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:
Tree Height
11
m
Tree Cover
50
%
Shrub Cover
70
%
Field Cover
90
%
Nonvascular Cover
20
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This is one of a subset of plots sampled to collect data on the distribution and ecology of Abies balsamea. The site is located in a transitional forest formerly dominated by Quercus rubra. Extensive oak mortality resulting from a gypsy moth outbreak in the early 1990's have created very open canopy cover in the stand. Canopy gaps appear to have released many young Abies balsamea that were scattered in the understory. Dennstaedtia punctilobula, Angelica triquinata, and Aster acuminatus dominate a very dense herb layer. Despite the presence of numerous trees, only one Abies cone was observed. Some twig damage to Abies from balsam adelgid was also
observed.
Plot location: summit of Hawksbill, ca. 0.1 mi. SW of Byrds Nest No. 2 shelter.
0 - 1 cm - duff/humus
1+ cm - medium brown silt loam, occasionally small stones
Profile 2:
0 -2 cm - leaf litter
2 - 5 cm - humus/root mat
5+ cm - silt loam, very rocky
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Many red oak snags in and around plot (mortality from gypsy moth in early 1990s).