MONITORING & INVENTORY TOOLS
FOREST MONITORING IS A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF FOREST STEWARDSHIP
Forest resources can be inventoried and monitored using various techniques, ranging from simple assessments to more complex statistical sampling of attributes such as snag density, timber volume, and stream-side canopy. The sections below identify various monitoring protocols you can use on your forest, including links to field forms.
Purpose
Determine baseline stand and timber information, comply with FSC® monitoring requirements (Indicator 8.2).
Data
Quantitative – statistical sample and permanent plots.
Variables
– Tree species, diameter, defect, height, and age
– Sapling species and diameter
– Shrub species and percent cover
– Number of snag
Forms
Trees
Inventory Program in Excel (to calculate trees per acre, etc.)
Purpose
Track important ecological and physical attributes through time.
Data
Qualitative – walk transects through the forest.
Variables
– Forest health and ecological hotspots
– Wildlife
– Trees and shrubs
Purpose
Detect and track road deterioration, maintenance needs, or negative environmental impacts.
Data
Qualitative – traverse road segments
Variables
– Road issues and severity
– Maintenance needs
– Appropriateness of culvert size compared to stream
– Passability of culverts on fish bearing streams
Form
Roads
Purpose
Identify areas of high biological value; monitor impacts of conservation and/or harvest activities; comply with FSC monitoring requirements (Indicators 6.1, 9.4).
Data
Qualitative – forest site visit.
Variables
– Topography and site characteristics
– Forest dynamics
– Forest habitat
– Tree types and sizes
– Forest structure
– Snags and down trees
Forms
West Cascades Douglas Fir and Mixed Conifer Stands
Purpose
Quantify forest carbon storage; enter voluntary and/or regulatory carbon offset markets
Data
Quantitative – inventory with permanent plots, and carbon calculator.
Variables
– Species, diameter, height of standing live trees
– Diameter, height, and decay class of standing dead trees
– Volume of harvested wood products
Additional resources on monitoring and other topics are available in the NNRG Resource Library.
SEATTLE MAIN OFFICE
2701 1st Ave, Suite 240
Seattle, WA 98121
ph: 206-971-3709
© 2015 - 2020. Northwest Natural Resource Group. All rights reserved.