Large floodplain located at the downstream end of the NPS proclamation boundary. This is one of the few areas with extensive floodplain here at the Gauley. Much of the land here is either steep forested gorge, flood scoured riverside, or narrow ridge spurs. Therefore we have sample this area rather intensively. See other plots from Swiss floodplain.;Large sandy alluvial floodplain occurring downstream from a 90 degree bend in river. Dense canopied floodplain forest dominated by Platanus occidentalis, Liquidambar styracifolia and Liriodendron tulipifera. The area appears to flood during high water episodes. Much of which is likely caused when Laurel Creek gets backed up. The floodplain is heavily impacted by camping, boating, and fishing. Lots of garbage and vehicle and ATV trails.
Representativeness
Large patch of alluvial floodplain forest of which there is very little found at the Gauley NRA. Plot was placed to accentuate the Tuliptree and Sweetgum found on this mostly PLOC - BENI dominated forest.
