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
1000
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
15
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
60
%
Shrub Cover
10
%
Field Cover
60
%
Nonvascular Cover
5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
High-elevation hickory forests which lack a significant oak component are rare in this portion of the Blue Ridge. This plot, however, is characteristic of the vegetation of much of the north and northeast slopes of Cole Mountain. (Plot GPNF322 captures grossly similar vegetation on Tar Jacket Ridge, to the north.) A history of intensive grazing may have favored the development of forests dominated by Carya ovata rather than Quercus rubra. Co-dominance by Betula alleghaniensis and B. lenta reflects the high elevation and the northern aspect. Tree stature may be limited by both stand age and site condition. Canopy appears relatively free from recent disturbance.