Landtype and Vegetative Classification of the Sipsey Wilderness, Alabama

The Sipsey Wilderness was established in 1975 and expanded in 1988 to 11812 hectares. Prior to and since establishment, no classification of either landtypes or existing vegetation was performed to provide baseline information on present wilderness communities and future changes in community structure as the result of natural processes or anthropogenic impacts. 220 different stands were identified through existing aerial photos and topographic maps, and plots within each stand established and measured for landtypes, understory vegetation and overstory vegetation. Descriptions of landtypes and vegetative communities are reported.