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
21
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
2
m
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
70
%
Field Cover
12
%
Nonvascular Cover
0.5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
The "naturalness" of this area is debatable, especially close to a bermed logging road and culverts. Channels are absent in this large, low-relief "bottom," although a well-developed channel is present on the other side. The area has been affected by past logging (cut over), beavers, and possible hydrologic alterations. There are no clear water marks on the trees but the area is obviously flooded for periods 45-50 cm deep. Nyssa biflora dominates and shrubs occur mostly on hummocks. The area is quite different from nearby stream-head depressions in this area because of the dense patches of Arundinaria tecta and Smilax walteri found here. Small openings support "draw-down" herbs characteristic of alluvial swamps.
