A proposed framework for developing an integrated growth and yield monitoring system for Alberta

Abstract

A province-wide growth and yield (GY) monitoring program, composed of three data collection systems, is proposed for Alberta for the main purpose of verifying GY predictions for various stand types. The first system, based on the 20-km grid proposed for the National Forest Inventory, is recommended for collecting monitoring data on GY predictions for untreated, natural-origin stands. A denser, 10-km grid is recommended for the second system for monitoring GY predictions for untreated, post-harvest stands. The third system is designed for monitoring GY predictions for silviculturally treated stands. The sample plots for the third system will be randomly selected from eligible stands. To enable comparison of site index estimates between natural-origin and post-harvest stands, paired plots are recommended whenever possible in the second system. In the first phase, 500 installations each for untreated natural-origin and post-harvest stands, and 250 installations for silviculturally treated natural-origin and post-harvest stands, are proposed. Detailed plot designs are presented, along with the planned implementation strategies. Key words: growth and yield monitoring, natural-origin stands, post-harvest stands, silviculturally treated stands, paired plots, site index comparison