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
70
%
Shrub Cover
70
%
Field Cover
50
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
The habitat is a steep, rocky and in places bluff-like slope above Claytor Lake, an impoundment on the New River. Prior to the impoundment, the plot area occupied an upper slope topographic position. Vegetation in the plot reflects distinctly calcareous soils, while the ridge crest above is characterized by somewhat acidic soils derived from a mantle of old river terrace gravels. Species richness (n=74) is quite high for such a dry, rocky habitat.
Plot located 1.0 mi north of Byrd Cemetery on Rt. 663.