Understory

New publications from RMRS during July to September 2025.

New publications from RMRS during April - June 2025.

Early seedling death from summer drought stress is a major threat to reforestation success. In bare root seedlings especially, low survival rates can limit potential financial savings compared to container seedlings. Many land managers seek to improve survival by applying superabsorbent polymer root dips to bare root seedlings during planting. In theory, the polymer should absorb and slowly release water, mitigating drought stress, but research on root dipping is limited and has shown mixed results. In response to this research gap, we tested a novel biodegradable superabsorbent polymer on two...

This document describes the standards, codes, methods, and definitions for Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) field data items. The objective is to describe URBAN FIA field procedures that are consistent and uniform across all FIA units. This URBAN FIA guide will serve as the framework for regional FIA programs; individual programs may add regional variables that support their CORE program but may not change or add to the nationally standard URBAN FIA requirements. Unless otherwise noted, the items in this field guide are considered standard URBAN FIA, that is, the information will be collect...

Compiler: Megan KevilleThe 16th biennial Forest Inventory and Analysis Science Symposium (FIA 2024, formerly known as the Forest Inventory and Analysis Science Stakeholder Meeting), hosted by the Pacific Northwest Research Station's FIA program, was held virtually November 19-21, 2024. Topics were based on the theme “Toward Tomorrows Forests Together" and topics included collaborative inventory, multi-dimensional forest stewardship, and big data solutions for inventory challenges. A sector-spanning group of over 700 scientists, partners, technicians, practitioners, educators, managers, and pol...