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
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
75
%
Shrub Cover
70
%
Field Cover
40
%
Nonvascular Cover
2
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot location is a steep, rocky, southeast-facing bluff subtending the Banister River. Underlying geology is Triassic mudstone, which is well exposed as lichen-covered rocky shelves and obviously calcareous. Vegetation is a narrow woodland of hickory, post oak, white ash, and eastern redcedar with many calciphilic species. A small path (most likely a game trail) goes through center of plot; no evidence of recent cattle grazing. The trees are quite stunted and some of the larger post oaks are gnarled. The bluff and woodland continues for about 900 meters to the northeast on an adjacent property, but was not examined on the ground. The woodland grades upslope into a more closed forest that is probably best classified as a Piedmont Hardpan Forest.
