Appalachian - Acadian Rivershore Ecosystem

  State Rank S4

This rivershore ecosystem is the group of communities bordering and directly influenced by the open-water portions of a river (fourth-order or higher). It is distributed statewide except for extreme southern Maine, where rivershore ecosystems are distinguished as a separate type (Coastal Plain Rivershore Ecosystem) characterized by assemblages with more southerly affinities. It includes palustrine communities such as riverside seeps or floodplain forests, as well as communities (such as the river beach community) where the soils are not saturated over most of the growing season but which are disturbed by ice-scour or flooding. Upland forests bordering rivers are included under forested upland ecosystems.

Natural Communities Associated with Appalachian - Acadian Rivershore Ecosystem