Abstract
Forest inventory can play several roles in accountability for sustainable forest management. A first dimension is accountability for national performance. The new field of Criteria and Indicators is an expression of this need. A more familiar role for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program is for assessment and outlook development in States and regions. This essay poses three big challenges for FIA today: sustain and build on the Annual Forest Inventory System, show relevance to nontimber and science user groups, and improve measures of ecological health.
Parent Publication
Citation
Irland, Lloyd C. 2007. Forest inventory: role in accountability for sustainable forest management. In: McRoberts, Ronald E.; Reams, Gregory A.; Van Deusen, Paul C.; McWilliams, William H., eds. Proceedings of the seventh annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; October 3-6, 2005; Portland, ME. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-77. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1-7.
