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
30
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
50
%
Field Cover
10
%
Nonvascular Cover
2
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Stand located on flat bench above Chopawamsic Creek and at base of slope dominated by Tsuga canadensis and Quercus spp. Liriodendron tulipifera and Carya cordiformis emerge through Tsuga canopy. Far end of plot has experienced considerable disturbance, primarily mortality of Pinus virginiana and subsequent treefall, although snags of other species are also present. Light gaps and proximity to more xeric slope contribute to species enrichment in residual modules. Very dense canopy cover at multiple strata creates heavy shade and limits ground cover biomass. Plot layout does not fully capture the Tsuga component of the vegetation, but is designed to minimize the influences of the road and adjacent slope. Regeneration of Tsuga is higher at far end of plot, although many saplings appear stressed. Topographic position suggests that this site does no flood often, but relatively high base status of soil may indicate the influence of alluvial processes.
Directions to plot: Follow gravel road along Chopawamsic Creek from Russell Road. Park after fourth crossing of creek. North of road and east of creek at its next bend, ridge descends toward the south with steep SSE-facing slope. Plot lies along the base of this slope. Stake A stands near mouth of gully, ca. 20 m from intermittent stream and ca. 70 m from road.
