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Abstract
The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program collects or calculates over 300 variables for its national network of permanent forest plots. However, considerable ecological analysis can be done with only a few key variables. Two examples--Mexican spotted owl habitat in New Mexico and down deadwood in Maine--are used to illustrate the potential of FIA data for ecological use. These examples illustrate the importance of the variables (1) diameter at breast height, (2) tree species, and (3) live/dead/cut tree status for compiling estimates and confidence intervals within FIA's sample design. Priority variables are suggested for constructing an ecological database with FIA data.
Citation
Chojnacky, David C. 2001. On FIA Variables For Ecological Use. In: Reams, Gregory A.; McRoberts, Ronald E.; Van Deusen, Paul C., eds. 2001. Proceedings of the second annual Forest Inventory and Analysis symposium; 2000 October 17-18; Salt Lake City, UT. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-47. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 102-105
