Adopting an annual inventory system - User perspectives

The nation's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program is moving from a p eriodic to an annual forest inventory system. The annual system will better meet the increasing demand for current information and is backed by legisl ative mandate in the 1998 Farm Bill. For the annual system to succeed, FIA will need increased state-level participation, internal changes in emphasis , and greater use of technology. FIA personnel should be proud of the publi c support that led to this opportunity and respond quickly and decisively t o a clear mandate for change.