Linking the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) with the Fuel Characteristic Classification System (FCCS)

Project Description

This post-processor allows forest and resource managers to combine FVS simulated fuelbed characteristics (tree canopy data, dead woody fuel loadings) with information about shrubs and herbaceous stand components to build FCCS fuelbeds.

Purpose and Scope

This tool allows managers to conduct fire hazard assessments and explore how changes in shrub and herbaceous vegetation affect potential fire behavior and fire effects. Managers can compare potential reaction intensity, rate-of-spread, and flame lengths to estimates of these metrics that are generated by other fire behavior models (e.g., BEHAVE).

Methods

We developed a suite of translation algorithms to convert FVS simulated output data into FCCS input format. We developed a keyword component file (.kcp) to calculate FCCS input variables. The .kcp file contains translation algorithms to calculate and convert initial and simulated FVS data into FCCS input format. For each stand and simulation year, the .kcp file generates tables containing FVS simulation results, a tree list file, a snag list file, and a dead fuel loadings file that are stored in a Microsoft®database.

We manually converted plant association data from more than 100 potential vegetation references into a relational database that provides initial default shrub and herbaceous species presence and coverage for each stand in an FVS portfolio. Each reference lists plant association and associated shrub and herbaceous vegetation. We developed a graphical user interface (GUI) to develop multiple FCCS fuelbeds from FVS simulation data. The interface is used to select the FVS output database of interest and build FCCS fuelbeds. Extensive testing of the FVS2FCCS code was been conducted by the FERA programming staff.

Implementation

Some projects are doing research that may later be incorporated with FCCS2FVS. We expect it will connect with the outcomes of the Rangeland Vegetation Simulator (RVS, JFSP# 12-1-02-15) and Interagency Fuels Treatment Decision Support System (IFT-DSS).

The RVS estimates succession, growth and yield of non-forest vegetation components, which are linked to surface fire behavior fuel models, fuel loading models and Fuel Characteristic Classification System (FCCS) fuelbeds, enable fire behavior and effects simulation at any time in the successional trajectory of a stand. The RVS has added benefits of being sensitive to disturbances, including fire, grazing and invasive species such as cheatgrass. Finally, the RVS provides a link to other multi-million dollar interagency projects such as Ecological Sites making it cost effective, transparent and uniquely positioned to make a positive difference in the performance of the FVS.