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
18
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
85
%
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
45
%
Nonvascular Cover
45
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot positioned on the rocky upper slope of Bobbys Ridge, just below the narrow crest and Appalachian Trail. The vegetation is a classic northern red oak forest with local dominance of the herb layer by Dennstaedtia punctilobula. This forest is typical of vegetation on the crest and uppermost slopes of Bobbys Ridge. Stresses from heavy deer herbivory and drought have reduced cover of both shrubs and herbs. Deer grazing has also favored unpalatable ferns and apparently reduced cover of forbs at this site.