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 RNA: Ramsey’s Draft
State: Virginia
County: Augusta
Forest: George Washington National Forest, George Washington–Jefferson National Forests
District:
Established: 1935; Acres: 1,794
To view Establishment records for Ramsey’s Draft RNA in PDF format, Click Here
Click here, to view a searchable map for the Ramsey’s Draft RNA
Ecological/Physical Description: The area has never been cut over and is one of a few virgin Hemlock forest tracts of its size in this vicinity. However, fire has burned over the whole area in the past and it is only in the main hollows where the virgin condition has been left undisturbed, although fire has scarred the butts of many of the large trees. The ridge types have been the most seriously affected by fire damage and chestnut blight. The attack of fire and disease on the old age stands has done much to change their composition.
Physical and Climatic Conditions:
Nearest weather station, with distance and direction from RNA:
Annual precipitation (type, seasonal distribution):
Maximum and minimum temperatures:
Elevation: The elevation of Ramsey’s Draft where it passes through the southeast corner of the area is approximately 2000 feet. From this point the ground rises steeply to attain an elevation of 4200 feet at the Hardscrabble Lookout Tower which is in the upper northeastern part of the area. The highest point on the eastern side of the area is Big Bald Knob with an elevation of 4200 feet. The northwest side of the area, which is the Shenandoah Mountain, is approximately 3000 feet, while on the west and south sides there is a spur ridge which is about 3500 feet high.
Geology and Soils In Chestnut Oak forests, the ridge top soil is a reddish brown to light brown fine sandy loam, but on the lower slopes it becomes very rocky. Little humus is found except where it is deposited in the rock crevices. In Oak-Chestnut forests, the soil varies with the topography in the steep slopes the ground is very rocky, while on the wide ridge tops the soil is a deep fine sandy loam. In hemlock forests, the bottom and lower slopes are quite rocky with a shallow surface soil. Where there is a profile the soil is a reddish brown fine sandy loam. A deep accumulation of humus is present. In cove hardwoods, the soil is a light brown fine sandy loan over coarse water deposited gravel. Where the type has not been burned over heavily there is a medium to deep accumulation of duff, especially in the upper portions of the hollows where the slopes are gentle.
Aquatic Features:
Biological Information
Plant Communities:
SAF Cover Types (acres):
Hemlock (179.30)
Cove Hardwoods(52.80)
Chestnut Oak
Oak–Chestnut
White Pine – Hardwood
Yellow Pine – Hardwood
At Risk Species:
Common Shrub Species: Laurel in Chestnut Oak and other type forest
Common Herbaceous Species:
Common Mammal Species: grouse, squirrel
Common Bird Species:
Related Reports and Publications:
Additional reports and publications can also be found by clicking on the “RNA Publications and Products” link in the site menu or by clicking here.
Last Modified: 9/29/2015 by Mary Mallinson Long (mmlong@fs.fed.us)
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