The forest immediately surrounding the pipestem opening is at least partly a red spruce - red pine - fir plantation. On the more upland slopes above this are northern hardwoods. Wetter areas along streams and behind old beaver dams are dominated by Carex utriculata. Along edges of open wetland are seepage zones with Vaccinium myrtilloides / Carex.;Probably mid-successional state following beaverdam abandonment. History of logging, railroad, but no apparent present disturbance. Community is bisected by small steep sided streams and shallower high water flow channels. The diversity is concentrated in these more open areas.
Representativeness
This Spiraea alba stand has small E6 streams running through it and small pockets of more open sedge areas. This is a relatively pure stand, probably a good representative of the type.
