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
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
80
%
Shrub Cover
60
%
Field Cover
5
%
Nonvascular Cover
10
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Well-developed, mature stand of nearly pure Tsuga canadensis occupies this steep, bouldery, north-facing slope above North Branch Chopawamsic Creek. This stand is a fine example of a dense, locally restricted hemlock forest on the northern Piedmont. No plot was laid out because of extreme slope declination. Area surveyed approximates 0.1 ha and laterally covers most of slope with more or less constant aspect. Density of Tsuga generally increases and stature of largest individuals decreases upslope. Epigaea repens and Polypodium appalachianum form small but dense clumps on rock outcrops. Coarse woody debris is fairly abundant, but there are no signs of recent disturbance. Soil contains some charcoal fragments, but surficial charcoal suggests localized lightning strikes rather than past extensive fire. There is no evidence of infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid. Soil sample was not collected nor soil depth measurements made, but examination of soil profile revealed surprisingly deep soil.
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 ravine, then follow intermittent stream valley N to North Branch Chopawamsic Creek.
0 - 5 - litter and duff
5 - fine textured, light brown sandy clay loam; clay content increases with depth, although soil becomes somewhat more coarse textured; charcoal scattered throughout profile; fibric woody material present beginning at 60-70 cm