An Improved Volume, Biomass

and Carbon Database for U.S.

Tree SpeciesGreg Reams

National Program Leader, FIAUSDA Forest Service

2012 FIA National Users’ Group MeetingBaltimore, MD

2012 FIA National Users’ Group Meeting, Baltimore, MD Slide # 2

BACKGROUND

Provide a national standard for tree volume, biomass and carbon.Unfortunately, biomass and carbon prediction methods requires destructive sampling to weigh various portions of the tree.

Each regional FIA unit has a representative to work with strategic constituents and university partners. Working with key university partners with science expertise

Oregon State, Virginia Tech, University of Georgia, University of Maine, Michigan State, and University of Montana.

Working with strategic constituents to understand needs National Forest System-Forest Management Service Center Forest Industry-NCASI, Rayonier, Weyerhaeuser

Meeting (Oct. 2011) in Portland, ME to concentrate on three items.Gap analysesScientific outputsSampling protocols

2012 FIA National Users’ Group Meeting, Baltimore, MD Slide # 3

Better has no Cheaper EquivalentVolume and weight/carbon of trees were estimated in different ways within a FIA unit and across units.Lack of fundamental volume to weight data the reason.

Volume emphasis…….biomass and carbon relationships to volume assumed This has led to numerous estimation methods and published results

WE NEEDTHE FOUNDATIONAL DATA SO WE ARE NOT HAVING THE “My favorite volume and biomass equation or relationship discussion”. AGREE TO A NATIONAL STANDARD……

2012 FIA National Users’ Group Meeting, Baltimore, MD Slide # 4

Make it Clear What is Measured

Ref Description1 Small roots2 Medium roots3 Large roots 4a Stump above ground level4b Stump below ground 5 Bole to a 4" top (10cm)6 Large branches 7a Small branches7b Leaves or needles8 Central stem above 4" top

Tree component diagram based on Harold Young

2012 FIA National Users’ Group Meeting, Baltimore, MD Slide # 5

Current Status

Gap Analyses: Review relevant science to address knowledge gaps Review standards, protocols and sample design of existing

biomass and volume studies. Focus on selected species, concentrate of top 10 species in

North, South and West for a total of 30 species. Use reviews to refine ideal sampling design and protocols.

Sampling design and protocols.Felled tree studiesStanding tree studiesUtilization studies

Scientific outputs and publications. Describe issues and challenges related to biomass sampling Publication and use of individual tree species models for

volume, weight and carbon.

2012 FIA National Users’ Group Meeting, Baltimore, MD Slide # 6

Three Year Plan

Year one-- gap analysis and sampling protocols for felled tree, standing tree and utilization studies.

Field demo in Knoxville, TN on February 28-29 to understand felled tree measurements at utilization site. Leverage current tree taper measurements, product utilization and volume measurements.Understand what additional measurements can be implemented at utilization sites to augment felled tree.

Year two and three– implement sampling standards and protocols nationwide.

Mix of felled tree, utilization felled tree, and standing tree studies. How many species, samples and mix dependent on available funds and willing participants.

Year three +-- Model fitting and continue field sampling

2012 FIA National Users’ Group Meeting, Baltimore, MD Slide # 7

Time and Costs Are An Issue

The desired target is 100 trees per speciesFor the top 10 species by three regions of the countryFelled tree studies are expensive yet vital to estimating weight of a tree and the trees component parts.Standing tree studies are less expensive but depend on understanding fundamental relationships that can only be understood through felled tree studies.

Standing tree measures, Drop trees, cut and limb trees, taper measurement of bole and major limbs, weight of tree and components, cut disk for specific gravity lab work, LABOR & SAFETY commitments are substantial.

Our team of scientist from FIA, the six partner universities and NGOs estimate that it will cost $1 million per year for 3 years……Total of $3 millionFIA currently has a gap in available funding and needs.

2012 FIA National Users’ Group Meeting, Baltimore, MD Slide # 8

Topics for Discussion

Where does improved estimation of volume, biomass and carbon fall out on your FIA priority needs?

Based on prior discussions related to biomass, carbon and bio-energy development we are attempting to balance how best to produce the next-generation biomass data and model estimation.

We’re looking forward to your comments.

greams@fs.fed.uswww.fia.fs.fed.us