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
Stem Observation Area
400
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Shrub Height
4
m
Field Height
1
m
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
90
%
Nonvascular Cover
2
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot captures a small (ca. 500 sq .), compositionally distinct opening on a small convex knob along Straight Run. Although downed woody debris suggests that this is a disturbance feature, the striking compositional differences between this stand and the adjacent forest matrix and the abundance of perennial bunchgrasses argue that vegetation here is persistent. Opening itself may be self-perpetuating through a cascade of edaphic effects; tree mortality may beget mortality through increased solar irradiation and drought stress. Openings such as these are a repetitive feature on the landscape on the lower WSW-facing slopes above Straight Run. One large fire scar present on a long-dead snag. Portion of module 2 lies within Johnsons Creek NAP. Upper half of module 8 contains numerous stems of Crataegus cf. pruinosa bent at 45 to nearly 90 degree angles. Hence navigation was exceedingly difficult through this portion of the plot, and stem stems and cover estimates may be inaccurate. Packera antennariifolia present just outside plot upslope from module 8.
0 - 1 - litter
1 - moderately dark to dark brown, fairly fine-textured, loosely consolidated clay loam, with abundant gravel; sample from module 8 apparently contains much more organic matter
