Igneous Backslope

Description

The historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth oak Forest. This state was dominated by white oak and Red oak, and shortleaf pine. Maximum tree age was likely 150 to 300 years. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind and ice maintained the reference structure and diverse ground flora species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species. Two community phases are recognized in the reference state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency. Reference sites are rare today.
Most of these sites have been subject to repeated, high-graded timber harvest (State 3). Fire suppression has resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora (State 4). Relatively few igneous woodlands have been managed effectively for timber harvest (State 2), resulting in either even-age or uneven-age woodlands.