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: G4 – Apparently Secure

Subnational Conservation Status:

MD: SNR – Not yet assessed

;

VA: S4 – Apparently Secure

;

WV: S2 – Imperiled

Classification

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

Abbreviated Common Name: Silver Maple Floodplain Forest

Common Name: Silver Maple Floodplain Forest (Piedmont-Central Appalachian)

Scientific Name: Acer saccharinum - Acer negundo / Ageratina altissima - Laportea canadensis - (Elymus virginicus) Floodplain Forest

Scientific Name Translated: Silver Maple - Box-elder / White Snakeroot - Canadian Woodnettle - (Virginia Wildrye) Floodplain Forest

Classification Code: CEGL006217

Associated Ecological System: River Floodplains Ecological System in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park