Intensive 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
1000
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
15
m
Tree Cover
50
%
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
10
%
Nonvascular Cover
2
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot was chosen to capture the pedestrian but characteristic and extensive Quercus prinus - Pinus virginiana / heath vegetation on the principal southwest-facing slope above Johnsons Creek. This sample, though, may be poorly representative of prevailing composition of the stand. Kalmia latifolia, which is scattered but locally abundant in this stand, appears only in the residual modules of the plot, and Gaylussacia baccata, which seems to be more abundant under a more open canopy, is absent altogether. Heath component and Pinus virginiana appear to increase along the slope toward the north-northwest, whereas in the opposite direction ericaceous shrubs decrease in importance and tree stature diminishes as vegetation grades into small, more open shale barren community. Quercus rubra may have been disproportionately sampled in plot as well. Surface cover of shale channery is notably higher in modules 1 and 10 than in the rest of the plot; it may have been overestimated in the near end, since leaf litter is very dry and easily sloughs off. A small gap (ca. 50 sq. m) is present in modules 6 and 7, where density of Quercus ilicifolia and other shrubs is consequently higher. Woody debris abounds but is mostly small (< 2.5 cm).
From flagged Pinus Strobus (37 cm dbh) along contour: 11.7 m @172 deg to stake A. Pinus virginiana ca. 3 m from stake A (along contour and towards P. strobus witness tree) affords clear view of white garage behind parking lot next to Johnsons Creek Church. From this tree to right (west) front bottom corner of garage: 255 deg bearing, -15% inclination.
0 - 1 - leaf litter (up to 5 cm deep)
1 - duff + other organic matter
dry, light brown to light gray, densely compacted, fine clay loam, with abundant shale fragments
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Charred wood fragments abound, and most larger trees exhibit obvious fire scars. Sprout origin of many Quercus prinus stems indicates past logging.
