The U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC):

• is a comprehensive, hierarchical classification system for all vegetation types in the United States.
• is the national standard for the study, classification, inventory, and mapping of the natural and cultural vegetation of the U.S.
• provides a common language for the effective management and conservation of plant communities by agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders across the country.
• is maintained through a formal partnership between federal and non-federal entities collaborating under the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) -Vegetation Subcommittee, with the USDA Forest Service (USFS) serving as the lead agency.