Northeastern Conifer Seepage Forest

EVT 9039Acadian-Appalachian Conifer Seepage Forest
CES201.576GNRTreeRiparian
Summary
These forests occur as large-patch landscape features near the southern periphery of the boreal forest in the northeastern U.S. and adjacent Canada. They are found on gentle to moderate slopes in the colder regions of the Northern Appalachians, often adjacent to (but above) drainage channels, in settings where groundwater seepage provides constant moisture. Thuja occidentalis and Picea rubens are the typical dominants; some areas may have a prominent deciduous component. The herbaceous and bryophyte flora is typically extensive. Because of their setting, these are often not mapped as wetlands.
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Distribution
Northernmost parts of New England, north and east into Canada.
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Ecologically Associated Plant Species

Plant species that characterize this ecosystem type, organized by vegetation stratum. These are species ecologically associated with the ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific area.

Tree canopy

Fraxinus nigra, Picea glauca, Picea mariana, Picea rubens, Thuja occidentalis

Herb (field)

Carex trisperma, Cypripedium reginae, Mitella nuda, Platanthera hyperborea, Rubus repens, Tiarella cordifolia
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
Ecologically Associated Animals (4)

Animal species ecologically associated with this ecosystem type based on NatureServe assessment. These are species whose habitat requirements overlap with this ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific roadless area.

Mammals (1)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
North American Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusG5

Birds (1)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Hairy WoodpeckerLeuconotopicus villosusG5

Amphibians (1)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Eastern Red-Backed SalamanderPlethodon cinereusG5

Other (1)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Northern White Cedar LithophaneLithophane thujaeG3G4
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
At-Risk Species Associated with this Ecosystem (1)

Species with conservation concern that are ecologically associated with this ecosystem type. G-Rank indicates global conservation status: G1 (critically imperiled) through G5 (secure). ESA status indicates U.S. Endangered Species Act listing.

Common NameScientific NameG-RankESA Status
Northern White Cedar LithophaneLithophane thujaeG3G4--
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
Component Associations (1)

Plant community associations that occur within this ecological system. Associations are the finest level of the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) and describe specific, repeating assemblages of plant species. Each association represents a distinct community type that may be found where this ecosystem occurs.

NameG-Rank
Thuja occidentalis - (Picea rubens) / Tiarella cordifolia Swamp NatureServe
State Conservation Ranks (4)

Subnational conservation status ranks (S-ranks) assigned by Natural Heritage Programs in each state where this ecosystem occurs. S1 indicates critically imperiled at the state level, S2 imperiled, S3 vulnerable, S4 apparently secure, and S5 secure. An ecosystem may be globally secure but imperiled in specific states at the edge of its range.

StateS-Rank
MESNR
NHSNR
NYSNR
VTSNR
Methodology and Data Sources

Ecosystem classification: Ecosystems are classified using the LANDFIRE 2024 Existing Vegetation Type (EVT) layer, mapped to NatureServe Terrestrial Ecological Systems via a curated crosswalk. Each EVT is linked to the USNVC (U.S. National Vegetation Classification) hierarchy through pixel-level co-occurrence analysis of LANDFIRE EVT and NatureServe IVC Group rasters across all roadless areas.

Vegetation coverage: Coverage percentages and hectares are derived from zonal statistics of the LANDFIRE 2024 EVT raster intersected with roadless area boundaries.

Ecosystem narratives and community species: Sourced from the NatureServe Explorer API, representing professional ecological assessments of vegetation composition, environmental setting, dynamics, threats, and characteristic species assemblages.

IVC hierarchy: The International Vegetation Classification hierarchy is sourced from the USNVC v3.0 Catalog, providing the full classification from Biome through Association levels.

Component associations: Plant community associations listed as components of each NatureServe Ecological System. Association data from the NatureServe Explorer API.

State ranks: Conservation status ranks assigned by NatureServe member programs in each state where the ecosystem occurs.