PNW-FIA Data Collection

PNW-FIA Data Collection - Methods

Below you will find general information about many of the items included in the inventory: what and how data are collected on a typical Pacific Coast States Forest Inventory and Analysis plot. More detailed information regarding data items collected in our region can be found in the PNW-FIA Field Manuals. 

Plot Design 

Most FIA measurements are collected within a fixed-area plot (see diagram below). This plot design allows data to be stratified in analysis by forest types, disturbances, etc. There is no destructive sampling on our research plots and minimal monumentation is left on the ground (just enough to allow for these plots and trees to be found again by future field crews and for quality assurance purposes). Data collectors utilize a variety of tools to relocate or establish FIA plots including interpretation of aerial imagery and the landscape around them, maps, Global Positioning System devices, and sometimes previous crew directions. Occasionally, finding the plot can be like finding a needle in a haystack despite the tools available, especially when the site has been harvested or burned.

Site Condition 

Data is collected to describe the general site of the research plot. Some of this information does not need to be collected on the ground if it can be interpreted from aerial imagery or maps in the office. 

• Elevation and topography (using topographic maps and aerial photography) 
• Slope and aspect (using clinometers and compasses) 
• Accessibility
  • Is the plot safe to access? 
  • Has the landowner granted permission to visit their land? 
  • Can the subplots be physically occupied? If not, the full suite of data items cannot be collected and information is recorded to explain why the plot was not sampled on the ground. 
  • For more information on the safety program in place including information about hazardous plot situations please visit our Safety page.
• Land use 
  • Does the plot fall in water or on land? 
  • Is the land best defined as forest or nonforest? If it is nonforest, what is it (e.g., urban use, agricultural land, rangeland, right-of-way, etc.)?
•  Significantly different conditions 
  • Often the plot area is on a site where its ecological features are uniform. Other times we have plots that straddle significantly different conditions: for example, if there is a large body of water on a portion of the plot, and land on the rest. If there are multiple conditions we would delineate one from the other by drawing a map of the boundary between the two conditions based on specific criteria being met. This allows us to correctly represent the features of the plot area and to collect data relative to the conditions defined. 
• Productivity 
  • For forested conditions we collect species, age and length information on carefully chosen trees selected to best represent the site’s productivity potential. For sites with unsuitable conditions, site index calculations alone do not adequately represent the maximum potential of the stand and plant stockability factors (specifically, the presence of certain plants as indicators) are incorporated in the equation. 
• Major site disturbances or treatments 
  • For forested conditions, we collect information to describe any major management activities, or treatments, that are currently ongoing, or have been applied in the past. Examples of this include thinning, prescribed burning, clear cutting, planting, etc. 
  • We also collect disturbance information on all forested conditions. This data describes any major non-management events that are affecting the condition such as crown fires, insect or disease outbreaks, weather or geologic events, and animal activity.

Tree Inventory

Tree and sapling data yield information on tree volume, growth, mortality and removals; wildlife habitat; forest structure and composition; biomass; and carbon sequestration. Here are common measurements recorded on FIA plots in Pacific States live and dead tree inventory:

• Location and numbering 
  • We record distance and azimuth from subplot centers to the trees that fall in the inventory (using lasers or a variety of tapes to collect distances and a compass for azimuth). 
  • Tree numbers are assigned to allow reconciling data on individual trees through time. 
• Which measurements are required is based on tree size, if it is alive or dead, and the condition it is in, therefore the precise location of the tree on the ground is very important. Trees that appear on our species list and are over 5 inches in diameter are inventoried on the four subplots. Larger trees (according to regionally specific guidelines) may be tallied on the Macroplot. Seedlings and saplings are accounted for on the Microplot. 
• Live or dead, standing upright, leaning or down on the ground 
  • Trees that have died, been utilized, or grown in since the previous measurement can be accounted for over time. When the inventory data are compiled at county, state or national levels these data can provide important information about mortality patterns across the landscape essential for land managers and policy makers. 
• Species 
  • We determine tree species through training and reference guides. It is required in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and California for field crews to identify the trees to the species level using bark, twigs, buds, leaves or needles, cones, and flowers. 
• Diameter 
  • Using a diameter tape wrapped around the main stem of the tree 4.5 feet above the ground, we measure and record the diameter of the tree. Note that exceptional trees may require exceptional methods to measure diameter – such as excessively forked trees, woodland species, trees that have grown into each other, etc.
• Length (recorded using laser range finders or clinometers). 
• Age (using increment borers or by counting branch whorls on some species).

Tree Health

Insects, diseases, and other damaging agents can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on forest ecosystems. The frequency and severity of damage to trees by biotic agents, such as insects or diseases, or abiotic agents, such as fire or weather, are influenced by a number of factors, ranging from the existing composition and structure of the forest to management policies and activities. 

• Disease or damages 
  • We record the type, location and severity of injury caused by diseases, insects, storms and various human activities. Some examples of damages recorded are open wounds, signs of advanced decay, or broken stems.

 Vegetation

Data are collected to describe structure and dominate species composition for vascular plants. 

• Structure and cover by layer and growth habit: ocular estimation of cover and layer for tree seedlings and saplings, shrubs/woody vines, forbs, graminoids, and overstory trees.
• Species composition: 
  • Coverage and layer is estimated for the most abundant species (over 3 percent cover) found on the subplot. Most plants are readily identified in the field, but if there is an unknown species it is collected near the plot and brought to the office for identification by another botanist or to be identified with additional resource guides. 
• Invasive species: 
  • Each FIA unit has developed lists of the most important invasive species to monitor. Depending on local needs or forest conditions, there may be different lists of species for individual state or portions of states. Percent cover is estimated for any listed invasive species present on the measured condition of a subplot regardless of abundance when then plant is unambiguously identified.

Down woody material

Most of the measurements to record down woody material (Large and small down trees, branches and large fragments of wood) occur on transect lines radiating out from the subplot centers. To record this data, crews pull cloth tapes across the ground out to a specific distance and count or describe the woody material that crosses the tape.

Some measurements recorded include: 

• Fine woody material (a count of branches or twigs less than three inches in diameter) 
• Large woody material (a suite of information such as species, decay class, diameter on the larger pieces) 
• Ground cover (bare soil, leaf litter, wood, snow, ash) recorded in percentages. 
• The line transect method is not practical when sampling large piles or windrows of wood so those are described if the center of the pile is within the fixed radius of the Macroplot. Pile shape, dimensions and density are recorded.

PNW-FIA Data Collection - Quality Assurance

Quality assurance plays a central role in Pacific Northwest Forest Inventory and Analysis data collection. The goal of the quality assurance process is to ensure that inventory data are scientifically sound and of known quality. Field-based quality assurance consists of two types of activities: quality control and quality assessment. 

Quality Control 

Quality control spans many operational techniques in data collection. These include protocol trainings for field crews, plot inspections, data error and completeness checks, identifying protocols in need of clarification, and data collection software bug reporting. 

Quality Assessment 

Quality assessment evaluates data variability and compliance with established standards, and informs those standards. It is also used to identify quality control needs. The assessment procedure compares production plot data with an independent measurement of the same plot by a separate crew. This independent measurement is referred to as a “blind” plot, as the second crew does not have access to the production data. Blind data can address a variety of questions, such as: is a large-diameter tree more likely to have a larger diameter measurement variation than a small-diameter tree? 

Protocol Training

Before the start of each field season, field crews attend a formal protocol training session that covers changes to the field guide, changes to the data collection software, and problem areas identified from the previous season.

Plot Inspections

Plot inspections come in two forms referred to as hot checks and cold checks. Hot checks are informal checks done as a part of the ongoing training and monitoring process. The quality assurance inspector is present on plot with the production crew and provides immediate feedback regarding protocol interpretation and measurement tolerance compliance. Cold checks are formal inspections of a production crew’s measurements; members of the production crew may or may not be present during the inspection. Cold checks assess and track the quality of production crews, identify training needs, and promote consistency between crews. Quality assurance inspectors conduct multiple cold checks per production crew each season. Both hot and cold checks can illuminate differences in protocol interpretation. Solving these differences is a primary goal of the quality assurance staff, often requiring involvement of the analytical groups.

Data Checks

When on plot, field crews enter data into software on a personal data recorder. Over time, thousands of logic validations have been built into this software. These validations produce errors, warnings and critical warnings that provide immediate feedback to data collectors. Warnings provide an opportunity for data collectors to double check that the data entered makes sense. Errors must be corrected before the plot data are considered complete. Critical warnings are triggered by very unusual seeming data combinations and require a written explanation from the data collector; these explanations document the validity of data that would otherwise be considered an anomaly. Post-data collection, members of the quality assurance staff review the field crew explanations. This review identifies misinterpretations of protocols, sometimes sending plot data back to the crew for corrections. The process can also identify the need for new or altered logic validations.

PNW-FIA Data Collection - Safety

The safety of our staff is the number one priority of the Data Collection Team and the Resource Monitoring and Assessment Program. A multitude of tools are used to maintain and improve safe work practices. We are always looking for ways to improve our safety and wellness on the job and continue to work hard supporting the creation of a working environment free from hazards and a safety culture that eliminates accidents.

Working safely means employing safe work practices in both the field and the office. Field going staff face unique challenges in our region working in very remote, rugged terrain where changing weather and changing conditions are common. Here are examples of some tools used by the Resource Monitoring and Assessment Program’s field going crew to ensure each person’s safety in the field:

Check In/Out Service 

Each of our field units (Coastal and Interior Alaska, Washington/Oregon/California, Pacific Islands and Hawaii) have unique logistical and safety challenges, and each has a system in place to account for the safe return of our employees at the end of the day. For example, in Washington, Oregon and California field staff have a mobile app to enter in information about who is going out, the research site number, where the vehicle will be parked, when they will be returning, and where everyone will be staying that evening (name of town, hotel, campsite…). This secure site is used daily and supervisors are on call to account for everyone at the end of each day in the field. If a crew is unable to check in by a preset time the supervisor will try to reach everyone on the unaccounted for crew by all available means. If no one on the crew can be reached, the supervisor initiates further response per the emergency action plan. Supervisors are on call for each state every day of the field season to perform this act.

Satellite Phones 

Satellite phones provide a mechanism for our field crews to communicate verbally when out of cell service. Examples of this device in use are: a crew needs to check in while backpacking in a remote area, a crew calls for help if crew experiences mechanical failure of their vehicle, or a crew calls out in a medical emergency to initiate immediate emergency response.

Satellite Emergency Notification Device/GPS Messenger 

Ideal for remote areas, this type of device uses an internal Global Positioning System (GPS) to deliver preset text messages along with current location information. Message options include an SOS to automatically engaging emergency responders in the case of a life threatening event, a help message to alert a supervisor in a non-life threatening event, or a simple OK/Check in message to pre-selected contacts. This tool allows near-real time location tracking with online maps and tools.

Forest Service District Radios and Dispatch 

Some field crews use district radios regularly to stay connected with local Forest Service dispatch offices and other personnel in the field. All crews involved in aviation operations use radios to communicate with aircraft and dispatch operators. Other crews use radios only when required by local Forest protocol.

First Aid Kits and Training 

Wilderness first aid (WFA) training is provided for field staff every other year, and many crew members are wilderness first responder (WFR) certified. Crews are provided up to date First Aid Kits for the vehicle and for the backcountry.

Personal Protective Equipment 

Each crew member is issued personal protective equipment (PPE) that can help perform field work safely. Crew members are expected to use work boots, gloves, eye protection, hard hats, long sleeve shirts, orange cruiser vests, and work pants while working in the field. We also encourage the use of trekking poles and may modify PPE requirements for specific work environments according to the job hazard analysis.

Promoting Safety Conscious Behavior 

To promote and reward safe behavior our program has a Safety Buck Program and a Safety Person of the Month Program. The goal is to recognize co-workers for safety conscious behavior they exhibit on the job and both of these successful programs allow for peer-to-peer recognition for safe acts. A person is given a safety buck with an explanation of their safe act; when crew members get enough safety bucks they can be redeemed for small safety awards. We also ask staff to periodically participate in safety surveys which provide essential feedback on ways in which we can improve safety within the program. Additionally, all staff routinely review Job Hazard Analysis documents, participate in Safety Tailgate Sessions, engage with the program Safety Committee, and submit anonymous accident near misses.

Regular Safety Discussions at Staff Meetings 

Every two weeks during the core field season all of the field crew leaders within each state take part in a conference call with their team and supervisor. A portion of the agenda for these calls is to address safety issues whether it is a review of new tools or policies, or sharing stories of a recent near miss to help others avoid the same situation. Staff are encouraged to contribute local safety issues for discussion. The supervisors take messages from the field to Program Management and help drive the direction of future safety discussions and culture throughout the organization.

Testing Plans and Accountability 

The components of the field safety program described above are meant to work in conjunction with each other and provide backup systems in case one tool or process fails in the time of need. If a safety incident does occur, even a minor one, timely and active response with incident investigation and lesson learned reporting are in place. Employee and supervisor participation is vital to a successful program, as are consistent accountability standards, and tool/process testing procedures.

Hazardous Conditions 

While many of our research sites can be accessed and measured safely, there are some that are considered hazardous. Hazardous means that any part of the research site or the entire site cannot be accessed safely because of a dangerous or high risk condition compromising the safety of those collecting data (for example extremely steep slopes, quarries, strip mines, active logging operations, high water, wildfire, etc.) Potentially hazardous areas are evaluated by the field crew and their supervisor to determine if the hazard can be mitigated by returning at a later date or attempting safe access with alternative resources. If the hazardous condition is not likely to change over time (for example, high water levels will recede later in the summer, or an active fire or active harvest will subside) or if other resources cannot be deployed (using a different method of transportation to the site like horses or helicopters) then the portion of the site that is deemed hazardous will not be visited.

Driver Training 

One of the most dangerous things the crews do each day is drive to and from the research sites. Each crew member is required to complete and stay up to date on defensive driving training. Crews are encouraged to remind each other of safe driving practices daily, especially the importance on taking breaks, using spotters when backing up, and switching drivers during long drives and safety procedures while driving on logging roads.

Aviation Safety 

Some research sites are located in areas that are not safely or efficiently accessible by overland travel. For these sites, helicopters or fixed wing aircraft may be used to transport staff to field locations. Helicopter access is predominantly deployed in Alaska, but also used occasionally in the other Pacific States. Staff involved in aviation operations receive additional training on aircraft safety, emergency response and communications. All flight operations are conducted under a Project Aviation Safety Plan developed specifically for the FIA mission. Flight following is accomplished through both a satellite based Automatic Flight Following system and regular radio check-ins.

Wildlife Safety 

Encounters with potentially dangerous wildlife are a unique hazard to working in remote field sites. Field staff are provided with training to both avoid encounters, and to manage any encounters that do take place. Bear spray is available for staff to use and in Alaska, each crew carries a firearm as an added precaution against grizzly bears. Field personnel assigned to carry firearms are provided with extensive training on gun safety and use. Each person must also pass a live ammunition firing test to qualify for handling the firearm.

For more information 

If you would like to speak with someone regarding our safety program please contact our Gear/Fleet/Safety Support staff:

For Alaska, contact:

Dan Irvine, daniel.r.irvine@usda.gov 

For Washington, Oregon, and California, contact:

Janelle Cossey, janelle.cossey@usda.gov 

PNW-FIA Data Collection - Join Our Team

Employment Opportunities and Hiring Information 

We work to build a team balanced in management, administrative support, logistics and safety, field crew leadership, field data collection, and data quality assurance to meet the needs of our mission. 

These positions are filled through a variety of appointment types including permanent employees, permanent seasonal employees, temporary workforce, contractors, interns and volunteers. 

Please explore the responses to frequently asked questions regarding employment opportunities below for more information. 

Where are these jobs located? 

• The Portland Forestry Sciences Lab in Oregon and the Anchorage Forestry Sciences Lab in Alaska serve as headquarters and home to many of the support staff and management team. Remote duty stations are set up throughout our region for field data collection and quality assurance staff. 
• Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawai'i, and Pacific Islands

What is a field work position like? 

• Working outdoors collecting forest inventory data is an exciting, challenging and adventuresome career with the Forest Service. Though much of what we do is similar across all states and islands, there are distinct differences in both our logistics and day to day experiences. Follow this link to learn more about Forest Inventory field work in the Pacific Northwest, California, Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific Islands. 

How long is your field season? 

• In Washington, Oregon and California, field data collection crews usually begin seasonal operations in March and conclude field work in November. Data collection activities in Alaska typically begin in early June and finish up mid-August. In the Pacific Islands, field seasons are variable but generally last a month or two in the fall or winter.

What about non-field jobs? 

• The Data Collection teams in both Anchorage and Portland have non-field positions that support our mission. These jobs range from administrative support staff to field managers to fleet and equipment care, and are typically employed year round in an office setting. The broad needs of our team results in many positions with duties that are diverse in their application. 

How do I apply? 

• All federal employment opportunities will be posted on the USA Jobs Website. Applicants can now apply directly from the USAJobs website. For instructions on how to find Forest Service jobs, see How to Apply for FS Jobs in USAJobs. 
• Please ensure you read the How to Apply section of each vacancy announcement carefully and submit all required documents with your application! 

Where do I find more information? 

• What Field Work positions are like. 
• Working for the Forest Service. 
• How to search for jobs on USAJobs.
• How to apply for FS Jobs within USA Jobs. 
• Forest Inventory and Analysis National Program. 
• Contact our current Data Collection Team Leaders or State Coordinators 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternate means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotapes, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202)720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FIA and You: An orientation for forest landowners 

Looking for the online landowner response form?  Click here

The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) is a congressionally mandated program of the U.S.D.A. Forest Service that collects, compiles, summarizes, and distributes high-quality data, reports, and scientific analyses on the status, trend and potential futures of our country’s forest resources. Over the past eight decades, you—individuals and corporations – who own most of the 800 million acres of U.S. forests, have generously allowed us to access a permanent plot, a small spot on your land, to measure and assess trees, understory vegetation and down wood.  We value and appreciate this cooperation from private landowners as this information continues to be essential to attaining a complete understanding of all U.S. forests and how they have changed and will change over time.

This page contains some of the questions we’ve heard frequently, along with answers that we hope you’ll find helpful. If anything remains unclear, please feel free to contact us! 

Frequently asked questions: 

Why does the Forest Service need to collect data on private lands?

National Forests contain only a quarter of our nation’s forested area, so while we do collect data from those forests, that can’t provide a complete picture. Understanding the conditions in all U.S. forests and how they are changing requires measurements from all types of forest and all kinds of owners with different objectives and management choices. A long history of private forest owners cooperating with FIA to grant access to their land has helped make this inventory program a great success.

What is the data used for?

Our data is used by analysts, managers and decision-makers in forest industry, government agencies at every level, and scientific/academic research institutions to inform about forest management needs and outcomes; assess habitat; monitor and predict forest health, climate change and invasive species; and build and refine models that predict sustainable timber and biomass supply, fire effects and fuels management cost and effectiveness over all forests. The data, reports and analyses are available without charge to anyone; the national program data and tools page is a great starting point for accessing data and obtaining tutorials on how to use the data.

Why is there an inventory plot on my property?

Permanent sample plots were established at random locations tied to a statistically representative “grid” across all U.S. states and territories with plots about three miles apart, in most cases, achieving a sampling density of one plot for every 6,000 acres. Plots containing forest land are visited and measured, if accessible, every 5 or 10 years. The inventory has been ongoing in the Pacific Coast States since the 1930’s, so the plot location on your property may have been selected by random placement on a map as long as 80 years ago.

When will an FIA crew visit the plot on my land to collect data?

We’re happy to coordinate with you on the best time to access the plot. Measurements can typically be completed in one day by a crew of two or three professionals, though in rare cases, such as an unusually large number of trees or long hikes to the plot, a 2nd day may be needed.

What data will be collected?

We measure and assess live and dead trees; other vegetation; down wood and forest floor; site factors like slope, aspect, elevation, and potential site productivity; and evidence of events that may have taken place such as silvicultural treatments and natural disturbances.

How long will it take a crew to complete their work?

It usually takes one day for a crew of two or three people to complete the data collection for one research site. If there are an unusually high number of trees or the crew has to walk long distances to access the plot, then the crew might need more than 1 day to complete the work.

Will the crew need to visit the plot more than once?

It depends. Our inventory is designed to provide information about changes across the forested landscape, so as long as a plot remains as forest land, the inventory protocol requires remeasurement in 5 or 10 years (we will contact you again at that time to request access). We rarely request access for a 2nd visit in the same year; however, a repeat measurement may be needed so that a quality assurance crew can ensure the consistency and quality of our data collection effort. In these cases, you would be contacted to request access before this additional visit takes place.

CONFIDENTIALITY: How is the confidentiality of the data collected on my property protected?

FIA takes the Non-Disclosure Policy very seriously. In 2000, the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 3423) amended the Food Security Act of 1985 (H.R. 2100) to include FIA in a list of activities that may not make data available to the public if the owner of the land on which the data were collected can be identified, even under a Freedom of Information Act request. Penalties for violating the law can include fines up to $10,000 and/or a year in jail. In recognition of the fact that nearly two-thirds of the forest land in the United States is privately owned and of the importance of private landowner participation in the FIA program, FIA was placed under the same privacy protection provisions as other critical agricultural inventory, monitoring, and census programs operated by the National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS). All FIA employees, contractors, collaborators, and volunteers authorized to visit FIA plot locations are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). The NDA indicates that signees understand and agree to protect the confidentiality of FIA plot locations.

Will anybody be able to find out if an inventory plot is on my property?

Plot locations and landowner information are strictly confidential (see CONFIDENTIALITY response above). Ownership information is used only for the purpose of seeking a landowner’s permission for a plot visit. The landowner’s name is not associated with the plot location in any way when the data is analyzed or distributed. To protect privacy, the ownership of each individual plot is only reported in generalized categories, such as “private”, “state”, and “national forest”.

What happens if you find a threatened/endangered plant or animal species on my property?

FIA doesn’t look for threatened/endangered species, and if any were noticed on the property, it would be illegal for us to disclose that information to anyone. See, also, the CONFIDENTIALITY response, above.

Will the data collected on my property affect my taxes?

No. We keep the precise location of the plot on your property, your name and contact information completely confidential (see response to CONFIDENTIALITY question, above). Therefore it is not possible for any taxing authority to evaluate the value of your property based on data from the plot on your land.

Will the data you collect limit how I can manage my property?

Absolutely not, in fact, quite the opposite! As explained above, location and owner information are confidential (see response to CONFIDENTIALITY question, above). Thus, there is no way for any person or agency to evaluate the management of your property by using the data we collect, since they can’t know who owns the land on which data are collected. For the inventory to be representative, it’s essential that management not be affected by the presence of the FIA plot. If you are aware of the plot location on your land, please do everything you can to make decisions about that part of your forest exactly as you would if there were no plot.

Am I responsible if Forest Service Personnel get hurt on my property?

Landowners are not liable for property loss, damage or injuries related to our staff working on their land; we are covered by Federal Tort Law. Liability under this act is described as follows: 

1. As permitted under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. Pt. VI Ch. 171), the Forest Service shall be liable for the wrongful acts, omissions or negligence of any Forest Service employee, while such employee is acting within the scope of his office or employment, where the Forest Service, as a private person would be liable to the claimant in accordance with the laws of the State where the act or omission occurred. 
2. The Forest Service assumes full responsibility for risk of bodily injury, sickness, disease or death, or injury to the Forest Service employees and for destruction of Forest service property while the Forest Service is on the property. 

Plain language explanation of liability involved in government workers accessing private land: 

1. If, in the course of their inventory, government employees damage private land or other property, the property owner may file a claim for damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act. As long as the employee is acting within the scope of his/her employment, the government is liable for any loss or damage created by the employee. The property owner may submit a claim directly to the Agency for damages. 
2. If, on the other hand, a government employee is injured while conducting an inventory on private property, the employee’s medical expenses and lost wages are the responsibility of the Federal government through its Office of Worker’s Compensation Program. There would be no reason to make a claim against the landowner.

Can I be sent information about what was inventoried on my land?

If the plot falls entirely on your land, then we are happy to provide this. Be sure to let the crew know you’d like a summary of data collected on your property. Because data are loaded at the end of the year, and compilation and data quality assurance can take a few more months, you should expect your summary within a year.

What do I need to do?

In Washington, Oregon and California, landowners receive letters from us requesting permission to access the plot on their land. Response cards and postage-paid envelopes are enclosed with each letter so you can easily respond. You can also respond by completing a brief on-line form. Click here to access the form. You are also welcome to respond to the crew scheduled to visit your plot, by phone, email or text using the contact info and plot identifier in the letter you receive. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Please let our crews know about any access issues or hazards (for example, locked gates, aggressive animals) that they might encounter while getting to or working on your property. Please notify any renters on your property about our upcoming visit. Let us know if there are areas on your property that you’d like us to avoid, for example, an unsurfaced road that should not be driven on following a hard rain.

How can I get more information?

More information on FIA data uses can be found in our national program fact sheet. You can also refer to the FMA program page. If you would like to speak with someone for more information on our project, please contact the appropriate state coordinator listed on our main PNW-FIA Data Collection page.