Ledge/talus slope to east has chestnut oak and sweet birch then a Microstegium infested utility corridor. North slope of water gap has a rich forest with hemlock and basswood over nettle. More extensive pinewood on ridgetop to north.;Plane slope between 2 cliffbands on south facing slope of a small water gap in the ridge and valley province. Hot, dry aspect supports a forest of table mountain pine with black oak and black gum in subcanopy. Several pines in stand have snapped tops probably from a wind event. This forms a canopy gap which has higher shrub cover. Light is also increased along cliff edge. Cored 36 cm Pinus pungens - 136 + years ( missed center), and a P. rigida - 86 + years.
Representativeness
Plot includes part canopy gap and part closed forest to average physiognomy of stand. Small patch of hottest aspect.