Forest Inventory And Analysis

Since 96% of Kansas forestland is privately owned, the FIA Inventory Program could not be successful without cooperation from private landowners. Plots can not be established without permission from landowner’s to access their property. When plots are established metal pins are placed at each subplot center and a small white line is painted on trees that are measured at 4.5 feet above the ground. Activities have no noticeable impact on the site. It is critical that the presence of the plot not alter a landowners plans for the property so the plot will provide an accurate sample of the change in the condition and size of forestland over time. Plots are re-measured every 5 years. All information including plot location is strictly confidential. Data collected from plots is merged with thousands of other sites to produce state and regional reports on the size and condition of forestland.

Inventory Sampling
The FIA Inventory sampling design consists of a three-phase systematic sample of sites.  Remote sensing and statistical models locate Phase 1 plots randomly state-wide.  Plots identified from Phase 1 are visited each year to create Phase 2 plots.  From Phase Two plots, more samples are taken to create Phase 3 plots.

An average of 127 Phase 2 plots are measured annually in Kansas, with each plot accounting for 6,000 acres. Phase 2 plots collect data about trees and forests such as:

• Tree diameter, length, damage, amount of rotten/missing wood, and quality.
• Tree regeneration
• Land use and changes in land use
• Forest type, stand age and disturbance
• Estimates of growth, mortality and removals

An average of 9 Phase 3 plots are measured annually in Kansas. Phase 3 plots collect data about forest ecosystem health, function and condition including:

• Crown condition
• Soil chemical analysis
• Vegetation diversity and structure
• Down woody debris

Ozone plots track levels of ozone damage to indicator plants such as common Milkweed, Blackberry, Choke cherry, Black cherry and White ash. There are 10 permanent plots established in Kansas that are measured each year in August.
 

Additional information about the FIA Inventory program may be found online at the USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station Inventory webpage.