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
24
m
Shrub Height
4
m
Field Height
6
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
3
%
Field Cover
45
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Resample of 13-year old permanent plot. Corners are now monumented with rebar stakes painted light blue.
Since 2001, the large Quercus rubra tag tree has blown down, creating a large canopy gap on the western side of the plot. Additionally, the areas of bare mineral soil present in 2001 have become covered by humus and duff. Otherwise, conditions remain similar, with Quercus montana dominating the overstory, Carya spp. dominating the understory, and the herb flora exhibiting only minor shifts in cover and relative abundances. The potentially invasive exotic Alliaria petiolata has become established in very small numbers. High levels of deer herbivory continue to shape the composition and stature of the herb layer.