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
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Shrub Height
1.5
m
Field Height
1
m
Shrub Cover
1
%
Field Cover
95
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
What appears to be a seasonally flooded interdune wetland occupies 200-300 sq. m swale adjacent to young stand of Pinus taeda. Hydrology, successional status, and dynamics of this community are uncertain. Most stems of Cephalanthus occidentalis within and outside plot appear to be dead (although chronic stress or last-season dieback is a common feature in tidal systems containing this species), and several individuals of Salix (up to ca. 10 m tall) seem to be experiencing stress and crown dieback. Organic matter occupies only the uppermost 2-3 cm of the soil profile, which suggests that this stand may be relatively young and arose following cutting or agricultural use. Plot should be revisited in the spring to gauge cover of low species beneath dense Spartina patens and to observe early-season hydrology.
2004-10-07: Despite incomplete species list from initial survey, compositional change over three years is obvious. Moderate disturbance - as evidenced by culms of Spartina patens spread apart or matted down - occurred in plot prior to trampling during sampling, apparently from deer. No standing water is present, but surface substrate is wet and water collects in depressions created by compacting soil. This community seems to fit the concept of Interdune Pond better than that of Maritime Wet Grassland.
