Version 3.0 of the US National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) is scheduled for release in early 2025. The USNVC is a federal standard for vegetation classification and communication that can be used to facilitate management and conservation. We present an overview of the major updates to the USNVC hierarchy, including strong investment from state programs, alignment with the IUCN's Global Ecosystem Typology, and relationship to both the broader International Vegetation Classification and Canadian National Vegetation Classification. We also present applications of the USNVC for National Vegetation Maps and for SWAP planning and prioritizing at the state level.
Don Faber Langendoen, Senior Ecologist, NatureServe
Don-Faber Langendoen is Senior Ecologist with NatureServe and serves as Editor-in-Chief for the Ecological Society of America’s USNVC Peer Review Board and co-chairs the Canadian NVC Committee. He has collaborated with state, federal agency, and international partners on standardized methods for classifying the diversity of ecosystems (through the International Vegetation Classification), and assessing their conservation status and ecological integrity.
Patrick McIntyre, Director of Ecology, NatureServe
Patrick McIntyre is Director of Ecology at NatureServe and serves on the USNVC Steering Committee. Patrick’s areas of focus include the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems, classifying and mapping ecosystems, and improving the availability of biodiversity data for conservation decision making.
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