The National Vegetation Classification Standard: Implementation and outreach for the state of Oklahoma

Abstract

Efficient stewardship of the nation’s biological resources requires a systematic inventory and classification of the systems which support these resources. However, until recently, a single classification system utilized across jurisdictional boundaries and throughout multiple collecting agencies was non-existent. Rather, conservation priorities were focused primarily at the local and regional scales, with inventory and mapping standards varying from one area to the next. Inconsistent standards of inventories and classifications compounded the difficulties inherent in management of biological resources, namely the ability to present multi-scale, synoptic views of vegetation resources. In order to address these problems, the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Vegetation Subcommittee was formed to develop a single vegetation classification and mapping standard for the United States. This effort resulted in the U.S. National Vegetation Classification Standard ((NVCS), accepted by the FGDC in 1997 (version 2 endorsed by the FGDC in 2008). Under Executive Order 12906, federal agencies collecting or producing geospatial data, either directly or indirectly, are mandated to collect data in a manner that adheres to all relevant standards adopted through the FGDC process. However, unless otherwise mandated through contract or agreement, FGDC standards are voluntary for non-federal agencies. In the state of Oklahoma, many individuals involved in vegetation collection and reporting are not mandated to adhere to the NVCS. In order to encourage wider acceptance of the NVCS among these individuals, we developed educational and other training materials and engaged in direct to promote the Standard.