We are pleased to announce the web release of the following report:
Classification and Conservation Assessment of High Elevation Wetland Communities in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. E.A. Byers, J. P. Vanderhorst, and B. P. Streets. 2007. West Virginia Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Elkins, WV. http://www.wvdnr.gov/publications/PDFFiles/High%20Allegheny%20Wetlands-web.p df Abstract Wetland communities above 730 meters (2400 feet) elevation in the Allegheny Mountain region of West Virginia are characterized by exceptionally high biodiversity and conservation value. A new ecological system for the High Allegheny Wetlands and 41 wetland associations were classified, ranked for conservation purposes, and published in the National Vegetation Classification. Eleven of these associations represent wetland types that are new to the national system. Twenty of the types have high global conservation priority, and the remaining 21 types have high state conservation priority. The highest conservation priorities at both the global and state levels are forested conifer and mixed swamps, ancient peatlands, and an ice-scour community. Documented species occurrences in the study area include 590 animal species and more than 900 plant species. Rare taxa include five mammals, 13 breeding birds, one reptile, three amphibians, two snails, two crayfish, 58 dragonflies and damselflies, six butterflies, four spiders, and 145 species of vascular plants. The study was undertaken by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources with financial assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Questions and comments are welcome! Elizabeth Byers, Jim Vanderhorst, and Brian Streets West Virginia Natural Heritage Program WVDNR, P.O. Box 67, Elkins WV 26241 Tel: 304-637-0245 Emails: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] part of the NatureServe network connecting science with conservation
