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This level consists of
four elements: natural
communities,
wetlands,
riparian habitats, and vernal pools.
The
classification of natural communities helps
biologists to locate and understand their
distribution, which ultimately helps protect and
conserve many native species and ecosystem
processes. Although wetlands and vernal pools are
classified as natural communities, they are so
critical for wildlife habitat that they merit
separate discussion. Riparian habitats consist of
upland, wetland, and aquatic communities that
together provide many functions, including
maintaining water quality, providing shade to keep
trout streams cool, serving as travel corridors for
animals, and providing specialized habitat for
plants and animals.
Community level natural heritage
elements include:
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