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
1500
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
32
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
5
%
Field Cover
1
%
Nonvascular Cover
4
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Stand consists of large-statured Tsuga canadensis and Fagus grandifolia, with scattered Liriodendron tulipifera and Quercus alba, on alluvial soils adjacent to stream. Because tree density is fairly low and in order to capture large Fagus, trees were supersampled at 150%. Quartzite boulders abound, several of which have provided sites for Tsuga establishment. This stand may have originated following catastrophic flood 150-200 years ago. There is no evidence of infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid. Coarse woody debris abounds at far end of plot where canopy gaps are most numerous.
Directions to plot: Follow gravel road along Chopawamsic Creek from Russell Road. Park just before fifth crossing of creek and cross creek on old concrete dam. Proceed SSW up ravine along unnamed tributary of Chopawamsic Creek. Ca. 800 m from road, two intermittent streams conflow to form primary tributary. Plot lies to the north of the main tributary and east of the confluence. From Tsuga canadensis (54 cm dbh) with "No hunting beyond this point" sign in module 1: 8.7 m @ 310 deg to Stake A.
Light brown to reddish-brown silty loam; clay content increases with depth; surprisingly fine-textured given substrate
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Recent disturbance events have been numerous. Dead Quercus suggest gypsy moth-induced mortality; one large Fagus outside plot has fallen across creek into module 5; and despite deep, well-formed crowns of many Tsuga, several other individuals are dead or
