Forest Inventory and Analysis
The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 requires assessment reports on the status and trends of the Nation's renewable resources on all forest and rangelands. This assessment includes analyses of forests, rangelands, wildlife and fish, biodiversity, water, outdoor recreation, wilderness, urban forests, and the effects of change on these resources. Southern reports include how the interaction of socioeconomic and biophysical drivers affect the productivity of forest ecosystems and their ability to meet increasing demands for goods and services.
Forest Inventory and Analysis conducts this program of research to improve the understanding of the southern forest ecosystem. Government and private agencies utilize this data to monitor forest resources, forest use and forest health. The collection of data is done on private and public land.