releve Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, see http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/nh_plotform_instructions.pdf
Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
23
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
60
%
Shrub Cover
15
%
Field Cover
40
%
Nonvascular Cover
5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Directions to plot and tree tag:
Tagged tree is a Betula lenta of 23.8 cm dbh with tag #320. Conduit is at a bearing of 92 degrees and 0.4 m from tree.
Plot location was pre-selected by the project's stratified random sampling design.
Disturbed, open Quercus montana stand on slope above roadcut at MP 84. Point falls on roadside; conduit planted on steep, exposed, bouldery face with numerous lithophytes. Abundant Q. montana regeneration, but much of it appears unhealthy, with many leaves already senescent. Many large overstory Q. montana. Muhlenbergia assumed to be the dominant grass; much already senescent. CWD comprises mostly bark, with numerous twigs and a few large branches. Many Q. montana exhibit epicormic sprouting.
Soil is light to medium brown, stony silt loam, frequently shallow, and abounding in fine roots
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Many overstory Q. montana are dead, and most of the rest exhibit obvious crown damage. Although gypsy moth defoliation has been moderate this season, past defoliation was likely not severe enough to have affected such extensive mortality. Many lower Q. montana leaves are already senesced.