Dataset: FOREX

Methods

The methods followed in the creation of the dataset, including description of field, laboratory and processing steps, and quality control procedures

Current Methods

• Establishment of prism plots
  
  

  Ninety permanent, 10 factor prism plots were established on both sides of the Butler Lodge trail from transects beginning at each trail marker. Each plot represents 3 acres.

• Data collected
  
  

  General information on surface features, wildlife understory (duff layer, 0-2' height zone, 2-10' zone, 10-30' zone), regeneration, canopy closure, site quality, and stand damage; trees were scribed at dbh and measurements included: dbh (in 2" categories), sawlog and pulpwood lengths, species, quality code, crown position and wildlife features.

• Determining site indices
  
  

  Cores taken on a percentage of plots to determine site indices.

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  Permanent plots established in 1995 were revisited to determine tree health for individual trees on plots.

• Tree health ratings
  
  

  FOREX tree health ratings consisted of : healthy (<10% dieback), moderate (11-50%), severe (>50%), dead.

• Crown condition and damage
  
  

  Additional crown condition and tree damage data was recorded following National Forest Health Monitoring standard protocols.

Dataset Fields

Detailed documentation of the fields comprising the dataset, including the type of measurement, units where applicable, and any controlled vocabularies or code lists present in the data

Sampling Equipment

Equipment and software used to collect data, including how that equipment was used.

Site Characteristics

The spatial extent of the dataset site coverage, and descriptions of the spatial extent and context for the data collection

• Site Description

  Stevensville Brook watershed on Mount Mansfield, in the Ecosystem Management Demonstration Project area. Northern hardwood and yellow birch/spruce forest types.