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Classification of Inventory
Plots as Unharvested or Harvested
We classified all FIA, CVS, and BLM inventory plots as to whether they were “unharvested” or “harvested.” To do so, we evaluated disturbance codes within the source databases where they were available (FIA and BLM plots). Where not available (CVS plots), we reviewed the plot descriptions and remarks entered by field crews and translated any disturbances into codes in our database. The intent of this classification was to create a class of “unharvested” plots that were as free from human disturbances as possible. The “harvested” class contains plots that have experienced a wide variety of kinds and severities of disturbances.
Harvested Plots
A plot was classified as “harvested” if there was any evidence of
tree harvest , killing, or removal, for any reason, within the plot boundary.
This includes plots where trees were logged (e.g., clearcut harvest, partial
harvest, commercial thin, salvage logging), killed by silvicultural activities
(e.g., precommercial thin), or removed for other purposes (e.g., firewood cutting,
road-building). This classification also includes plots that contain roads,
because it is likely that trees were removed during road building and that the
road itself influences forest structure and composition. This category also
includes plots in the Mt.St.Helens blast zone and plots that have been aforested
(previously in a non-forest status, such as a pasture or a Christmas tree plantation,
that has reverted to forest). Although these plots have not been “harvested”
per se, they represent unique disturbance histories (and atypical dead wood
conditions) that are not representative of most natural, unharvested forests.
Unharvested Plots
Any plot that did not meet the above criteria for
“harvested” were classified as “unharvested.”
All Plots
The phrase “all plots” is commonly
referred to in the DecAID narratives, tables, and figures, and includes both
harvested and unharvested plots. Summaries of “all” plots are intended
to provide information about average distributions across the landscape or habitat
type.