Title: Three Proposed Data Collection Models for Annual Inventories

Author: Reams, Greg; Smith, Bill; Bechtold, Bill; McRoberts, Ron; Spirek, Frank; Liff, Chuck

Year: 2005

Publication: In: Proceedings of the fifth annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; 2003 November 18-20; New Orleans, LA. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-69. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. 222p.

Abstract: Three competing data collection models for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program?s annual inventories are presented. We show that in the presence of panel creep, the model now in place does not meet requirements of an annual inventory system mandated by the 1998 Farm Bill. Two data-collection models that use subpaneling are defined, and the pros and cons of using those models are discussed. The only data-collection model ensuring full compliance with the Farm Bill uses subpaneling with both spatial and temporal controls, resulting in the measurement of a single panel per year, nationally. The same field manual, portable data recorder, edit system, processing system, and estimation methods can be used within and among FIA regions. Such use will result in less duplication of effort and provide national consistency. The FIA program can produce, nationally, an annual database and annual estimates, as well as periodic reports based on 5-year-measurement requirements. Additional benefits will include the means to adjust measurement resources quickly and efficiently in order to measure resource availability by State. Additionally, the true sampling precision per fixed time-period is known, and intensification and detensifications are easy.