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: G4G5 – Apparently Secure to 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: Rich Cove / Mesic Slope Forest

Common Name: Rich Cove / Mesic Slope Forest – Twinleaf - Blue Cohosh Type (Central Appalachian-Piedmont)

Scientific Name: Acer saccharum - Tilia americana / Asimina triloba / Jeffersonia diphylla - Caulophyllum thalictroides Forest

Scientific Name Translated: Sugar Maple - American Basswood / Pawpaw / Twinleaf - Blue Cohosh Forest

Classification Code: CEGL008412

Associated Ecological System: Cove Forests Ecological System in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park