Upslope ~40m is a larger north-south running ridge where Mingo and Wyoming counties meet. Downslope the forest becomes more mesic (see plot BAIL.6). At the bottom of the ridge spur is Leatherwood creek ~2km from the plot. To the northwest and to the southeast the forest becomes more mesic.;Plot is centered on a narrow southwest facing ridge spur. The overstory is dominated by gnarled chestnut oaks, many of which have fire scars on the uphill side. The forest floor is covered with both large tv sized boulders as well as small sandstone cliff breaks. There is a slight browse line on several of the shrubs.
Representativeness
Small patch of sub-xeric oak/heath forest on a southwest facing aspect. Plot was placed to limit mesic influences of the adjacent slopes. Area was surveyed to fill in gaps in the state wide vegetation classification of the southern coal fields.