Class: Pinus rigida/Hudsonia tomentosa Woodland (Pitch Pine Dune Woodland) TNC Alliance Code: II.A.4.N.a.26.  6117 CMI Code: 6117 Type Locator: Restricted to Fire Island Cross Section:

TNC Alliance Description: This maritime woodland occurs adjacent to shrubland or salt marsh.  The canopy is composed solely of Pinus rigida that is 5-10 meters tall. The shrub layer is sparse with Myrica pensylvanica most common and Gaylussaccia baccata present.  Vines are a prominent component, especially Smilax rotundifolia. Short shrubs are of sparse cover and include Rubus flagellaris, Aronia melanocara, Gaylussacia baccata, Rhus copallina.  Hudsonia tomentosa is not characteristic of this vegetation on Fire Island. The herbaceous layer is sparse with Panicum virgatum and Schizachyrium scoparium commonly occurring. Portions of Fire Island support a variant of this community in which Pinus rigida is stunted, reaching only 2m in height.
 

Photo Interpretation: This type is found throughout Fire Island behind the primary dune. Green to dark-green interspersed with brown to tan coloring. Polygons appear splotchy signature due to varying canopy heights within one polygon (signifying open canopy of Pinus rigida with shrubs/herbaceous layer below). Bright patches of sand are often seen within the polygon.
 

Aerial Photo Samples:

Field Notes: Open canopy of Pinus rigida, with varied understory of shrubs, dwarf shrubs, and herbs.  Bare sand also prominent.  Located along backdunes.
 

Ground Photos:

Similar Alliances:
Pinus thunbergii Forest (Black Pine Forest):
Pinus rigida - 3 twisted needles per fascicle, yellowish in color, found in natural areas
Pinus thunbergii - 2 needles per fascicle, dark green in color, found close to homes and in state and county parks