Forest Management Service Center - Biometrics Group

Transcription

1 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Forest Management Service Center Forest Management Service Center - Biometrics Group Annual Staff Report Fiscal Year 2015

2 About Us The Forest Management Service Center (FMSC), located in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a detached unit of the USDA Forest Service National Forest System Forest Management Staff, Washington Office. The Service Center provides mensuration, statistical, modeling, biometric, sampling, and analysis skills to the Forest Service and also cooperates and works in partnership with other government agencies (federal, tribal and state), research, colleges and universities, forest industry, consultants, and individuals in the United States and other countries. The FMSC is staffed with biometric and mensuration specialists possessing skills not available at most regional and forest level offices and is considered an extension of each region s technical staff. Our Program Emphasis We provide products and technical support for forest vegetation modeling and forest products measurement to the National Forests and our partners. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA s TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC or call (202) (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Page 2

3 Message from the FMSC Center Manager The Biometrics Group of the Forest Management Service Center includes the Forest Products Measurement Group and the Forest Vegetation Simulator Group (FVS). The Forest Products Measurement group maintains a suite of programs related to cruising, scaling, volume and biomass estimation, and area determination. In FY15, our re-engineered national cruising software, Version 2.0, was released for general field use. FScruiser has many new features requested by the field to make data entry more efficient. Cruise Processing utilizes the new Biomass Estimator Library and has new graphical reports. Cruise Manager is a new program handling cruise file establishment, data editing and component cruiser creation and merging for use with multiple data recorders. Training for the new software was provided at the Advanced Cruiser Training sessions, at a formal training in Region 5, and by using virtual training technology. The FMSC is working with the Regions, research, FIA, and outside cooperatives to continue developing and validating biomass equations and weight factors to be incorporated within the National Biomass Estimator Library, which provides componentized estimates of biomass material for the bole, branches, crown, stump, and bark in both dry and green tons. Support for the area determination chapter of the Timber Cruising Handbook (FSH , Chap. 50) continues as National Forests implement the new direction. The field personnel are finding ingenious ways to work using the new allowances of the handbook, ways to create safety for the crew members, combine polylines, decrease office work, avoid surveying common boundaries twice, and more. The Service Center has partnered with the Fremont- Winema NF and The Nature Conservancy on a pilot project to esplore the use of virtual boundaries using GPS on harvesting equipment. Future projects include exploring cost effective methods for cruising biomass material, including the use of UASs. Page 3 Timber Tips, a publication for the field describing helpful ttips and information, was resurrected this year and will continue to be a semi-annual publication. The Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) is the US Forest Service s nationally supported framework ensuring consistency among forests in vegetation growth and yield modeling. One of our most important goals is to maintain, enhance, and support the FVS code. This includes the base model as well as the Fire and Fuels extension (FFE) and other extensions. Recent efforts include improved prediction of sprouting following harvest or fire, significant improvements to the WRENSS water yield post processor, and development of an online version of FVS that operates through a web browser. The staff also provides Regions with regionally specific improvements, including implementing ORGANON-FVS variants for Oregon and northern California, and continues work on the incorporation of the REGEN model into the Southern (SN) variant. The FVS carbon reports continue to be an important part of many projects. We continue to work with the group that published the USDA Entity-Scale GHG Methods Report for Forestry and Agriculture with the intent of integrating FVS into the system used for estimating various aspects of greenhouse gas fluxes. The FVS Steering Team continues to provide strategic guidance in the development and enhancement of FVS. The Steering Team helps direct the program of work for the FVS staff and acts as a valuable networking group and a means to ensure incorporation of the best available science into FVS. Many important partnerships continue, including work with Virginia Tech to expand Climate-FVS to the eastern US, and work with BLM, BIA, and NRCS in support of FVS modernization efforts. Dave Cawrse Biometrics Group Leader, Forest Management Service Center

4 Forest Products Measurement The Forest Products Measurement staff supports the forest product sales program. Our primary responsibilities are developing and applying practical and efficient methods of timber cruising, scaling, volume estimation, and area determination that are accurate, consistent, and defensible. We maintain a suite of programs related to cruising, scaling, volume estimation, and area determination and provide measurements support and training to the field. We also coordinate the National Measurements Steering Committee which meets annually and provides direction for the measurements group. Cruising Timber cruising is the process of measuring forest stands to determine stand characteristics, such as average tree sizes, volume, and quality. The primary purpose of cruising is to obtain a volume estimate to appraise and prepare timber sales and stewardship contracts. In FY15, our re-engineered national cruising software, Version 2.0, was released for general field use. FScruiser has many new features requested by the field to make data entry more efficient. Cruise Processing utilizes the new Biomass Estimator Library and has new graphical reports and can export data into common separated files (CSV) for import into Excel. Cruise Manager is a new program handling cruise file establishment, data editing, and component cruise creation and merging for use with multiple data recorders. The software continues to be modified as new features are proposed. Training for the new software was provided at the Advanced Cruiser Training sessions, at a formal training in Region 5, and by using virtual training technology. Legacy software tools were maintained throughout FY15 with maintenance continuing throughout FY16. Legacy software tools will eventually be phased out as older mobile devices are replaced. The Service Center is partnering with FHTET and Region 3 on a project to use an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to take large scale aerial photography to assist in identifying insect damage and to assist in cruising using the 3P Remote Sensing cruise method. This project is one of the first uses of UASs for the Forest Service and is scheduled for completion in FY16. Timber Tips, a publication for the field describing helpful ttips and information, was resurrected this year and will continue to be a semi-annual publication. Volume and Biomass Estimation The National Volume Estimator Library is a collection of standing tree volume estimators used by the Forest Service and contains the research publications, descriptions of the implementation process, and the computer source code. The National Biomass Estimator Library (NBEL) provides componentized estimates of biomass material for the bole, branches, crown, stump, and bark in both dry and green tons. Both libraries are fully integrated within the reengineered National Cruise Software and are also available as an Excel Plug-ins. The FMSC is working with the Regions, research, FIA, and outside cooperatives to continue developing and validating biomass equations and weight factors to be incorporated within the NBEL. A new Volume/Biomass Validation Program designed to assist the field with the validation of existing volume and biomass estimators was released this year and is now available for use. Page 4

5 Scaling Scaling is the determination of the gross and net volume of logs. The primary purpose of scaling is to determine the volume by product or species to be charged at a predetermined rate. The measurements group maintains the FSscaler field data collection software and the Scale Expansion Program which furnishes data for the Timber Sale Accounting system. Area Determination Area determination is quantitatively measuring land area using GPS or traditional traverse methods, or both. We continue to work with the Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) supporting procedures using GPS and other surveying techniques in Forest Service operations including expanding the Accuracy Matrix for the various GPS units. Support for the area determination chapter of the Timber Cruising Handbook (FSH , Chap. 50) continues as National Forests implement the new direction. The field personnel are finding ingenious ways to work using the new allowances of the handbook; ways to create safety for the crew members, combine polylines, decrease office work, avoid surveying common boundaries twice, and more. The Service Center has partnered with the Fremont-Winema NF and the Nature Conservancy on a pilot project to explore the use of virtual boundaries using GPS on harvesting equipment. Many training sessions on the new changes to Chapter 50 have been completed successfully using Video Teleconferencing technology and Lync Communicator. These training sessions included: introductions to Area Determination; field and office practices using current advantages of the handbook with any mobile software; introductions and intermediate use of TwoTrails; and individualized sessions addressing specific concerns. The Service Center will continue to utilize virtual training technology in FY16. Measurements Steering Team The National Measurements Steering Committee met last winter to provide direction for the measurements group. The Service Center has been coordinating with the Regions on reengineering the cruising software to work with Windows 7 and new generations of field data recorders. Important Partnerships Developing and maintaining partnerships with natural resource agencies outside of the Service Center is important to provide consistent measurements support across the nation. Besides the National Forests, we are working with state, tribal, other federal agencies, educational institutions, Forest Service Research Stations, private individuals and companies on diverse measurements issues including biomass estimation and area determination. Nearly all land management agencies involved with area and timber measurement currently use our software (BLM, BIA, National Park Service, Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Defense), as well as five state forestry agencies. Gary Boyack continues to serve on the national Mobile GPS Technology Advisory Group (MGTAG), which looks at developing a consistent policy to manage GPS as a national asset. Ken Cormier continues to serve as the US Forest Service Representative on the Scaling Primary Forest Products committee of the Canadian Standards Association. Yingfang Wang became a member of the FIA Biomass Working Group working with Forest Service and University personnel to develop and validate biomass equations. Matt Oberle continues to serve on the Unmanned Aerial System Advisory Group (UASAG), the National Windows Mobile Advisory Group, and the National Mobile Hardware Review Team. Page 5

6 Customer Support In FY15, the measurements staff participated or assisted in training Advanced Cruisers from several Regions. Additional training on TwoTrails and new area determination procedures was provided to the Regions in a combination of virtual training and field visits. The measurements staff continues to average about 30 hotline contacts, s and phone calls per week related to volume, biomass, cruising, scaling, and area determination questions from all regions of the Forest Service and other government agencies, as well as state agencies, universities, and private consultants. A check cruiser workshop was held in October on the topic of Collecting Data to Develop and Validate Volume and Biomass Equations in partnership with the FIA Biomass Working Group. Attendees utilized several different techniques for collecting volume and biomass field data and tested the new Volume/Biomass Validation Program. Future Initiatives and Projects Contact % of contacts Forest Service 85 Other Gov. Agencies 5 State/University 5 Private 5 Future projects include expanding the biomass estimator library and exploring cost effective methods for cruising biomass material, including the use of UASs. We will continue to support all software components within the National Cruise System. In FY16, we will begin to look at providing versions of our data collection software to run on the Android operating system. Cruiser cetification maintenance training will continue to be developed for AgLearn to assist in cost effective training. We will continue to explore and use virtual training technology to provide timely and cost effective training to the field. We will examine new procedures and new technology to promote efficiency and safety to our users in the field. Page 6

7 Forest Vegetation Simulation (FVS) The Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) is a forest dynamics model simulating growth and mortality for most tree species, forest types, and stand conditions found in the United States. FVS can simulate a wide range of silvicultural treatments, fire, insects, diseases, and other disturbances. It can calculate volumes, densities, stocking levels, harvest yields, biomass amounts, carbon allocations, fuel loads, fire effects, and many other metrics. National Support At the national level, one of our most important goals is to maintain, enhance, and support the FVS code. This includes the base model as well as the Fire and Fuels Extension (FFE) and other extensions. Here are just a few highlights of our national efforts: Improved the prediction of sprouting following harvest or fire; Created a new keyword for designating leave species for harvest; Made significant improvements to the WRENSS water yield post processor; Conducted several instructional webinars and made the recordings available through the FVS website; Made significant enhancements to the application program interface (API) to FVS; Began development of an online version of FVS that operates through a web browser. The FVS carbon reports continue to be an important part of many projects. We continue to work with the group that published the USDA Entity-Scale GHG Methods Report for Forestry and Agriculture with the intent of integrating FVS into the system used for estimating various aspects of greenhouse gas fluxes. We maintained, supported and upgraded the Suppose interface, as well as several FVS preand post-processing programs. All FVS documentation was kept up-to-date. The FVS Steering Team continues to provide strategic guidance in the development and enhancement of FVS. The eighth annual meeting was held in April in Fort Collins. The Steering Team helps direct the program of work for the FVS staff and acts as a valuable networking group and a means to ensure incorporation of the best available science into FVS. Based on recommendations from the previous Steering Team meeting we have enhanced the uneven-age management options, begun development of the online version of FVS, and begun working on a widely applicable understory model. Regional and Forest Support We provide FVS support to all Regions and National Forests for planning efforts, project work, and more. Here are just a few highlights of our regional support efforts over the past year: Assisted Region 8 with Forest Plan Revision efforts; Coded new crown biomass distribution algorithms for the Central Rockies (CR) variant; Officially released two ORGANON-FVS variants for Oregon and northern California; Continued work on the incorporation of the REGEN model into the Southern (SN) variant. The REGEN model was developed at the Southern Research Station. Continued work on improvement of the mortality algorithms for the Pacific Northwest (PN) and Westside Cascades (WC) variants. Important Partnerships Our partners include Forest Service Research Stations as well as universities and other land management agencies, including the BLM and BIA. Some of our important partners and projects this year included: Page 7

8 Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA): began coordination on the development of a new tool to translate FIA data into FVS-ready data files. Rocky Mountain Research Station: assisted with FVS, FFE, Climate Change development, and API and stop-restart capability; Northern Research Station: assisted with FFE carbon reporting; Southern Research Station: assisted with integration of the REGEN model into FVS; NRM-FSVEG staff: maintaining the FSVeg DB_Link utility, which is the FVS data link with the FSVEG database; Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team (FHTET): maintained and enhanced FVS insect and disease extensions; Virginia Technological University: continued work to expand Climate-FVS to the eastern US; Bureau of Land Management (BLM): supported the FVS architecture change and continues to support the incorporation of ORGANON algorithms into FVS. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): supported the FVS architecture change; Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Department of Defense (DOD), State and Private Forestry (S&PF), and University of Alaska: continued coordination on development work on the Alaska boreal forest (interior) FVS variant; Pacific Northwest Research Station: developed new small tree growth algorithms and mortality modeling. Michigan Technological University: developed new diameter growth algorithms for the FVS Lake States and Central States variants. Colorado State University: developed new crown biomass equations for the western US; ESSA Technologies: continued improvements to interconnectivity of FVS with other software systems. Forest Management Service Center (FMSC) Contracting Group: collaborated on timber theft issues when requested. Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA), Pacific Northwest Research Station, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Northern Research Station, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team (FHTET): provided members of the FVS Steering Team. Page 8

9 Customers In addition to the Forest Service, other users of FVS software include the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Park Service, the Department of Defense, and other federal agencies, as well as state and tribal agencies, educational institutions, private companies, and individuals. FVS software has been increasingly used internationally to model forest dynamics and for carbon accounting. Customer Support 0During the past year we conducted seven week-long, formal FVS classes with 133 students, 21 of which were in the National Advanced Silvicultural Program (NASP). Approximately 30% of the students were non-forest Service employees. Several shorter training sessions, educational presentations, workshops, and webinars were also conducted, bringing the total number of people trained to well over 200. Training documentation was updated to reflect changes in software and methodologies. Bulletins were sent out announcing each software release. The FMSC web site was kept current with software and documentation updates. The FVS staff provides hotline support during normal working hours on all federal workdays. Requests come in the form of phone calls, s, instant messages, and personal visits. We answered more than 800 support requests, requiring over 500 hours of staff time. More than half of the support was provided to the Forest Service, including employees from every National Forest System Region, every Research Station, and the Washington Office. Future Initiatives and Projects For FY16, in addition to the on-going activities of model maintenance, enhancements, and training, our future initiativves and projects include: continuing development of a national understory vegetation model with the Rangeland Vegetation Simulator (RVS) group at the Rocky Mountain Research Station; improved mortality algorithms for the Southeastern Region; full integration with the National Biomass Estimator Library; incorporation of the REGEN model developed by the Southern Research Station; continued development of an online version of FVS; and many more projects.. Page 9

10 Forest Management Service Center, Biometrics Staff Dave Cawrse, Biometrics Group Leader Mike Van Dyck, FVS Group Leader Chris Dahl, FVS Model Support, Training Lance David, Insect and Disease Model Development, Training Bob Havis, FVS Programming, Support Chad Keyser, FVS Model Support, Training Stephanie Rebain, Fire and Fuels Model Development, Training Erin Smith-Mateja, FVS Model Support, Training Zach Wehr, Student Intern Ken Cormier, Measurements Group Leader Gary Boyack, Forest Product Measurement Support Barbara Menzel, Cruise Processing Programming Support, Training Support Matt Oberle, Field Data Collection Programming Support Mike Shettles, Forest Biometrician Yingfang Wang, Volume and Biomass Estimation Support Front L to R: Bob Havis, Matt Oberle, Dave Cawrse, Chris Dahl, Yingfang Wang, Chad Keyser. Back L to R: Gary Boyack, Lance David, Mike Van Dyck, Stephanie Rebain, Erin Smith-Mateja. Not pictured: Mike Shettles, Zach Wehr Behind the camera: Barbara Menzel Page 10