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
800
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
30
m
Shrub Height
3
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
10
%
Field Cover
1
%
Nonvascular Cover
2
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot captures a principally even-aged stand dominated by Tsuga canadensis and containing scattered, slightly larger individuals of Carya and Quercus spp. Ground cover is sparse; herbs are nearly absent, but small seedlings of many woody species abound. Edge of plot lies ca. 5 m from creek, on rather precipitous 2-3 m ledge. There is no evidence of infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid. One of two oak snags suggest gypsy moth-induced mortality. Fire scar present on one Quercus velutina. Leaf litter consists primarily of deciduous foliage.
Directions to plot: Follow gravel road along Chopawamsic Creek from Russell Road. Park just before fourth crossing of creek and follow creek upstream to north-facing ridge. Plot lies at base of ridge, immediately SSW of creek. Plot size limited to 8 ares because of width of ridge, lack of Tsuga canadensis beyond near end of plot, and steep NW-facing slope beyond far end of plot.
