Richard A. Birdsey

Comprehensive database of diameter-based biomass regressions for North American tree species

A database consisting of 2,640 equations compiled from the literature for predicting the biomass of trees and tree components from diameter measurements of species found in North America. Bibliographic information, geographic locations, diameter limits, diameter and biomass units, equation forms, statistical errors, and coefficients are provided for each equation, along with examples of how to use the database. The CD-ROM included with the paper version of this publication contains the complete database (Table 3) in spreadsheet format (Microsoft Excel 2002© with Windows XP©). The database files can also be viewed in both spreadsheet and pdf formats by directing your browser to the Global Change page at http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/global/pubs/books/index.html

Trends in North American net primary productivity derived from satellite observations, 1982–1998

[1]xa0Net primary productivity (NPP) in North America was computed for the years 1982–1998 using the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford approach (CASA) carbon cycle model. CASA was driven by a new, corrected satellite record of the normalized difference vegetation index at 8-km spatial resolution. Regional trends in the 17-year NPP record varied substantially across the continent. Croplands and grasslands of the Central Plains and eastern Canadian forests experienced summer increases in NPP. Peak NPP trends in Alaska and western Canada occurred in late spring or early summer, suggesting an earlier onset of the growing season in these regions. Forests and woodlands of the southeastern United States showed NPP increases in spring and fall, also suggesting an increase in the length of the growing season. An analysis of climate variables showed that summer precipitation increased in the Central Plains, indicating that climate changes probably play some role in increasing NPP in this region, though intensive management of agricultural ecosystems has also increased productivity. Similarly, increased summer precipitation possibly increased NPP in eastern Canada, but another possible explanation is forest recovery after insect damage. NPP in the southeastern United States increased in the absence of climate variation. Much of this region consists of aggressively managed forests, with young stand ages and intensive silviculture resulting in increased NPP. The high latitudes of western Canada and Alaska experienced spring warming that could have increased NPP in late spring or early summer.

The Delaware River Basin Collaborative Environmental Monitoring and Research Initiative: Foundation Document

The U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Park Service formed the Collaborative Environmental Monitoring and Research Initiative (CEMRI) to test strategies for integrated environmental monitoring among the agencies. The initiative combined monitoring and research efforts of the participating Federal programs to evaluate health and sustainability of forest and freshwater aquatic systems in the Delaware River Basin (DRB). Forest ecosystem health issues addressed by the CEMRI effort include urbanization and forest fragmentation, productivity and carbon sequestration, nitrogen saturation and calcium depletion, vulnerability to exotic insects, and effects of interactions among these factors. Ongoing monitoring programs were enhanced with supplemental sampling locations and measurements, and models were developed or modified to associate intensive process-level information with extensive landscape-scale information from satellite, aerial, and ground monitoring systems. This paper discusses development of the CEMRI in the DRB and methods to address environmental issues across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Note: The Executive Summary portion of this document is available in print; the full foundation document is online only.

Database for landscape-scale carbon monitoring sites

This report describes the database used to compile, store, and manage intensive ground-based biometric data collected at research sites in Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Wyoming, supporting research activities of the U.S. North American Carbon Program (NACP). This report also provides details of each site, the sampling design and collection standards for biometric measurements, the database design, data summary examples, and the uses of intensive ground-based biometric data. Additional information on location descriptions, data, databases, and documentation may be accessed at http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/data/lcms.

Chapter 7: Managing Carbon

Storing carbon (C) and offsetting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions with the use of wood for energy, both of which slow emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere, present significant challenges for forest management (IPCC 2001).

Past and prospective carbon stocks in forests of northern Wisconsin: a report from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Climate Change Response Framework

This report assesses past and prospective carbon stocks for 4.5 million ha of forest land in northern Wisconsin, including a baseline assessment and analysis of the impacts of disturbance and management on carbon stocks. Carbon density (amount of carbon stock per unit area) averages 237 megagrams (Mg) per ha, with the National Forest lands having slightly higher carbon density than other ownership classes. Over the last decade, carbon stocks of northern Wisconsin forests have been increasing by about one teragram (Tg) per year or 0.22 megagrams per ha per year, with most of the increase in live biomass. Harvest, wind, and fire have been principal drivers of forest carbon dynamics over the last century. For all forest types in northern Wisconsin, there is potential to increase stocking on the land by allowing more of the forested area to reach older age classes or by increasing productivity. Opportunities to increase afforestation and reduce deforestation are limited, but the potential exists for utilizing biomass energy as a substitute for fossil fuels. There are several options for private landowners to participate in carbon markets or greenhouse gas registries and receive some credit for additional actions to reduce emissions or increase sequestration of carbon. The methods used here can be adapted for use by other regions or forests to assess carbon stocks and effects of management on future carbon stocks.