This small unlogged patch of forest is surrounded on all sides by recent clearcuts (Plum Creek) and there are strip mines beyond the clearcuts. The spruce patch is buffered within the unlogged area by deciduous forest. Deep mine shafts underlie this land.;Small patch of hemlock-spruce forest around a rock ledge. This is part of an area which was protected from logging to conserve a small piece of spruce ecosystem near its southern extent in WV. There are some rock overhangs which might serve as wood rat habitat. There is a fair amount of course woody debris and deep litter. Hemlock are still healthy with no sign of adelgid. Undulating rock microtopography > 2 m relief.
Representativeness
Plot is centered on a small patch of conifer dominance around a rock ledge--captures area with clear dominance by spruce and hemlock.