Forest Inventory Plot Data for Eastern United States

Forest Inventory and Analysis - Eastwide data provides plot measurements for estimating forest conditions across eastern U.S. states. The USDA Forest Service's Southern, Northeastern, and North Central Forest Experiment Stations collected the data using cluster plots of 10 sub-plots per acre. Data collection occurs approximately every 10 years, with the last update recorded in 1990.

Use Cases

• Estimate forest biomass and carbon stocks using tree diameter (dbh) measurements from variable and fixed radius sub-plots.
• Analyze species composition and size class distribution for trees over 5 inches dbh and under 5 inches dbh across different states.
• Model forest growth and change over decadal intervals using plot data collected approximately every 10 years.
• Assess regional forest resource availability by aggregating plot-level measurements like tree count and basal area.
• Study forest condition trends by comparing plot data across the collection areas of multiple USDA Forest Service experiment stations.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized methodology using cluster plots of 10 sub-plots over a one-acre area.
• State-level databases provide granularity for regional analysis, with file sizes ranging from 2MB to 25MB.
• Records include measurements for two tree size classes: variable radius plots for trees 5" dbh and larger, and fixed radius plots for smaller trees.

Limitations

• The dataset is temporally stale, with the last update recorded on December 31, 1990.
• Specific plot locations and landowner names are restricted due to legal constraints, limiting spatial precision.
• Data access requires a fee per user per state and involves outdated physical media like floppy disks and magnetic tape.

Provenance

Source

USDA Forest Service data center, compiled by Southern Research Station, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station, and North Central Forest Experiment Station.

Collection Method

Ground-based plot measurements from cluster plots of 10 sub-plots located over a one-acre area.

Time Range

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Freshness

Approximately every 10 years.

Geography

Eastern United States.