Releve Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, see http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/nh_plotform_instructions.pdf
Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Field Height
5
m
Field Cover
95
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot captures a variant of the Distichlis spicata - Spartina patens community type in which Spartina is the overwhelming dominant. This phase appears to cover at least 0.5 ha in the southeastern portion of Bethel Beach NAP. Although the soil is saturated and some standing water is present, the marsh surface appears higher than zones dominated by Distichlis (which often contain low Spartina alterniflora). Apparent cover of S. patens may be enhanced by matted down culms. Water depth is somewhat difficult to determine accurately, but it appears to be only ca. 1 cm at 1:30 PM.