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Abstract
Several aspects of the enhanced Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program?s national plot design complicate change estimation. The design incorporates up to three separate plot sizes (microplot, subplot, and macroplot) to sample trees of different sizes. Because multiple plot sizes are involved, change estimators designed for polyareal plot sampling, such as those used for horizontal point sampling, is still required. The differences between two such estimators FIA has favored in the past are discussed. The condition-class mapping feature of the new design further complicates change estimation. These complications are discussed, and alternatives to simplify the design are proposed.
Parent Publication
Citation
Thompson, Michael T. 2006. Considerations in Forest Growth Estimation Between Two Measurements of Mapped Forest Inventory Plots. In: Proceedings of the sixth annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; 2004 September 21-24; Denver, CO. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-70. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. 126p.
