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:
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
50
%
Shrub Cover
7
%
Field Cover
70
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot lies on steep slope along Buffalo Creek and just north of cliff visible from I-81. This vegetation is a function of the limestone substrate and the steep slope maintained through a dynamic equilibrium between colluvial/mass wasting deposition and erosion of said material by the subtending river. Downstream lies a sheer 150 ft. limestone cliff and upstream lie more stable slopes which support more deciduous tree. Seepage through the slope material is also evident. The northeast aspect helps maintain cool, moist condition. Snail shells of many varieties were abundant. One Thuja occidentalis measured 76 cm. dbh.
Cliff / rock outcrop adjacent to stand limited plot size to 200 sq. m.
Dark loamy soil. Young age with little or no development.
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Just natural disturbance. Slope is undercut by river and mass wasting processes are pronounced. Thuja trees fall over in time due to steepness and unstable soil.