Steps towards better forest structure predictions.

Jonathan Knott; Jenna Zukswert

Treesearch

Steps towards better forest structure predictions.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Jonathan Knott, Jenna Zukswert

Year:

2026

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Rooted in Research Issue 57. June 2026. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station.

Download (PDF 11.52 MB)

Download (PDF 11.52 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/80690.pdf

Abstract

The relationships between tree size and abundance and how these relationships change following disturbance can influence silvicultural decisions such as stocking targets. Measuring tree size and abundance in the field, however, can be time consuming and costly. Data from two long-term forest monitoring networks were used to better understand the effects of disturbance on tree size-abundance relationships and to develop a way to accurately estimate tree size distribution using readily available remotely sensed data. Findings take steps towards more accurate predictions of forest structure across time and space.

Keywords

remote sensing, forest structure, disturbance, ground fire, animal damage, long-term monitoring, forest inventory

Citation

Knott, Jonathan; Zukswert, Jenna. 2026. Steps towards better forest structure predictions. Rooted in Research Issue 57. June 2026. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 3 p.