Krista Laudenbach-Nelson Watershed Restoration Coordinator Application of the National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) for the Delaware Estuary Krista Laudenbach-Nelson Watershed Restoration Coordinator

Delaware Estuary Watershed Approx 6,700 miles2 of drainage area Almost 9.4 million people (2001) Only Tri-state, Multi-agency NEP 4 eco-regions 35 broader-scale ecological systems 185 natural community types

Introduction to the ICEC/USNVC What the NVCS? International Classification of Ecological Communities (ICEC) Hierarchical system of vegetation types Based on current vegetation structure, composition, succession stage and environmental setting Standardized Comprehensive Hierarchical hierarchical units allow flexibility of application at different scales and for different purposes Standardized standardized units allow comparison across refuge boundaries standardized units allow for methods and database development standardized units provide consistency Comprehensive Includes all vegetation, including sparsely vegetated habitats, aquatic vegetation, and marine algal beds. International Is part of the International Classification of Ecological Communities: upper levels of the hierarchy are based on the UNESCO system developed for mapping vegetation of the globe.

How Was the NVCS Developed? Introduction to the ICEC/USNVC How Was the NVCS Developed? Created from existing: classifications literature and data discussions with experts Evaluated for gaps and weaknesses Refined through analysis and integration of new data

NVCS Hierarchy Class Structure of Vegetation Forest Subclass Leaf phenology Deciduous forest Group Leaf Types / Climate Cold-deciduous forest Subgroup Relative human impact (natural/semi-natural or cultural) Natural/Semi-natural cold deciduous forest Formation Physiognomic and environmental factors Temporarily Flooded cold-deciduous forest Alliance Dominant/diagnostic species of the uppermost or dominant stratum Green Ash – American Elm – (Hackberry, Sugarberry) Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance Association Dominant/diagnostic species from any strata Green Ash – (Black Walnut, Sycamore) Forest

Ecological System Group of associations that occur together on the ground and are influenced by the same processes Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Dune and Maritime Grassland

Introduction to the ICEC/USNVC Riparian Buffer Introduction to the ICEC/USNVC This is a riparian buffer, but what kind? How widespread it is? What ecological functions does it serve? What kind of habitat does it provide? Is it healthy or impaired? Where can I find intact examples of this buffer type? If I were to draft a restoration plan for a riparian buffer, how would I know what to plant and at what densities? A riparian buffer is not a classified community type. There might be six different community types within a riparian corridor. Identifying the type of community or communities that comprise a riparian buffer is necessary for restoration. How do we determine what type this is? Luckily, this is a classified natural community. It is known in the NVCS as a Green Ash – Mixed Hardwood Floodplain Forest.

Estuary Systems (20%) (26%) (6%) (49%) The Delaware Estuary currently contains more than 405,000 acres of wetlands, more than 126,000 acres of which are recognized as internationally important.

Estuary Communities 23% are at-risk globally 32% are at-risk at the state level

Community Crosswalking: NVS-State

Introduction to the ICEC/USNVC Phase II: Mapping GIS Model Development using NVC data and physical and landscape data layers Ground Truthing (NJ- 75-90, PA- 75-85 and NJ 75-90)

Phase III: Training and Demonstration Projects

Introduction to the ICEC/USNVC Applications Site-specific uses: Inventory of vegetation Assessment of vegetation Establish baseline for monitoring change Plant selection for improved survival Model how types succeed into others Guide management decisions for vegetation and for individual species to protect biological integrity, diversity and environmental health Evaluate status: How rare, stable, fragile is vegetation range-wide? trends: Is this type declining? How much is left compared to historic conditions?

Questions? www.delawareestuary.org knelson@delawareestuary.org Krista Laudenbach-Nelson Watershed Restoration Coordinator Partnership for the Delaware Estuary One Riverwalk Plaza 110 South Poplar Street, Suite 202 Wilmington, DE 19801 (800) 445-4935 ext. 111 www.delawareestuary.org knelson@delawareestuary.org