Classification of Natural Communities (Fourth Approximation)

Final draft descriptions for the 4th approximation communities are offered for use and feedback. The document is now in final peer review during the summer of 2022, and we solicit comments on the text.

Descriptions are now being grouped by themes. All detailed descriptions of communities within the theme, as well as description of the theme and the key to communities, are contained with the fascicle for the theme.

Detailed descriptions are available at two levels of the classification. Subtypes, the finest level, are the units tracked by the Natural Heritage Program, and are generally equivalent to associations in the National Vegetation Classification (NVC). NVC names are included in the synonymy. Descriptions are also being written for themes, the coarsest level in the 4th approximation. Themes are broad ecological groupings containing several, sometimes numerous, community types and subtypes. Theme descriptions contain material that is common to all or most of the types and subtypes they contain, to avoid repeating this material in multiple subtype descriptions. The user should read both community and theme descriptions for the most complete information.

To contribute input, please send comments to michael.schafale@ncdcr.gov. If you have more extensive editorial comments, ask for a word processor version of the text.

Key to 4th Approximation Themes