Ridgeline old growth varies between sub-xeric and sub-mesic. Steep slopes appear to be younger forests.;Spider ridge system with old growth mostly confined to ridgelines. This plot samples a near level bench. Forest is dominated by multi-sized chestnut oaks. Mockernut and sugar maple are also in canopy. Sugar maple dominates sapling and shrub classes. Relatively little woody debris may indicate sucession after fire- no stumps seen - locals refer to it as virgin forest.
Representativeness
Old growth ridgeline oak forest (oak-hickory-sugar maple) close to BAIL.5 but placed to sample contrasting flora (more mesic).