Comparing alternatives for increasing sampling intensity in forest inventories

Abstract

Each of the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) regions has an occasional need to intensify the national sampling grid. A variety of methodologies exist within the various FIA regions and National Forest Systems regions for constructing plot intensifications, and there is no consensus on a national procedure The primary objectives of this paper were to identify various intensification methods being implemented by FIA or used by other groups, examine their advantages and disadvantages for establishing intensified plots within the existing FIA framework, and recommend a potential national FIA plot intensification procedure that might adequately address the needs for all FIA regions.

Citation

Blackard, J.; Patterson, P. 2014. Comparing alternatives for increasing sampling intensity in forest inventories. The International Forestry Review. 16(5): 402.