Forest Habitat Types

The Forest Habitat Type Classification System (FHTCS) is a site classification system developed by John Kotar and others based on repeatable patterns in the composition of the understory vegetation. This system is a tool that can help land managers assess site potential and evaluate management alternatives. We have listed the Forest Habitat Types here to provide Wisconsin Foresters and others familiar with this classification system a way to explore related NHI community types based on species composition. The primary regions (see the map below) where each Habitat Type is found are included, although users will want to refer to the guides themselves since they often describe more precise locations and environmental settings within a region. For more information on the Wisconsin Forest Habitat Classification system see Chapter 12 [PDF 448KB] of the Wisconsin DNR Silviculture Handbook.

It is important to note that the FHTCS and NHI Natural Community Classification systems are 1) based on different underlying concepts and 2) were developed for different purposes. Also, the FHTCS is limited to forested types (the NHI system includes other vegetation types such as prairies, wet meadows, marshes, and cliffs). Consequently, cross-referencing these types can be challenging, so this list is not meant to be a definitive "crosswalk." Instead, it is designed to help users of both systems narrow down the possibilities when working with the different community / habitat types and to more easily communicate with one another. As this is a draft work-in-progress, we welcome your input.

Choose a region from the list below to view habitat types for that part of the state.

        Forest Habitat Classification Regions.