The plot is located on a large plateau located above the Gauley River. Most of the surrounding forest is dominated by Tsuga canadensis. There are a few patches such as this plot that are dominated by Oak-Hickory mosaiced throughout the plateau. The plot is located on some sort of boundary line (red point on trees). Although we are within the proclamation boundary we may be on private land.;Open forest community growing on a large flat. The forest floor is sparsely vegetated. There are a few old tip mounds scattered throughout the community. Several old barkless decaying stumps were observed within the plot. Heavy deer browse on low shrubs.
Representativeness
Small patch of oak-hickory forest on plateau. Plot was placed to sample photo signature with the least evergreen signature.