Dry Igneous Exposed Backslope Woodland

Description

The reference state was old growth woodland dominated by short (30 to 50 feet) open grown post oak, with scattered blackjack oak, northern red oak and black oak and an occasional shortleaf pine. Canopy closure varies from open 30 to 50 percent canopy on most exposed positions to more closed 50 to 80 percent canopy on more protected positions. The understory is open with a dense ground flora of native grasses and forbs.

Fire played an important role in the maintenance of these state as well. It is likely that these ecological sites, along with adjacent knobs burned at least once every 5 years. These periodic fires would have kept woodlands open, removed the litter, and stimulated the growth and flowering of the grasses and forbs. Soil fertility and site productivity is low. Two community phases are recognized in the reference state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency. Reference states are rare today.

Submodel

Description

This state is dominated by post oak, northern red oak and black oak. They can form relatively even-age stands, dating to when fire suppression became the dominant management characteristic on the site. This stage can occur relatively quickly (10 to 20 years). Canopy closures can approach 50 to 70 percent with little or no ground flora. Without active management or long term presence of fire, woody species such as eastern redcedar and hickory will encroach into these woodlands. Once established, these woody species can quickly fill the woodland system.

Most occurrences of this state today are dense, and shady with a greatly diminished ground flora. Removal of the younger understory, opening the upper canopy, and the application of prescribed fire has proven to be effective management tools. Timber harvesting is very limited on these sites because of the poor quality and tree size.

Submodel

Description

In the long term absence of fire, woody species have encroached into this woodland state. Once established, these woody species will quickly fill the woodland system. Removal of the younger understory and the application of prescribed fire have proven to be effective management tools.

Timber harvesting is very limited on these sites because of the poor quality and tree size. This state, while of limited timber value, experienced occasional harvesting (high grading) of northern red oak, scarlet oak, shortleaf pine and white oak that has reduced the densities of these species causing an increase in black oak and blackjack oak.

Submodel