Conservation Status and Classification

How vulnerable is a natural community to being eliminated? How similar or dissimilar is it to other natural communities? These questions are answered by naming and classifying natural communities, which helps us identify them and understand where each is found.

The U.S. National Vegetation Classification is the standard often used to classify natural communities.

Conservation Status

Conservation status indicates how vulnerable a natural community is. Learn more about conservation status, which can be measured globally and regionally.

Global Conservation Status: G2G3 – Imperiled to Vulnerable

Subnational Conservation Status:

MD: S2 – Imperiled

;

VA: S1 – Critically Imperiled

Classification

Official names reduce the confusion by providing a common language for talking about natural communities. Why so many names?

Abbreviated Common Name: Eastern Hemlock - Hardwood Forest

Common Name: Eastern Hemlock - Hardwood Forest (Piedmont-Coastal Plain)

Scientific Name: Tsuga canadensis - Fagus grandifolia - Quercus (montana, alba) Forest

Scientific Name Translated: Eastern Hemlock - American Beech - (Chestnut Oak, White Oak) Forest

Classification Code: CEGL006474

Associated Ecological System: (Hemlock) - Northern Hardwood Forests Ecological System in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park