Analysis of algorithms for predicting canopy fuel

Abstract

We compared observed canopy fuel characteristics with those predicted by existing biomass algorithms. We specifically examined the accuracy of the biomass equations developed by Brown (1978. We used destructively sampled data obtained at 5 different study areas. We compared predicted and observed quantities of foliage and crown biomass for individual trees in our study sites for ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine. In addition, we observed the appropriateness of using similar species to predict canopy fuel characteristics when the actual species is not accounted for using Brown's equations. For example, we used western red cedar in place of incense cedar and grand fir instead of white fir. We also evaluated the importance of tree dominance as a predictor of crown biomass. Adjustments were made to Brown's equations in order to improve the predictability of the equations for future use. We also compared plot totals to assess the usefulness of the method for predicting stand level canopy fuel characteristics.

Citation

Gray, Katharine L.; Reinhardt, Elizabeth. 2003. Analysis of algorithms for predicting canopy fuel. In: Second international wildland fire ecology and fire management congress and fifth symposium on fire and forest meteorology; 2003 November 16-20; Orlando, FL. Boston, MA: American Meteorological Society. P5.8. 11 p.