From detection monitoring to evaluation monitoring - a case study involving crown dieback in northern white-cedar
This article is part of a larger document. View the larger document here.Abstract
The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Phase 3 plot network is a crucial part of the U.S. Forest Health Monitoring program's detection monitoring system, where select indicators are monitored for signals that may indicate deteriorating forest health. When a negative signal is identified, evaluation monitoring provides a mechanism whereby a potential problem can be further investigated. Elevated crown dieback was observed among northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) trees in Maine and Michigan on FIA Phase 3 plots measured between 2000 and 2004. We present results of this potential problem through the detection and evaluation monitoring process. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using FIA data to frame the problem, and share lessons learned from all phases of the project-including problem identifi cation, project implementation, and results presentation.