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
Stem Observation Area
400
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
30
%
Field Cover
30
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
The plot is a good example of grassy pine "flatwoods" which occur extensively on leveled back dune areas of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, especially in the northern section. Pinus taeda is the overwhelming canopy dominant in these stands, which also feature an open to very open shrub layer and an abundance of Chasmanthium laxum in the herbaceous layer. The physiognomy and composition of these communities appear to be the result of frequent prescribed burning, which has reduced or eliminated the dense vine growth characteristic of many maritime forests.
Plot located on peninsula south of Sow Pond Dike, ca. 0.45 mi ESE of the mouth of Janeys Creek.
