Title: Simulating Silvicultural Treatments Using FIA Data

Author: Woodall, Christopher W.; Fiedler, Carl E.

Year: 2005

Publication: In: McRoberts, Ronald E.; Reams, Gregory A.; Van Deusen, Paul C.; McWilliams, William H.; Cieszewski, Chris J., eds. Proceedings of the fourth annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-252. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station. 203-207

Abstract: Potential uses of the Forest Inventory and Analysis Database (FIADB) extend far beyond descriptions and summaries of current forest resources. Silvicultural treatments, although typically conducted at the stand level, may be simulated using the FIADB for predicting future forest conditions and resources at broader scales. In this study, silvicultural prescription methodologies were simulated using FIA inventory plots from Montana that rated high for fire hazard. Database operations were used to couple the FIADB with the silvicultural prescriptions process, allowing successful simulation of silvicultural treatments. Cut- and leave-tree tables were created for each FIA sample plot using computer "marking" algorithms, allowing estimation of current and future forest attributes (volume, growth, wildfire hazard, and treatment costs). Simple database operations can be used to mimic complex silvicultural prescriptions using FIA inventory data from major ownerships, States, or regions, allowing evaluation of treatment effects and future forest conditions.