Hills plateau is mostly forested but is fragmented by many roads and oil wells. Low population density, low hunter use according to 2 old men at WMA sign/junction.;Dissected plateau on shale substrate. Oak hickory forest is here the matrix forest type on all aspects. Young to medium aged stand with canopy gaps. Abundant oak and hickory regeneration in shrub layer, and now browse line apparent. Numerous dead oaks in vicinity, probably due to pest (gypsy moth) but most large oaks survived. Charcoal in soil and lack of wood and stumps are evidence of past fire.
Representativeness
Typical expression of matrix oak-hickory forest. Plot placed to include hickory in the canopy, although is everywhere common in the understory. Plot has SW aspect which may be reflected in relative abundance of the Vaccinium pallidum.