DRAFTING…
In the NatureServe Ecosystem Classification applied to both the U.S. and Canada, the term “Pine Barrens” is variously applied at 4 ecosystems levels, levels 5, 6, 7, 8)
1. Class… 2. Subclass… 3. Formation… 4. Division… 5, Macrogroup… 6, Group… 7. Alliance… 8. Association
Two Macrogroup/four Group Records
include “Pine Barrens”
…5. Macrogroup*: Southern-Central Appalachian Dry Forest & Woodland (Macrogroup M502)
6. Groups (2)*
– Southern Appalachian Pitch Pine – Shortleaf Pine Woodland (G905)
Pinus rigida – Pinus echinata Woodland & Barrens Group
(Pitch Pine – Shortleaf Pine Woodland & Barrens Group)
NatureServe Status (Rounded): G4: Apparently Secure
Concept Sentence: This vegetation encompasses predominantly conifer woodlands and forests dominated by Pinus pungens, often with Pinus rigida and/or Pinus virginiana, and occasionally Tsuga caroliniana, occupying very exposed, convex, rocky south- and west-facing slopes and related habitats in the Central Appalachians, Southern Ridge and Valley, and Southern Blue Ridge.
– Central Appalachian-Northeast Pine – Oak Rocky Woodland (G906)
Pinus rigida – Pinus virginiana – Quercus ilicifolia Woodland & Barrens Group
(Pitch Pine – Virginia Pine – Bear Oak Woodland & Barrens Group)
NatureServe Status (Rounded): G3: Vulnerable
Concept Sentence: This type encompasses predominantly pine-oak woodlands and forests in the Central Appalachians and Northeastern United States, extending to New York and lower New England. Stands are dominated by Pinus rigida and/or Pinus virginiana, with Quercus montana and other dry hardwoods and a heath or grassy understory, often with Quercus ilicifolia. Stands occur on very exposed, convex, rocky south- and west-facing slopes and related habitats, including distinctive shale barrens of low to mid elevations.
…5. Macrogroup*: North Atlantic Coastal Forest & Woodland (Macrogroup M525)
6. Groups*(2)
– Northeast Pitch Pine Barrens (G161)
Pinus rigida / Quercus ilicifolia – Gaylussacia baccata Barrens Group
(Pitch Pine / Bear Oak – Black Huckleberry Barrens Group)
NatureServe Status (Rounded): G2: Imperiled
Concept Sentence: “This pitch pine barrens group, occurring from New Jersey to Massachusetts, is characterized by Pinus rigida on dry, nutrient-poor sites that are influenced by periodic fire.”
– Laurentian Pine Barrens (G160)
[Laurentian Dry Forest & Woodland (Macrogroup M159)]
Pinus banksiana – Quercus ellipsoidalis Barrens Group
(Jack Pine – Northern Pin Oak Barrens Group)
NatureServe Status (Rounded): G2: Imperiled
Concept Sentence: These barrens occur within the western and northern Great Lakes regions and are characterized by open canopies typically dominated by Pinus banksiana with a graminoid understory, but Pinus strobus, Pinus resinosa, and Quercus ellipsoidalis also may occur as common overstory dominants. Sites occur on flat or gently glaciated landscapes such as outwash plains, glacial lakeplains, and sandy river terraces.