A Vegetation Survey of Cliff Systems in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Walker GL, Madritch MD, Harkey J, Boggess L, Purdy E, Whitby T. 2012. A Vegetation Survey of Cliff Systems in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Appalachian State University. Appalachian State University
A vegetational survey of the cliff systems located in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (CUGA) was conducted during the summer of 2011 and 2012. Vascular plants, mosses, and lichens were surveyed on the cliff edge (top), cliff face, and talus using a systematic sampling protocol along 25 individual transects that were grouped into 11 cliff sites. Transect and plot locations with respective biotic and abiotic features were used to amend a previously constructed GIS database of the White Rocks cliff system located within the Park. Plant diversity throughout the Park was high, with 111 vascular plant, 37 bryophyte, and 83 lichen (231 total) species collected and identified. Species-area curves indicate that the biota were sufficiently sampled for diversity, and, predictably, larger cliff systems harbored higher levels of plant and lichen diversity. Plant and lichen communities varied widely across transects and cliff sites and were heavily influenced by whether the cliff edge was forested or consisted of bare, rock outcrops.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Walker, Gary; Madritch, Mike; Harkey, Justin; Boggess, Laura; Purdy, Eric; Whitby, Tim
- Date of Issue
- 2012
- Publisher
- Appalachian State University
- Units
- CUGA
- Keywords
- Cliff systems, Cliffs, CUGA, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, CUPN, Vegetation, Vegetation Survey
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Sparsely Vegetated Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Vegetation Complex