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
33
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
5
%
Field Cover
90
%
Nonvascular Cover
1
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Fairly mature stand of Carya ovalis and presumably gap-phase Liriodendron tulipifera, with a lesser component of Quercus alba and abundant subcanopy Nyssa sylvatica. Although no extant gaps are present in the plot, adjacent portions of stand contain blowdowns, and coarse woody debris suggests past wind and ice disturbance. Just below the plot the slope steepens, outcrops abound, and light intensity is higher beneath a more open canopy. Abundance of Dichanthelium boscii and Brachyelytrum erectum suggest prevailing canopy openness, but understory Nyssa at present casts considerable shade. Several individuals of Liriodendron and Carya ovalis exceed 40 cm dbh. Herb cover is variable and substantially lower near center of plot, coincident with slight concavity.
Directions: From US 58 turn left (north) onto SR 690, then left onto SR 688. Pavement ends and road becomes navigable only by 4-wheel-drive. Road passes through Cumberland Gap NHP. Where road exits Park, park and proceed upslope ca. 725 m at bearing of ca. 45 deg to plot. Point located on broadly concave, south-facing slope. Tagged tree is a Liriodendron tulipifera of 75.1 cm dbh with tag #162. Conduit is at a bearing of 309 degrees and 2.5 m from tree.