                                                                                              LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                                              STYRACIFLUA - NYSSA
                                                                                              BIFLORA TEMPORARILY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.433)

                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA - QUERCUS
                                                                                              (PHELLOS, NIGRA,
                                                                                              LAURIFOLIA)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.437)

                                                                                              PINUS GLABRA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS LAURIFOLIA
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.442)

                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA -
                                                                                              LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                                              STYRACIFLUA - ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.445)

                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.57)

                                                                           Oak - Tupelo       QUERCUS ALBA - (NYSSA
                                                                           Depression Swamp   SYLVATICA) SEASONALLY
                                                                           Group              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.1996)

                                                                                              QUERCUS STELLATA -
                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA
                                                                                              DEPRESSION SEASONALLY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.2014)

                                                                                              CORNUS FOEMINA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.319)

                                                                                              CRATAEGUS
                                                                                              (AESTIVALIS, OPACA,
                                                                                              RUFULA) SEASONALLY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.320)

                                                                                              NYSSA (AQUATICA,
                                                                                              BIFLORA, OGECHE) POND
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.324)

                                                                                              QUERCUS LYRATA -
                                                                                              (CARYA AQUATICA)
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.328)

                                                                                              NYSSA BIFLORA - ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM -
                                                                                              (LIRIODENDRON
                                                                                              TULIPIFERA) SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.351)

                                                                                              QUERCUS LAURIFOLIA -
                                                                                              NYSSA BIFLORA
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.352)

                                                                                              NYSSA BIFLORA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.648)

                                                                           Pond-cypress Swamp TAXODIUM ASCENDENS
                                                                           Group              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.336)

                                                                                              TAXODIUM ASCENDENS
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.651)

                                                                                              TAXODIUM DISTICHUM -
                                                                                              (TAXODIUM ASCENDENS)
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              LAKESHORE WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.652)

                                                           Southern        Coastal Plain      MAGNOLIA VIRGINIANA -
                                                           Coastal Plain   Mixed Evergreen    NYSSA BIFLORA -
                                                           Broadleaf       Swamp Group        (TAXODIUM DISTICHUM,
                                                           Evergreen &                        NYSSA AQUATICA,
                                                           Conifer Swamp                      PERSEA PALUSTRIS)
                                                           MG                                 TIDAL FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.1885)

                                                                                              SALIX CAROLINIANA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.1914)

                                                                                              FRAXINUS CAROLINIANA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.344)

                                                                                              TAXODIUM DISTICHUM -
                                                                                              PERSEA PALUSTRIS -
                                                                                              CHRYSOBALANUS ICACO
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.366)

                                                                                              MAGNOLIA VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              NYSSA (BIFLORA,
                                                                                              OGECHE) SEASONALLY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.377)

                                                                                              MAGNOLIA VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              NYSSA BIFLORA -
                                                                                              (QUERCUS LAURIFOLIA)
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.378)

                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS NIGRA
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.379)

                                                                                              SABAL PALMETTO -
                                                                                              QUERCUS LAURIFOLIA -
                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              MAGNOLIA VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              ULMUS AMERICANA
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.380)

                                                                                              PINUS ELLIOTTII -
                                                                                              MAGNOLIA VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              NYSSA BIFLORA -
                                                                                              (TAXODIUM ASCENDENS)
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.441)

                                                                                              SABAL PALMETTO
                                                                                              SATURATED WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.488)

                                                                                              CLIFTONIA MONOPHYLLA
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.58)

                                                                                              PINUS SEROTINA
                                                                                              SATURATED WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.581)

                                                                                              GORDONIA LASIANTHUS
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.59)

                                                                                              MAGNOLIA VIRGINIANA -
                                                                                              PERSEA PALUSTRIS
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.60)

                                                                                              SABAL PALMETTO -
                                                                                              QUERCUS VIRGINIANA
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.61)

                                                                           Atlantic Maritime  JUNIPERUS VIRGINIANA
                                                                           Conifer & Hardwood VAR. SILICICOLA TIDAL
                                                                           Swamp Group        WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                           \[under review\]   (A.1887)

                                                                                              FRAXINUS
                                                                                              PENNSYLVANICA - ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM - ULMUS
                                                                                              AMERICANA TIDAL
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.356)

                                                                                              ACER RUBRUM -
                                                                                              FRAXINUS
                                                                                              PENNSYLVANICA TIDAL
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.658)

                                                                           Atlantic           CHAMAECYPARIS
                                                                           White-cedar Swamp  THYOIDES SATURATED
                                                                           Group              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.196)

                                                                                              PINUS RIGIDA - ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.3005)

                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.3009)

                                                                                              PINUS TAEDA -
                                                                                              CHAMAECYPARIS
                                                                                              THYOIDES - ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM - NYSSA
                                                                                              BIFLORA SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.444)

                                                                                              CHAMAECYPARIS
                                                                                              THYOIDES - ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.448)

                                                                                              CHAMAECYPARIS
                                                                                              THYOIDES SEASONALLY
                                                                                              FLOODED WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.571)

                                                                                              CHAMAECYPARIS
                                                                                              THYOIDES SATURATED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.575)

                                                                                              PINUS RIGIDA
                                                                                              SATURATED WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.580)

                                                           Northern &      Hackberry - Green  ACER NEGUNDO
                                                           Central         Ash - Silver Maple TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                           Hardwood        Floodplain Group   FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                           Flooded/Swamp                      (A.278)
                                                           MG                                 

                                                                                              ACER SACCHARINUM
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.279)

                                                                                              BETULA NIGRA -
                                                                                              (PLATANUS
                                                                                              OCCIDENTALIS)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.280)

                                                                                              CARYA ILLINOINENSIS -
                                                                                              (CELTIS LAEVIGATA)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.282)

                                                                                              FRAXINUS
                                                                                              PENNSYLVANICA - ULMUS
                                                                                              AMERICANA - CELTIS
                                                                                              (OCCIDENTALIS,
                                                                                              LAEVIGATA)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.286)

                                                                                              PLATANUS
                                                                                              OCCIDENTALIS -
                                                                                              (FRAXINUS
                                                                                              PENNSYLVANICA, CELTIS
                                                                                              LAEVIGATA, ACER
                                                                                              SACCHARINUM)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.288)

                                                                                              PLATANUS
                                                                                              OCCIDENTALIS -
                                                                                              (LIQUIDAMBAR
                                                                                              STYRACIFLUA,
                                                                                              LIRIODENDRON
                                                                                              TULIPIFERA)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.289)

                                                                                              ACER (RUBRUM,
                                                                                              SACCHARINUM) - ULMUS
                                                                                              AMERICANA TEMPORARILY
                                                                                              FLOODED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.299)

                                                                                              PLATANUS
                                                                                              OCCIDENTALIS -
                                                                                              (BETULA NIGRA, SALIX
                                                                                              SPP.) TEMPORARILY
                                                                                              FLOODED WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.633)

                                                                           Red Maple - Ash -  QUERCUS BICOLOR -
                                                                           Oak Flooded/Swamp  ACER RUBRUM
                                                                           Group              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.3004)

                                                                                              QUERCUS PALUSTRIS -
                                                                                              ACER RUBRUM
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.301)

                                                                                              ACER RUBRUM -
                                                                                              FRAXINUS
                                                                                              PENNSYLVANICA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.316)

                                                                                              QUERCUS PALUSTRIS -
                                                                                              (QUERCUS BICOLOR)
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.329)

                                                                                              ACER RUBRUM - NYSSA
                                                                                              SYLVATICA SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.348)

                                                                                              ACER RUBRUM
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.653)

                                                                                              ACER RUBRUM SATURATED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.657)

                                                                           Eastern            POPULUS DELTOIDES
                                                                           Cottonwood - Black TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                           Willow             FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                           Flooded/Swamp      (A.290)
                                                                           Group              

                                                                                              SALIX CAROLINIANA
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.296)

                                                                                              SALIX NIGRA
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.297)

                                                                                              SALIX CAROLINIANA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.332)

                                                                                              SALIX NIGRA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.334)

                                                                           Southeastern       ULMUS AMERICANA -
                                                                           Plains             CELTIS LAEVIGATA
                                                                           Flooded/Riparian   WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                           Group              (A.1916)

                                                                                              MACLURA POMIFERA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.1917)

                                                                                              CELTIS LAEVIGATA -
                                                                                              ULMUS CRASSIFOLIA
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.283)

                                                                           Eastern            FRAXINUS
                                                                           Cottonwood -       PENNSYLVANICA -
                                                                           Willow - Ash       (ULMUS AMERICANA)
                                                                           Plains             FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                           Flooded/Riparian   (A.259)
                                                                           Group              

                                                                                              CELTIS LAEVIGATA -
                                                                                              ULMUS CRASSIFOLIA
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.283)

                                                                                              FRAXINUS
                                                                                              PENNSYLVANICA -
                                                                                              (ULMUS AMERICANA)
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.308)

                                                                                              FRAXINUS
                                                                                              PENNSYLVANICA -
                                                                                              (ULMUS AMERICANA)
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.629)

                                                                                              POPULUS DELTOIDES
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.636)

                                                                                              SALIX GOODDINGII
                                                                                              TEMPORARILY FLOODED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.640)

                                                                                              SALIX EXIGUA
                                                                                              SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.649)

                                                           Northern        Northern Hardwood  FRAXINUS NIGRA - ACER
                                                           Hardwood &      Swamp Group        RUBRUM SATURATED
                                                           Conifer Swamp                      FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                           MG                                 (A.347)

                                                                           Northern           PICEA RUBENS
                                                                           White-cedar -      SATURATED FOREST
                                                                           Hemlock - Red      ALLIANCE (A.198)
                                                                           Spruce Conifer     
                                                                           Swamp Group        

                                                                                              THUJA OCCIDENTALIS
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.200)

                                                                                              TSUGA CANADENSIS
                                                                                              SATURATED FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.201)

                                                                                              PICEA RUBENS - ABIES
                                                                                              BALSAMEA SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.202)

                                                                                              PINUS STROBUS - (ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM) SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.443)

                                                                                              THUJA OCCIDENTALIS -
                                                                                              ACER RUBRUM SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.446)

                                                                                              TSUGA CANADENSIS -
                                                                                              ACER RUBRUM SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.447)

                                                                                              PICEA RUBENS - ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM SATURATED
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.450)

                                                                                              PINUS STROBUS - ACER
                                                                                              RUBRUM SATURATED
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.582)

                                                                                              THUJA OCCIDENTALIS
                                                                                              SATURATED WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.583)

  1D. Boreal  1D1.Lowland and    1D1a.North American       Eastern Boreal  Jack Pine - (Black PINUS BANKSIANA
  Forest &    Montane Boreal     Boreal Forest             Conifer &       Spruce) Forest     FOREST ALLIANCE
  Woodland    Forest                                       Hardwood MG     Group              (A.116)

                                                                                              PICEA MARIANA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.3504)

                                                                                              PINUS BANKSIANA -
                                                                                              POPULUS TREMULOIDES
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.390)

                                                                           White Spruce -     PICEA GLAUCA - ABIES
                                                                           Balsam Fir Forest  BALSAMEA FOREST
                                                                           Group              ALLIANCE (A.148)

                                                                                              PICEA MARIANA FOREST
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.149)

                                                                                              PICEA MARIANA -
                                                                                              POPULUS TREMULOIDES
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.414)

                                                                                              PICEA GLAUCA - ABIES
                                                                                              BALSAMEA - POPULUS
                                                                                              SPP. FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.418)

                                                                                              PICEA GLAUCA WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.551)

                                                                           Aspen - Birch      BETULA PAPYRIFERA
                                                                           Forest Group       FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.267)

                                                                                              POPULUS TREMULOIDES -
                                                                                              BETULA PAPYRIFERA
                                                                                              FOREST ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.269)

                                                                                              BETULA PAPYRIFERA
                                                                                              WOODLAND ALLIANCE
                                                                                              (A.603)

              1D2.Boreal Peat &  1D2a.North American       Boreal Conifer  Black Spruce -     PICEA MARIANA
              Swamp Forest       Boreal Peat & Swamp       Peatland MG     Tamarack Acid      SATURATED FOREST
                                 Forest                                    Peatland Group     ALLIANCE (A.197)

                                                                                              PICEA MARIANA
                                                                                              SATURATED WOODLAND
                                                                                              ALLIANCE (A.585)

                                                           Boreal Conifer  Tamarack - Conifer LARIX LARICINA
                                                           & Hardwood      Alkaline Swamp     SATURATED FOREST
                                                           Swamp MG        Group              ALLIANCE (A.349)

                                                                           Boreal Hardwood    POPULUS BALSAMIFERA
                                                                           Swamp              EASTERN BOREAL
                                                                                              ALLIANCE \[new\]
                                                                                              (A.ZZ)
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

## **APPENDIX I. (Informative). Pilot example for Cultural Vegetation: Levels 1 -- 8.** 

**For Levels 1 -- 4, units for cultural vegetation pilot are adapted
from typical land cover categories (e.g., USGS 2001), and are intended
to be comprehensive for the globe. For Levels 6 and 7, units are taken
directly from the National Resources Inventory (NRI 2003), where those
are cultural vegetation units (i.e. not natural or non-vegetated), but
the NRI units are re-organized to fit into the upper level structure.
Levels 6 and 7 are comprehensive for the United States. Level 5 is only
partially developed and Level 8 is not developed at this time (both
levels are optional). NLCD = National Land Cover Database (USGS 2001);
NRI = National Resources Inventory, Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRI 2003).**

<table style="width:100%;">
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 14%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 13%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 13%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 13%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 11%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 11%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 13%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
</colgroup>
<thead>
<tr class="header">
<th><p><strong>LEVEL 1–</strong></p>
<p><strong>CULTURAL CLASS</strong></p></th>
<th colspan="2"><p><strong>LEVEL 1–CULTURAL SUB CLASS</strong></p>
<p id="level-2-cultural-subclass" class="heading">LEVEL 2 CULTURAL
SUBCLASS</p>
<p id="section-34" class="heading"></p></th>
<th colspan="2"><strong>LEVEL 3 – FORMATION</strong></th>
<th colspan="2"><strong>LEVEL 4 – SUBFORMATION</strong></th>
<th colspan="2"><em><strong>LEVEL 5 – GROUP
[optional]</strong></em></th>
<th colspan="2"><p><strong>LEVEL 6 –</strong></p>
<p><strong>SUBGROUP</strong></p></th>
<th colspan="2"><p><strong>LEVEL 7 –</strong></p>
<p><strong>TYPE</strong></p></th>
<th colspan="2"><p><em><strong>L 8 –</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>SUB-TYPE [optional]</strong></em></p></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td><p>7. <strong>AGRICULTURAL VEGETATION</strong></p>
<p>[NRI = Cropland]</p>
<p>[NLCD = Agriculture]</p></td>
<td colspan="2">Woody Agricultural Vegetation</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Woody Horticultural Crop</strong> [NRI =
Cropland - Horticultural Crops]</td>
<td colspan="2"><p><strong>Orchard</strong> (tree)</p>
<p>[NRI = Fruit - Orchards, Nut – Trees, bush fruits, vineyards and
others.</p></td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Orchard</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Fruit – Orchards (001)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Apple</p>
<p>Apricots</p>
<p>Avocados</p>
<p>Bananas (all types)</p>
<p>Breadfruit cacao</p>
<p>Cherimoya</p>
<p>Cherries</p>
<p>Citron</p>
<p>Coconut</p>
<p>Coffee</p>
<p>Cumquat (kumquat)</p>
<p>Dates</p>
<p>Elderberry</p>
<p>Figs</p>
<p>Grapefruit</p>
<p>Jujube</p>
<p>K-Early Citrus</p>
<p>Lemon</p>
<p>Lime</p>
<p>Limon</p>
<p>Loquat</p>
<p>Mango</p>
<p>Nectarine</p>
<p>Olives</p>
<p>Orange</p>
<p>Papayas</p>
<p>PawPaw (papaw)</p>
<p>Peach</p>
<p>Pear</p>
<p>Persimmons</p>
<p>Plantains</p>
<p>Plums</p>
<p>Pomegranates</p>
<p>Pummelo (Pomelo)</p>
<p>Quenepa</p>
<p>Quince</p>
<p>Sapote</p>
<p>Soursop</p>
<p>Sweetsop</p>
<p>Tangelos</p>
<p>Temples</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Nuts – Trees (002)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Almonds</p>
<p>Betelnut</p>
<p>Cashews</p>
<p>Chestnuts</p>
<p>Hazelnuts (Filberts)</p>
<p>Macadamias</p>
<p>Pecans</p>
<p>Walnuts</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Vineyard</strong> (vine)</td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Vineyard</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Vineyard (003)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Grape</p>
<p>Kiwi-fruit</p>
<p>Muscadine</p>
<p>Passion Fruit</p>
<p>Starfruit</p>
<p>Hops</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Bush fruit and berries</strong> (shrub)</td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Bush Fruit</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Bush-fruit (004)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Blueberry</p>
<p>Currant</p>
<p>Evergreen-berry</p>
<p>Gooseberry</p>
<p>Guava</p>
<p>Pepino</p>
<p>Bramble shrub</p>
<p>Blackberry</p>
<p>Boysenberry</p>
<p>Dewberry</p>
<p>Loganberry</p>
<p>Marionberry</p>
<p>Olallieberry</p>
<p>Raspberry-black</p>
<p>Raspberry-red</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Berries (005)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Cranberries (grown in bogs)</p>
<p>Strawberries</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><p><strong>Other Woody Agricultural / Rural
Vegetation</strong></p>
<p>[NRI =Other Farmland, in part]</p></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Other Woody Farmland /Rural
Vegetation</strong>)[ excludes semi-natural forestry tree plantations –
see Forest and Woodland</td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Other Woody Farmland/Rural
Vegetation</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Farmsteads and ranch headquarters (400)</strong>
(woody) [= Developed Vegetation?]</td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types.</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Other land in farms (not associated with
farmsteads) (401)</strong> (woody) [= land use, not land cover for some
types?]</td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Agroforestry and tree</p>
<p>plantations (planted/</p>
<p>managed trees grown</p>
<p>for specialty uses,</p>
<p>such as Christmas</p>
<p>trees, oils, fiber,</p>
<p>flower, specialty</p>
<p>woods, biofuel; e.g.,</p>
<p>eucalyptus, bamboo,</p>
<p>paulownia, [overlap with semi-natural forestry plantations]</p>
<p>Airplane landing strips</p>
<p>Commercial feedlots</p>
<p>Duck farms</p>
<p>Field windbreaks</p>
<p>Greenhouses</p>
<p>Hog facilities</p>
<p>Mink farms</p>
<p>Mushroom farms</p>
<p>Nurseries</p>
<p>Poultry facilities</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2">Herbaceous Agricultural Vegetation</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Cultivated Crop</strong> [ = NLCD, NRI =
Cropland – Row and Close Grown Crops, also includes Cultivated
Pastureland, Hayland]</td>
<td colspan="2"><p><strong>Row Crop</strong></p>
<p>[=NRI Row and Close Grown Crops]</p></td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Row Crop</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Corn (011)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Corn for silage</p>
<p>Decorative corn</p>
<p>Field corn</p>
<p>Grain corn</p>
<p>Popcorn</p>
<p>Seed corn</p>
<p>Sweet corn</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Sorghum (012)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Soybeans (013)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Cotton (014)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Peanuts (015)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Tobacco (016)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Sugar beets (017)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Potatoes (018)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Other vegetables and truck crops including
melons (019)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Artichokes</p>
<p>Arrugula</p>
<p>Asparagus</p>
<p>Beans (all types except</p>
<p>soybeans)</p>
<p>Beets (excluding sugar</p>
<p>beets)</p>
<p>Broccoli</p>
<p>Brussel sprouts</p>
<p>Cabbage</p>
<p>Cantaloupe</p>
<p>Cardoon</p>
<p>Carrots</p>
<p>Casabamelon (manioa,</p>
<p>manihot, tapioca</p>
<p>plant)</p>
<p>Cauliflower</p>
<p>Celeriac</p>
<p>Celery</p>
<p>Chard, Swiss</p>
<p>Chickory</p>
<p>Chinese vegetables</p>
<p>(truck type)</p>
<p>Corn-sweet, decorative,</p>
<p>popcorn, (only if a few</p>
<p>rows are grown as</p>
<p>part of a larger mixed</p>
<p>truck crop or farm</p>
<p>market operation)</p>
<p>Cucumbers</p>
<p>Daikon</p>
<p>Dasheen</p>
<p>Eggplant</p>
<p>Endive</p>
<p>Escarole</p>
<p>Garlic</p>
<p>Gourd</p>
<p>Honeydew melon</p>
<p>Horse-radish</p>
<p>Kale</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Kohirabi</p>
<p>Leeks</p>
<p>Lettuce (all types)</p>
<p>Muskmelon</p>
<p>Mustard greens (mustard</p>
<p>seed, see other</p>
<p>close grown crops)</p>
<p>Okra</p>
<p>Onions</p>
<p>Parsnip</p>
<p>Peas (all types)</p>
<p>Peppers (all types)</p>
<p>Pumpkins</p>
<p>Radish</p>
<p>Rhubarb</p>
<p>Romaine</p>
<p>Rutabaga</p>
<p>Salsify</p>
<p>Scallions</p>
<p>Spinach</p>
<p>Squash (all types)</p>
<p>Sweet Potato</p>
<p>Taniers (tania, tanya)</p>
<p>Taro (upland dry types)</p>
<p>Tomatoes</p>
<p>Turnips</p>
<p>Watermelon</p>
<p>Yam</p>
<p>Zucchini</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>All other row crops (020)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Castorbean</p>
<p>Ginger root</p>
<p>Ginseng</p>
<p>Guar</p>
<p>Guayule</p>
<p>Jojoba</p>
<p>Kenaf</p>
<p>Pineapple</p>
<p>Safflower</p>
<p>Sugar cane</p>
<p>Taro (wetland)</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Sunflowers (021)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Close Grown Crop</strong> [=NRI Cropland – Close
Grown]</td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Close Crown Crop</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Wheat (111)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Oats (112)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Rice (113)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Barley (114)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>All other close grown crops (116)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Alfalfa (for seed)</p>
<p>Buckwheat</p>
<p>Canola</p>
<p>Dill (oil and herb)</p>
<p>Dry field peas</p>
<p>Emmer</p>
<p>Flax (Linseed)</p>
<p>Grasses grown for seed</p>
<p>Herbs-seasoning</p>
<p>Lentils</p>
<p>Millet</p>
<p>Mint (all types)</p>
<p>Mustard-seed</p>
<p>Rape</p>
<p>Rye</p>
<p>Rye grass</p>
<p>Salt hay</p>
<p>Sod</p>
<p>Spelt</p>
<p>Tritcale</p>
<p>Watercress</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><p><strong>Cultivated Pasture and Hayland</strong></p>
<p>[=NRI Cropland – Hayland]</p></td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Cultivated Hayland and
Pasture</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Grass (141)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>No NRI Types</p>
<p>e.g., Pearl millet, Annual rye, Wheat</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Legume (142)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>No NRI Types</p>
<p>e.g., alfalfa</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Legume-grass (143)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>No NRI Types</p>
<p>e.g., Perennial rye-grass-White Dutch clover</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><p><strong>Pasture / Hay</strong></p>
<p>[NLCD = Pasture / Hay] [NRI = Non-Cultivated Pastureland and
Hayland]</p></td>
<td colspan="2"><p><strong>Permanent Pasture &amp; Hayland</strong></p>
<p>[=NRI Pastureland and Native Pasture]</p></td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Permanent Pasture &amp;
Hayland</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Grass (211)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>No NRI Types</p>
<p>e.g., Typical dominant or co-dominant species are orchardgrass, tall
fescue, perennial ryegrass, kentucky bluegrass, crested
wheatgrass,</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Legume (212)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>No NRI Types</p>
<p>e.g.., Alfalfa</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Grass-forbs-legumes mixed (213)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types e.g.: Tall fescue, crabgrass, dandelion,
narrow-leaf plantain, and white clover pasture.</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Other Herbaceous Agricultural and Rural
Vegetation</strong> [NRI= Other Farmland, in part; Cropland -
Horticultural Crops, Other; Other Rural land in part]</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Herbaceous Horticultural Crops</strong> [NRI=
Cropland - Other Horticultural Crops, Other; Other Cropland, in
part]</td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Other Horticultural Crops</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Other Horticultural Crops (006)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Flowers – large commercial operations for bulbs and
seed production and sales.</p>
<p>Flowers – large commercial operations for cutting</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><p><strong>Other Rural, Crop or Farmland</strong></p>
<p>(Weed Vegetation)</p>
<p>[cf. semi-natural old fields?] [NRI = Cropland - Other cropland;
Other Rural Land, in part, Other Farmland, in part]</p></td>
<td colspan="2">Temperate and Tropical Rural Vegetation</td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Summer fallow (170)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>No NRI Types</p>
<p>e.g., annual weed fields</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Aquaculture in a crop rotation
(171)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>No NRI Types</p>
<p>e.g. rice crops</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><p id="section-35" class="heading"></p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Other cropland not planted (180)</strong>
[overlap with old-field semi-natural vegetation?]</td>
<td colspan="2"><p>No NRI Types</p>
<p>e.g., old fallow fields.</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land (410)
[</strong>may overlap with Semi-natural Grasslands]</td>
<td colspan="2"><p>No NRI Types</p>
<p>e.g., switchgrass</p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><p id="section-36" class="heading"></p></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>All other land (650)</strong> (requires a note
of explanation)</td>
<td colspan="2">No NRI Types</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td><strong>8. DEVELOPED VEGETATION</strong> [NRI = Urban and Built up,
vegetated part] [NLCD = Developed, vegetated part]</td>
<td colspan="2"><p><strong>Herbaceous &amp; Woody Developed
Vegetation</strong></p>
<p>[closely cropped ground layer] (tree modifier may be used at all
levels)</p></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Developed (Close-Cropped) Vegetation</strong>
[=NLCD, NRI = Urban and Built Up]</td>
<td colspan="2"><p><strong>Lawn</strong></p>
<p>with or without trees (urban and recreational)</p></td>
<td colspan="2">e.g. Temperate and Tropical Lawns</td>
<td colspan="2">e.g. Cool-season Lawn, Warm Season Lawn, Dry Season
Lawn</td>
<td colspan="2">e.g.,<em>cool season:</em> kentucky bluegrass, fescue,
sportfield grasses e.g., <em>warm season</em>: bermuda grass, zoysia,
St. Augustine, <em>arid season</em>:</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Other Developed Urban / Built Up
Vegetation</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Other Urban / Build Up Vegetation</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2">e.g., <strong>Vacant Lot Vegetation</strong> [overlap
with old-field semi-natural vegetation?]</td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2">e.g. <strong>Flower /Herb Gardens</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

## APPENDIX J (Informative). Comparison of U.S. NVC and Braun-Blanquet approaches to classifying pastures. 

**Table J.1. A brief comparison of NVC pasture types to the European
Braun-Blanquet classification (Rodwell et al. 2002, Mucina 1997).**

+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+
| **Level**                  | **NVC**           | **Rodwell et al.** |
|                            |                   |                    |
|                            | **(from Appendix  | **(2002)**         |
|                            | I)**              |                    |
+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+
| **LEVEL 1--CULTURAL        | Agricultural      | Not Applicable     |
| CLASS**                    | Vegetation        |                    |
+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+
| **LEVEL 2--CULTURAL        | Herbaceous        | Not Applicable     |
| SUBCLASS**                 | Agricultural      |                    |
|                            | Vegetation        |                    |
+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+
| **LEVEL 3 -- FORMATION**   | Pasture / Hay     | Temperate          |
|                            |                   | Grasslands, Heaths |
|                            |                   | and Fringe         |
|                            |                   | Vegetation         |
+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+
| **LEVEL 4 --               | Permanent Pasture | \-                 |
| SUBFORM-ATION**            | & Hayland         |                    |
+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+
| **LEVEL 5 - GROUP**        | Temperate &       | Molinio-Arr        |
|                            | Tropical          | henatheretea**\*** |
|                            | Permanent Pasture | (Class)            |
|                            | & Hayland         |                    |
|                            |                   | Anthropogenic      |
|                            |                   | Pastures And       |
|                            |                   | Meadows On Deeper, |
|                            |                   | More Or Less       |
|                            |                   | Fertile Mineral    |
|                            |                   | And Peaty Soils In |
|                            |                   | Lowland Regions    |
+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+
| **LEVEL 6 -- SUBGROUP**    | Grass             | Arrhenatheretalia  |
|                            |                   |                    |
|                            |                   | (Order)            |
|                            |                   |                    |
|                            |                   | Pastures And       |
|                            |                   | Meadows On         |
|                            |                   | Well-Drained       |
|                            |                   | Relatively Fertile |
|                            |                   | Mineral Soils.     |
+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+
| **LEVEL 7 - TYPE**         | Perennial         | Cynosurion         |
|                            | Ryegrass Pasture  | crystati           |
|                            |                   |                    |
|                            |                   | (Alliance)         |
|                            |                   |                    |
|                            |                   | Pastures Of        |
|                            |                   | Relatively Well    |
|                            |                   | Drained, Fertile   |
|                            |                   | Mineral Soils At   |
|                            |                   | Lower Altitudes.   |
+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+
| **LEVEL 8 - SUBTYPE**      | **-**             | Lolium perenne --  |
|                            |                   | Cynosurus          |
|                            |                   | cristatus          |
|                            |                   | Association        |
+----------------------------+-------------------+--------------------+

**\***Diagnostic species for this class include (from Mucina 1997):
Achillea millefolium ( ), Agrostis gigantea / stolonifera (red top),
Alopecuris pratensis ( ), Anthoxanthum odoratum (sweet vernal grass),
Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Cerastium fontanum ( ), Dactylis
glomerata (orchard grass), Festuca arundinacea ( ), Festuca pratensis (
), Festuca rubra (red fescue), Holcus lanatus ( ), Juncus \[effuses,
others\] ( ), Molinia caerulea (purple moorgrass), Poa pratensis
(Kentucky bluegrass), Poa trivialis ( ), Plantago lanceolatus
(plantain), Ranunculus acris (buttercup) and Trifolium \[repens,
others\] (clover), among others.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc179351130 .anchor}**APPENDIX K (Informative): A
Process for Estimating Stratum Cover from Species Cover Values**

Table I.1 presents one method for estimating stratum cover from the
cover values of individual species occurring in that stratum. This
method assumes a constant relationship between species cover sum and
percent overlap, which is probably not true under all conditions. It
also does not account for positive or negative relationships between
species such as nurse crops and allelopathic plants. If this method does
not apply to your dataset, you should modify it and carefully document
your method.

+-----------------+-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+
| **Table K.1. A  |       |             |             |              |
| process for     |       |             |             |              |
| estimating      |       |             |             |              |
| canopy cover of |       |             |             |              |
| a single        |       |             |             |              |
| stratum from    |       |             |             |              |
| the cover       |       |             |             |              |
| values of       |       |             |             |              |
| individual      |       |             |             |              |
| species         |       |             |             |              |
| occurring in    |       |             |             |              |
| that stratum.** |       |             |             |              |
| See also Table  |       |             |             |              |
| 3.4.            |       |             |             |              |
|                 |       |             |             |              |
| It is possible  |       |             |             |              |
| to approximate  |       |             |             |              |
| the percent     |       |             |             |              |
| cover of a      |       |             |             |              |
| single stratum, |       |             |             |              |
| based on the    |       |             |             |              |
| individual      |       |             |             |              |
| cover of the    |       |             |             |              |
| species in that |       |             |             |              |
| stratum         |       |             |             |              |
| (Jennings et    |       |             |             |              |
| al. 2006),      |       |             |             |              |
| based on the    |       |             |             |              |
| following       |       |             |             |              |
| equation:       |       |             |             |              |
|                 |       |             |             |              |
| > $C_{i} =      |       |             |             |              |
|  \left( 1 - \pr |       |             |             |              |
| od_{j = 1}^{n}\ |       |             |             |              |
| left( 1 - \frac |       |             |             |              |
| {\text{\%cov}j} |       |             |             |              |
| {\text{100}} \r |       |             |             |              |
| ight) \right) \ |       |             |             |              |
| ast \text{100}$ |       |             |             |              |
|                 |       |             |             |              |
| where *C~i~* is |       |             |             |              |
| the percent     |       |             |             |              |
| cover of        |       |             |             |              |
| stratum *i* for |       |             |             |              |
| species or      |       |             |             |              |
| growth form *j* |       |             |             |              |
| in stratum *i*. |       |             |             |              |
|                 |       |             |             |              |
| It may also be  |       |             |             |              |
| used to         |       |             |             |              |
| approximate the |       |             |             |              |
| percent cover   |       |             |             |              |
| of a single     |       |             |             |              |
| species across  |       |             |             |              |
| multiple        |       |             |             |              |
| strata, where a |       |             |             |              |
| total percent   |       |             |             |              |
| cover of that   |       |             |             |              |
| species is      |       |             |             |              |
| desired. In the |       |             |             |              |
| example, the    |       |             |             |              |
| minimum cover   |       |             |             |              |
| possible would  |       |             |             |              |
| be 40%, the     |       |             |             |              |
| cover of the    |       |             |             |              |
| most abundant   |       |             |             |              |
| species         |       |             |             |              |
| (presuming      |       |             |             |              |
| **complete      |       |             |             |              |
| overlap** with  |       |             |             |              |
| the other two   |       |             |             |              |
| species) and    |       |             |             |              |
| the maximum     |       |             |             |              |
| possible cover  |       |             |             |              |
| would be        |       |             |             |              |
| 85%,the cover   |       |             |             |              |
| of each species |       |             |             |              |
| added together  |       |             |             |              |
| (presuming **no |       |             |             |              |
| overlap** among |       |             |             |              |
| the species).   |       |             |             |              |
| The equation    |       |             |             |              |
| assumes there   |       |             |             |              |
| is at least     |       |             |             |              |
| some overlap,   |       |             |             |              |
| and uses a      |       |             |             |              |
| standard        |       |             |             |              |
| formula to      |       |             |             |              |
| estimate the    |       |             |             |              |
| percent of      |       |             |             |              |
| overlap. In     |       |             |             |              |
| this example    |       |             |             |              |
| the canopy      |       |             |             |              |
| cover of the    |       |             |             |              |
| shrub stratum   |       |             |             |              |
| is estimated to |       |             |             |              |
| be 64%.         |       |             |             |              |
+-----------------+-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+
| Species (*j*)   | A     | Step 1:     | Step 2      | Step 3       |
| occurring in    | ctual |             |             |              |
| the shrub       | cover | $$\left( 1  | $$1 - \p    | $$\text{     |
| stratum (*i*)   | in %  | - \frac{\te | rod_{j = 1} | Step}2 \ast  |
|                 |       | xt{\%cov}j} | ^{n}{(\text | \text{100}$$ |
|                 |       | {\text{100} | {Step}1)}$$ |              |
|                 |       | } \right)$$ |             |              |
+-----------------+-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+
| *Acer glabrum*  | 15    | 0.85^a^     | 1 - 0.357 = | 0.643 \* 100 |
|                 |       |             | 0.643       | = 64.3       |
+-----------------+-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+
| *Spiraea        | 40    | 0.6^b^      |             |              |
| douglasii*      |       |             |             |              |
+-----------------+-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+
| *Vaccinium      | 30    | 0.7^c^      |             |              |
| scoparium*      |       |             |             |              |
+-----------------+-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+
| Π (the product  |       | 0.357       |             |              |
| of a \* b \* c) |       |             |             |              |
+-----------------+-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc179351131 .anchor}**APPENDIX L (Informative): FGDC
Vegetation Subcommittee Contributors to the Development of this
Standard**

  ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
  **Name**               **Affiliation**

                         

  Don Faber-Langendoen   NatureServe, Co-Lead Author/Editor

  David Tart             U.S. Forest Service, Co-Lead Author/Editor

  Ralph Crawford         U.S. Forest Service, Subcommittee Chair

  Doug Powell            U.S. Forest Service, Subcommittee Vice Chair

  John Dennis            National Park Service

  Chris Lea              National Park Service

  Mike Mulligan          U.S. Geological Survey

  Robert K. Peet         University of North Carolina / ESA Vegetation
                         Classification Panel

  Alison Hill            U.S. Forest Service, Past Subcommittee Chair

  Dennis Grossman        NatureServe (Resigned)

  Betsy Middleton        National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Mike "Sherm" Karl      Bureau of Land Management

  Gary Waggoner          U.S. Geological Survey (Retired)

  Ron Brohman            U.S. Forest Service (Retired)

  Dennis Thompson        Natural Resources Conservation Service

  Karl Brown             National Park Service / U.S. Geological Survey

  Lori Hidinger          Ecological Society of America (Resigned)

  Dave Roberts           Montana State University / ESA Vegetation
                         Classification Panel

  Cliff Duke             Ecological Society of America

  Michael Barbour        ESA Vegetation Classification Panel

  Alexa McKerrow         North Carolina State University / GAP Program

  Wayne Padgett          U.S. Forest Service

  Mindy Destro           Ecological Society of America (Resigned)

  Bette Stallman         Ecological Society of America (Resigned)
  ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------