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
25
m
Tree Cover
60
%
Shrub Cover
60
%
Field Cover
40
%
Nonvascular Cover
1
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Stand dominated by Tsuga canadensis, with larger emergent Liriodendron tulipifera and Pinus virginiana, distinct subcanopy of Cornus florida, and open understory containing Diphasiastrum digitatum as ground-layer dominant. Stand likely arose following abandonment of agricultural land, and Pinus virginiana is approaching natural senescence. Several dead pines are present, and live individuals invariably have narrow, poorly developed or damaged crowns. Numerous downed boles and limbs compose coarse woody debris. There is no evidence of infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid.
Directions to plot: From Russel Road take MCB-1 north. Ca. 0.7 mi after crossing South Branch Chopawamsic Creek, road turns left (north); here bear right on gravel road. Just past crest of ridge, road begins to descend slightly, after a turn to the right (ESE). Look for row of Pinus virginiana seedlings on left. Park and follow ridge NE to saddle above North Branch Chopawamsic Creek. Plot lies just up from saddle, along ridgeline and NW-facing upper slope.
