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Appendix B 



Converting Between Classification 



Procedures (Vegetation) 



Users of riparian classification procedures may want to convert from one procedure to 

 another or may want to structure their inventory data to fit more than one classification 

 process. Generally, it is difficult, if not impossible, to take a classification of lesser detail and 

 fit it into a classification of greater detail. For example, it would be impossible, without 

 additional data, to take information fix)m National Wetlands Inventory, which utilizes the 

 procedure of Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats, Cowardin et al.(1979), at a 

 very general level, and place it into a process designed for community types and/or associa- 

 tions (potential natural community). On the other hand, an inventory that utilizes a very 

 detailed level of vegetation inventory (dominance of species), within Cowardin's (1979) 

 procedure, could be used in most of the other classification processes with some adjustment. 



Where a procedure of classification has developed a key, such as in Montana, parts of Or- 

 egon, and eastern Idaho, general information on the composition of vegetation sites from less 

 detailed classifications may require only minor field checking to make use of the information. 



Users will have a much easier time classifying sites utilizing an existing classification in an 

 area where it is applicable compared to developing new classifications in areas where none 

 exist 



When transferring management recommendations from existing classifications to new areas, 

 it is important that site information be collected to ensure that not only the vegetation is 

 comparable, but that the site functions are comparable as well. 



The following information in Appendices C-E should help in understanding and applying 

 classification systems to a particular area. 



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