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
32
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
10
%
Field Cover
25
%
Nonvascular Cover
15
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot captures temporarily flooded alluvial forest along intermittent stream, although inclusion of upland microhabitats was unavoidable. Stand is remarkably free from disturbance, and absence of Microstegium vimineum is noteworthy. Abundance of Amphicarpaea bracteata likely indicates that this site has not flooded at least during this growing season, but prominent fluvial features include steep bank (1.5-2 m high) and multiple channels with cobble bars (0.5 m high) between. Adjacent uplands support mesic forest with Quercus rubra, Q. montana, and Liriodendron tulipifera over Asimina triloba.
Plot location was pre-selected by the project's stratified random sampling design.
Directions to plot:
From narrow, slightly elevated shoulder on BRP left (driving south), proceed WSW ca. 50 m to Falling Rock Creek.
Tagged tree is a Quercus montana of 42.3cm DBH with tag # 411. Conduit is at a bearing of 160 degrees and 4.5m from tree.
Some plants along cobble bars are evidently experiencing drought stress due to unusually low water conditions. Gypsy moth egg case on Quercus montana outside plot.