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
19
m
Shrub Height
3
m
Field Height
3
m
Tree Cover
30
%
Shrub Cover
35
%
Field Cover
23
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot captures wetland vegetation in a narrow swale running through a silvicultural pine plantation. Although technically located at the extreme headwaters of a stream, there are no channels nor any evidence of overland flooding; and over time, it appears that the swale has deepened into a linear depression that is flooded by perched groundwater for significant parts of the year. Water marks on trees are 70 cm above the soil surface in the deepest part of the wetland. Vegetation is a patchy woodland with groves of small Nyssa biflora and shrubs interspersed with Cephalanthus occidentalis thickets and graminoid openings. Lichens are abundant on tree trunks and branches. This stand was clear-cut along with the adjacent pine stand years ago, and most Nyssa are stump-sprouted. However, little damage appears to have been done to the soil or lower-strata vegetation during this logging.
