The Enhanced Forest Inventory and Analysis Program of the USDA Forest Service: Historical Perspective and Announcement of Statistical Documentation
Authors: McRoberts, Ronald E.1; Bechtold, William A.2; Patterson, Paul L.3; Scott, Charles T.4; Reams, Gregory A.5
Source: Journal of Forestry, Volume 103, Number 6, September 2005 , pp. 304-308(5)
Abstract:
The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the USDA Forest Service has initiated a transition from regional, periodic inventories to an enhanced national FIA program featuring annual measurement of a proportion of plots in each state, greater national consistency, and integration with the ground sampling component of the Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) program. The transition has required conceptual and technical changes in the statistical methodology that supports the program. This article provides a brief historical perspective on the FIA program, announces publication of the statistical documentation supporting the program, previews individual chapters in the documentation, and provides a brief discussion of areas where investigations are continuing.Keywords: Ends-ways-means; sampling estimation; remote sensing; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management
Document Type: Regular article
Affiliations: 1: Group Leader for Research and Analysis Forest Inventory and Analysis, North Central Research Station USDA Forest Service 1992 Folwell Avenue, St. Paul MN 55108, Email: rmcroberts@fs.fed.us 2: Acting Project Leader Forest Health Monitoring Research, Southern Research Station USDA Forest Service 200 Weaver Boulevard Asheville NC 28804, Email: wabechtold@fs.fed.us 3: Statistician Forest Inventory and Analysis, Rocky Mountain Research Station USDA Forest Service 507 25th Street Ogden UT 84401, Email: plpatterson@fs.fed.us 4: Program Manager Forest Inventory and Analysis, Northeastern Research Station USDA Forest Service 11 Campus Boulevard, Suite 200 Newtown Square PA 19073, Email: ctscott@fs.fed.us 5: National Program Leader Forest Inventory and Analysis, National Office USDA Forest Service 1601 North Kent Street, Suite 400 Arlington VA 22209, Email: greams@fs.fed.us
