Bringing the California Vegetation Classification into the 21st Century: The value of quantitative classification for conservation in an embattled state

The second edition of the Manual of California Vegetation is being prepared after the first state-wide publication of quantitative classification 12 years ago. This edition, which describes over 500 alliances, draws upon an explosion of new information from many recent studies, including several that cover large areas of the state. These studies come from the realization that quantitatively driven classification is essential for vegetation management and conservation issues facing resource agencies today. In addition, new methodologies for classifying and mapping vegetation have progressed hand-in-hand with this richer understanding of the state’s vegetation. We outline this progress by pinpointing our success in improving the understanding of poorly known California desert, coastal scrub, montane coniferous forest, and high elevation vegetation.  We also consider how vegetation classification and description can target management issues and drive conservation actions in the nation’s most populous state.