Matrix Forest Blocks

The Matrix Forest Blocks provided here were developed in partnership between the New York Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy. The Linkages and Linkage zones were developed by the New York Natural Heritage program. Please see the metadata for each individual layer for more information. These matrix occurrences represent the viable matrix forest occurrences in the TNC eastern region as of 6/23/2006. Tier 1 occurrences are the portfolio matrix occurrences. They represent the best examples of viable matrix forest and encompass at least 1 representative of each matrix Ecological Land Unit (ELU) group. Tier 2 occurrences are also viable matrix occurrences, but are not needed to meet representation goals for the portfolio. Tier 2 occurrences represent the alternate portfolio. Matrix occurrences are bounded by fragmenting features such as roads, railroads, major utility lines, and major shorelines. The bounding block feature types were chosen due to their ecological impact on biodiversity in terms of fragmentation, dispersion, edge-effects, and invasion of alien species.