Regional Species Libraries

Basic Libraries

Member Supported Libraries

Regional Species Libraries are localized parameter libraries for cruise compilers, growth models and harvest schedulers using the Forest Projection and Planning System (FPS) structure and format as outlined in the textbook, "Biometrics of Forest Inventory, Forest Growth and Forest Planning" by Dr. James D. Arney and Dr. Kelsey S. Milner. See the geographic ranges on the PDF map of the Western Regions.

The Forest Biometrics Research Institute offers two kinds of libraries. The Basic Libraries are the original regional parameters that were developed for the FPS system. These libraries were built from public data sources or cooperative ventures. The FBRI offers these libraries as first approximation defaults to anyone who buys the FPS software package. The basic libraries are no longer fully supported or maintained. The Member Supported Libraries are those species libraries developed and maintained for the use of FBRI member organizations. These libraries are continuously updated and maintained. They contain more precise parameters developed using larger data sets included data provided by institute members.

Each regional library is based on an in-depth biometrics analysis of taper, volume, site, growth and mortality of all species represented in a large integrated set of permanent plots gathered throughout that region. Each regional library is based on 2000 - 9000 permanent plots with 20 to 50 years of re-measurements across a broad array of silvicultural treatments. Each analysis consumed approximately one-year for database loading, editing, analysis and library development.

Regional FPS Species Libraries are reviewed by the Forest Biometrics Research Institute annually for accuracy and completeness. Each library is reviewed against permanent field installations of growth and yield every 5-8 years to validate parameters and to calibrate additional or refined biometric relationships. Results of these annual analyses are distributed to all FBRI member organizations on a regular basis.

A significant number of FBRI member organizations have begun to evolve into localized FPS libraries for specific tree farms, forests and reservations where climate, soils and silviculture warrant the refinements. These localized libraries are certified by the FBRI when requested by the local organization and underlying data sets are provided.

These libraries with complete documentation on databases and analyses are available at no charge to all member organizations of the Forest Biometrics Research Institute.