Quebec Forest Permanent Sample Plots Since 1970

Over 12,000 permanent sample plots established since 1970 monitor forest growth in Quebec. Each 400 m2 plot records tree species, diameter, defoliation for softwoods, and hardwood quality, with some stems measured for height and age. The data supports growth rate calculations and forest evolution modeling for territory south of the 52nd parallel.

Use Cases

• Model forest evolution using decennial measurements of tree diameter and species from over 12,000 plots.
• Establish growth rates by analyzing diameter and age data from a subset of measured stems.
• Assess forest health by tracking defoliation levels for softwoods across the monitored plots.
• Characterize ecological stations using survey data on ground-level and undergrowth plants associated with each plot.

Strengths

• Long-term decennial monitoring since 1970 provides a multi-decade time series.
• Over 12,000 spatially distributed plots offer broad geographic coverage.
• Includes detailed per-tree measurements like species, diameter, defoliation, and quality.

Limitations

• Sample data and column structure are unavailable, hindering initial assessment of data format.
• Data covers only territory south of the 52nd parallel, excluding northern Quebec forests.
• Direct use for training or sampling requires prior contact with the Forest Inventory Directorate.

Provenance

Source

Government and Municipalities of Québec

Collection Method

Field measurements from permanent circular plots covering 400 m2.

Time Range

1970 to present

Freshness

Data is updated decennially; metadata was last updated 2026-03-25.

Geography

Public and private forest territory south of the 52nd parallel in Quebec, Canada.