Joint annual forest inventory and monitoring system - The North Central perspective

The USDA Forest Service is developing procedures for annual forest inventor ies to establish the capability of producing annual estimates of forested a rea, timber volume, related variables, and changes in these variables. The inventory system (JAFIMS) features an annual sample of measured field plots ; remote sensing; a database of plot and tree information; logistical proce dures for supporting field crews; and an optional function, mechanisms for updating the status of plots measured in previous years. The discussion foc uses on system implementation in the North Central region.