United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Natural 

Resources 

Conservation 

Service

NATIONAL FORESTRY HANDBOOK 

 
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Title 190 NATIONAL FORESTRY HANDBOOK 

Issued, February 2004 

Recommended Citation: 

Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Forestry Handbook, title 190, February 2004. 

The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, 

color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital or familial 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 202-720-2600 (Voice 

and TDD). To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, 

D.C.20250 or call 1-800-245-6340 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity 

employer. 
 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Natural 

Resources 

Conservation 

Service

NATIONAL FORESTRY HANDBOOK 

PREFACE 

 The National Forestry Handbook, as a subdivision of 

the NRCS directives system, includes parts 635 through 

638. 

 The format is intended to allow flexibility for 

additions and updates. 

 The National Forestry Handbook (NFH) contains 

methodology, procedures, and related reference 

materials that assist NRCS personnel to implement the 

policies contained in the National Forestry Manual 

(NFM) relative to forestry and agroforestry technologies. 

 All references to the Soil Conservation Service or 

SCS by Public Laws, Memoranda or other documents 

stated herein have been changed to the Natural 

Resources Conservation Service or NRCS, respectively. 

 All policies and responsibilities relating to forestry 

previously assigned to the Soil Conservation Service are 

carried forward in full to the Natural Resources 

Conservation Service unless otherwise noted or amended 

in this handbook. 
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

PART 635 – OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT 

Part 635.0 – General 

635.00 Mission and Objectives................................................................................................................635-1 

635.01 Purpose.........................................................................................................................................635-1 

635.02 Supplementing the Handbook......................................................................................................635-1 

635.03 Relationship to the National Forestry Manual.............................................................................635-1 

635.04 Quality Assurance........................................................................................................................635-1 

Part 635.1 – Authorities 

635.10 General.........................................................................................................................................635-2 

Part 635.2 – Cooperation With Other Agencies 

635.20 General.........................................................................................................................................635-3 

Part 635.3 – Cooperation With Non-Government Organizations 

635.30 General.........................................................................................................................................635-3 

Part 635.4 – Forestry Within NRCS 

635.40 General.........................................................................................................................................635-4 

635.44 Technology Transfer....................................................................................................................635-4 

(a) Acquiring and Maintaining Technical Materials ...................................................................635-4 

(1) U.S. Forest Service (USFS) .............................................................................................635-4 

(2) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) ...................635-4 

(3) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS).......................................................................635-5 

(4) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)...........................................................635-5 

(5) Colleges and Universities.................................................................................................635-5 

(6) Forest Industry .................................................................................................................635-5 

(b) Disseminating Technical Information....................................................................................635-6 

(c) Training ..................................................................................................................................635-6 

PART 636 – CONSERVATION PLANNING 

Part 636.0 – General 

636.00 Introduction..................................................................................................................................636-5 

636.01 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................636-5 

636.02 Planning Procedures ....................................................................................................................636-2 

Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process 

636.10 General.........................................................................................................................................636-3 

636.11 Preplanning ..................................................................................................................................636-3 

(a) Gather Materials and Information ..........................................................................................636-3 

(b) Prepare Yourself.....................................................................................................................636-4 

(c) Determine Clients Objectives.................................................................................................636-4 

(d) Make Firm Planning Schedule ...............................................................................................636-4 

(e) Ensure Understanding of Basic Ecological Principles...........................................................636-4 
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(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

636.12 Identify the Problem ....................................................................................................................636-5 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-5 

(b) Standard..................................................................................................................................636-5 

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-5 

636.13 Determine the Objectives.............................................................................................................636-6 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-6 

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-6 

636.14 Inventory the Resources...............................................................................................................636-7 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-7 

(b) Standard..................................................................................................................................636-7 

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-7 

636.15 Analyze Resource Data.................................................................................................................636-8 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-8 

(b) Standard..................................................................................................................................636-8 

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-8 

636.16.1 Formulate Alternative Solutions...............................................................................................636-9 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-9 

(b) Standard..................................................................................................................................636-9 

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-9 

636.16.2 Evaluate Alternative Solutions ...............................................................................................636-10 

(a) General .................................................................................................................................636-10 

(b) Standard................................................................................................................................636-10 

(c) Activities ..............................................................................................................................636-10 

636.17 Make Decisions..........................................................................................................................636-11 

(a) General .................................................................................................................................636-11 

(b) Standard................................................................................................................................636-11 

(c) Activities ..............................................................................................................................636-11 

636.18 Implement the Plan ....................................................................................................................636-13 

(a) General .................................................................................................................................636-13 

(b) Standard................................................................................................................................636-13 

(c) Activities ..............................................................................................................................636-13 

636.19 Evaluation of Results .................................................................................................................636-14 

(a) General .................................................................................................................................636-14 

(b) Activities ..............................................................................................................................636-14 

Part 636.2 – Inventory Methods 

636.20 General.......................................................................................................................................636-14 

636.21 Forest Stand Inventory...............................................................................................................636-14 

(a) Zigzag Transect Method.......................................................................................................636-15 

(1) Zigzag Transect Procedures ...........................................................................................636-15 

(i) Step 1 – Select Main Stand ........................................................................................636-15 

(ii) Step 2 – Choose a Route ..........................................................................................636-15 

(iii) Step 3 – Select a Starter Tree..................................................................................636-15 

(iv) Step 4 – Choose a Direction....................................................................................636-17 

(v) Step 5 – Locate Closest Tree....................................................................................636-17 
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 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

(vi) Step 6 – Determine Distance, Species, and Diameter............................................. 636-17 

(vii) Step 7 – Rate Tree Condition.................................................................................636-17 

(viii) Step 8 – Repeat Process........................................................................................636-17 

(2) Zigzag Conventions .......................................................................................................636-17 

(i) Clumps and Open Area............................................................................................. 636-17 

(ii) Plantations................................................................................................................636-18 

(iii) Eligible Trees..........................................................................................................636-18 

(3) Zigzag Inventory Analysis.............................................................................................636-18 

(i) Stand Diameter Calculation ......................................................................................636-18 

(ii) Average Tree Spacing Calculation ..........................................................................636-19 

(iii) Trees Per Acre Calculation....................................................................................636-19 

(iv) Thinning Determinations ........................................................................................ 636-19 

(v) Species Composition Analysis................................................................................. 636-19 

(vi) Stand Condition Analysis .......................................................................................636-19 

(b) Strip Sampling......................................................................................................................636-19 

(c) Fixed Plot Sampling.............................................................................................................636-20 

(d) Variable Plot Sampling ........................................................................................................636-20 

636.22 Riparian Inventory and Assessment Methods ........................................................................... 636-20 

636.23 Understory Inventory.................................................................................................................636-20 

636.24 Windbreak Management Inventory ...........................................................................................636-21 

636.25 Soil Rating Methods ..................................................................................................................636-21 

Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools 

636.30 General.......................................................................................................................................636-22 

636.31 Age and Growth Measuring Tools ............................................................................................636-22 

(a) Increment Borer....................................................................................................................636-22 

(1) Planning Application .....................................................................................................636-22 

(2) Use .................................................................................................................................636-22 

(3) Age Determination.........................................................................................................636-22 

(4) Care and Maintenance....................................................................................................636-22 

636.32 Diameter Measuring Tools ........................................................................................................636-23 

(a) Diameter Tape......................................................................................................................636-23 

(b) Tree Calipers........................................................................................................................636-23 

(c) Diameter Sticks ....................................................................................................................636-24 

(d) Relaskop...............................................................................................................................636-24 

636.33 Height Measuring Tools ............................................................................................................636-25 

(a) SUUNTO® Clinometer......................................................................................................... 636-25 

(b) Abney Level.........................................................................................................................636-26 

(c) Haga Altimeter .....................................................................................................................636-27 

(d) Relaskop and Vertex Hypsometers...................................................................................... 636-28 

(e) Stick Hypsometers................................................................................................................636-28 

(f) Comparison of Height Measuring Devices........................................................................... 636-29 

(1) Precision.........................................................................................................................636-29 

(2) Ease of Use.....................................................................................................................636-29 

(3) Robustness .....................................................................................................................636-29 
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(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

(4) Speed of Use...................................................................................................................636-29 

(5) Price................................................................................................................................636-29 

(6) Compactness...................................................................................................................636-29 

636.34 Canopy Measurement Tools ......................................................................................................636-29 

(a) Spherical Densiometer .........................................................................................................636-29 

(b) Leaf Tube .............................................................................................................................636-30 

636.35 Basal Area Measurement Tools.................................................................................................636-31 

(a) Wedge Prism ........................................................................................................................636-31 

(b) Angle Gauge.........................................................................................................................636-32 

636.36 Linear Measurement Tools ........................................................................................................636-33 

(a) Logger's Tape .......................................................................................................................636-33 

(b) Measuring Tapes ..................................................................................................................636-34 

636.37 Hand Compass ...........................................................................................................................636-34 

636.38 Wind Meter ................................................................................................................................636-35 

Part 636.4 – Planning Considerations 

636.40 General.......................................................................................................................................636-36 

(a) Dynamics of Ecological Sites...............................................................................................636-36 

(b) Management Objectives.......................................................................................................636-36 

(c) Desired Plant Community ....................................................................................................636-36 

(d) Identifying Present Vegetation State and Desired Plant Community ..................................636-36 

(e) Recreation.............................................................................................................................636-37 

(f) Watershed Protection............................................................................................................636-37 

(g) Erosion Control ....................................................................................................................636-37 

(h) Grazable Forests...................................................................................................................636-38 

(i) Wildlife ................................................................................................................................636-38 

(j) Technical Guide ...................................................................................................................636-38 

636.41 Windbreak Planning, Establishment, and Maintenance ............................................................636-38 

(a) Windbreak Types..................................................................................................................636-38 

(1) Farmstead Windbreak ....................................................................................................636-38 

(2) Feedlot and Animal Shelter Windbreak.........................................................................636-38 

(3) Field Windbreak.............................................................................................................636-38 

(b) Windbreak Design................................................................................................................636-39 

(1) Design for Erosion Control ............................................................................................636-39 

(2) Design for Crop Protection ............................................................................................636-39 

(3) Design for Livestock Protection.....................................................................................636-39

(4) Design for Farmstead Protection....................................................................................636-39 

(5) Design for Noise Reduction ...........................................................................................636-39 

(6) Design for Wildlife Habitat............................................................................................636-39 

(7) Design for Beauty ..........................................................................................................636-39 

(8) Design for Snow Control ...............................................................................................636-39 

(9) Design for Energy Conservation....................................................................................636-39 

(10) Design for Screening....................................................................................................636-40 

(11) Enhancement of Recreation Values .............................................................................636-40 

(c) Establishment and Management...........................................................................................636-40 
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 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

(1) Site Preparation..............................................................................................................636-40 

(2) Spacing...........................................................................................................................636-40 

(3) Care of Planting Stock ...................................................................................................636-40 

(4) Planting ..........................................................................................................................636-40 

(5) Care after Planting .........................................................................................................636-40 

(6) Protection .......................................................................................................................636-40 

(7) Renovation .....................................................................................................................636-40 

(d) Selecting Better Trees and Shrubs for Windbreaks ............................................................. 636-41 

(1) Plant Materials Program ................................................................................................636-41 

(2) Research Programs.........................................................................................................636-41 

(3) Seed Orchards ................................................................................................................636-41 

(4) Nursery Production ........................................................................................................ 636-41 

(5) Handling of Planting Stock............................................................................................636-41 

(e) Technical Materials..............................................................................................................636-41 

Part 636.5 – Exhibits 

Exhibit 636-5 Trees Per Acre at Various Spacing................................................................................636-42 

PART 637 – SOIL-RELATED FORESTRY AND AGROFORESTRY 

INTERPRETATIONS 

Part 637.0 – General 

637.00 Introduction .................................................................................................................................637-4 

637.01 Policy ...........................................................................................................................................637-2 

637.02 Responsibilities............................................................................................................................637-2 

637.03 Basic Unit of Interpretation and Forms of Information Display ................................................. 637-2 

(a) Basic Unit of Interpretation....................................................................................................637-2 

(b) Forms of Information Display................................................................................................637-2 

Part 637.1 – Data Collection, Analyses, and Interpretation 

637.10 General.........................................................................................................................................637-3 

637.11 Organization of Interpretations....................................................................................................637-3 

(a) Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations..............................637-3 

(b) Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations..............................637-3 

Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations 

637.20.1 General......................................................................................................................................637-3 

637.20.2 Overview of NASIS Structure..................................................................................................637-4 

637.21 Vegetation and Productivity Interpretations................................................................................637-5 

(a) Component Trees to Manage Table ....................................................................................... 637-5 

(1) Table Values ....................................................................................................................637-5 

(i) Local Plant Symbol and Local Plant Name ............................................................... 637-5 

(b) Component Forest Productivity Table ................................................................................... 637-6 

(1) Table Values ....................................................................................................................637-6 

(i) Local Plant Symbol and Local Plant Name ................................................................ 637-6 

(ii) Site Index Base .......................................................................................................... 637-6 
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(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

(iii) Site Index ..................................................................................................................637-6 

(iv) Productivity ft3/ac/yr CMAI - Low/RV/High .............................. . . . . . ......... 637-7 

(c) Component Forest Productivity - Other Table.......................................................................637-7 

(1) Table Values.....................................................................................................................637-7 

(i) Site Index Base............................................................................................................637-7 

(ii) Site Index ...................................................................................................................637-7 

(iii) Productivity and Units ..............................................................................................637-7 

637.22 Criteria-Based Interpretations......................................................................................................637-8 

(a) Developing Interpretations.....................................................................................................637-8 

(b) NASIS Interpretation Components ........................................................................................637-8 

(1) Properties..........................................................................................................................637-8 

(2) Evaluations.......................................................................................................................637-9 

(i) Crisp Evaluations ........................................................................................................637-9 

(ii) Fuzzy Evaluations......................................................................................................637-9 

(3) Rules...............................................................................................................................637-10 

(i) Reporting Out Rating Values....................................................................................637-10 

(ii) Reporting Out Rating Classes..................................................................................637-11 

(iii) Rules With Multiple Evaluations............................................................................637-11 

(iv) Fuzzy Math .............................................................................................................637-12 

(v) Multiple Reporting Levels .......................................................................................637-12 

(c) Reporting Interpretations......................................................................................................637-13 

(1) Report Manager..............................................................................................................637-14 

(2) Selecting the Report Format...........................................................................................637-14 

(i) INTERP Report Format ............................................................................................637-14 

(ii) MANU Report Format.............................................................................................637-17 

Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations 

637.30 General.......................................................................................................................................637-18 

637.31 Ecological Site Description Application (ESD) ........................................................................637-19 

(a) Conventions for Using the ESD Application .......................................................................637-20 

(b) Adding or Editing Ecological Site Descriptions ..................................................................637-21 

(1) Forestland(Add) Screen .................................................................................................637-22 

(2) Data Entry and Editing...................................................................................................637-23 

(i) General Section .........................................................................................................637-24 

(ii) Physiographic Features Section ...............................................................................637-25 

(iii) Climate Features Section ........................................................................................637-26 

(iv) Water Features Section ...........................................................................................637-26 

(v) Soil Features Section................................................................................................637-27 

(vi) Plant Communities Section.....................................................................................637-28 

(1) Forest Plant Community Screen - Ecological Dynamics Portion ......................637-29 

(2) Forest Plant Communities Screen – Plant Community Portion .........................637-29 

(vii) Site Interpretations Section....................................................................................637-34 

(viii) Supporting Information Section............................................................................637-36 

(3) Producing Ecological Site Description Reports.............................................................637-40 
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 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

637.32 Ecological Site Inventory ..........................................................................................................637-41 

(a) Forest Plot Inventory Operations .........................................................................................637-41 

(1) Site Selection .................................................................................................................637-41 

(2) Site Documentation........................................................................................................ 637-41 

(3) ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet.................................................................................... 637-41 

(i) Forest Site Plot Number............................................................................................ 637-42 

(ii) Location Data...........................................................................................................637-42 

(iii) Physical Data ..........................................................................................................637-42 

(iv) Soil Data .................................................................................................................637-43 

(v) Density Data.............................................................................................................637-44 

(vi) Tree Data.................................................................................................................637-44 

(vii) Site Index Data ......................................................................................................637-45 

(viii) Canopy Cover Data ..............................................................................................637-46 

(ix) Ground Cover Data.................................................................................................637-46 

(xi) Remarks ..................................................................................................................637-46 

(4) Statistical Analysis.........................................................................................................637-46 

(i) Standard Deviation ...................................................................................................637-46 

(ii) Coefficient of Variation...........................................................................................637-48

(b) Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot Inventory Operations...........................................................637-48 

(1) Site Selection .................................................................................................................637-49 

(2) Site Documentation........................................................................................................ 637-49 

(3) ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet............................................................................ 637-49 

(i) General Data .............................................................................................................637-49 

(ii) Soil Information....................................................................................................... 637-50 

(iii) Maintenance and Response ....................................................................................637-51 

(iv) Species Performance............................................................................................... 637-52 

(c) ESI-Forestland Application..................................................................................................637-54 

(1) Conventions for Using the ESI-Forestland Application ................................................637-54 

(2) Adding or Editing ESI-Forestland Data.........................................................................637-56 

(i) Accessing the System ...............................................................................................637-56 

(ii) Forest Plot Data Entry and Edit...............................................................................637-58 

(1) Change Plot ID...................................................................................................637-58 

(2) Site-Related Data ...............................................................................................637-58 

(3) Vegetative-Related Data ....................................................................................637-58 

(iii) Windbreak Plot Data Entry and Edit ......................................................................637-58 

(1) Change Windbreak Plot ID................................................................................ 637-59 

(2) Site-Related Data ...............................................................................................637-59 

(3) Vegetative-Related Data ....................................................................................637-59 

(iv) Producing ESI-Forestland Reports .........................................................................637-59 

(1) Forest Site Standard Reports..............................................................................637-59 

(1) Windbreak Standard Reports ............................................................................. 637-61 

(2) Forest Site Custom Report ................................................................................. 637-61 

Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

Exhibit 637-1 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies concolor (white fir)......................................................637-64 
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Exhibit 637-2 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies magnifica (California red fir).......................................637-65 

Exhibit 637-3 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies balsamea (balsam fir)...................................................637-66 

Exhibit 637-4 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir).............................................637-67 

Exhibit 637-5 CMAI Annual Growth - Acer saccharinum (silver maple)...........................................637-68 

Exhibit 637-6 CMAI Annual Growth - Alnus rubra (red alder)...........................................................637-69 

Exhibit 637-7 CMAI Annual Growth - Betula papyrifera (paper birch) .............................................637-70 

Exhibit 637-8 CMAI Annual Growth - Betula papyrifera (paper birch) - Alaska...............................637-71 

Exhibit 637-9 Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash) ..............................................................................637-72 

Exhibit 637-10 CMAI Annual Growth - Juniperus L. (juniper) - Southwest.......................................637-73 

Exhibit 637-11 CMAI Annual Growth - Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper).............................637-74 

Exhibit 637-12 CMAI Annual Growth - Larix occidentalis (western larch) .......................................637-75 

Exhibit 637-13 CMAI Annual Growth - Larix laricina (tamarack).....................................................637-76 

Exhibit 637-14 CMAI Annual Growth - Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum)...................................637-77 

Exhibit 637-15 CMAI Annual Growth - Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree) .......................................637-78 

Exhibit 637-16 CMAI Annual Growth - Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo) .............................................637-79 

Exhibit 637-17 CMAI Annual Growth - Nyssa biflora (swamp tupelo) ..............................................637-80 

Exhibit 637-18 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea engelmannii (Engelmann’s spruce) ...........................637-81 

Exhibit 637-19 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea glauca (white spruce).................................................637-82 

Exhibit 637-20 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea pungens (black spruce) ..............................................637-83 

Exhibit 637-21 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea rubens (red spruce) ....................................................637-84 

Exhibit 637-22 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) ............................................637-85 

Exhibit 637-23 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus L. (pinyon pine) – Southwest.....................................637-86 

Exhibit 637-24 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus banksiana (jack pine).................................................637-87 

Exhibit 637-25 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus clausa (sand pine) ......................................................637-88 

Exhibit 637-26 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine)...........................................637-89 

Exhibit 637-27 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) ............................................637-90 

Exhibit 637-28 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus elliottii (slash pine) ....................................................637-91 

Exhibit 637-29 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus elliottii densa (South Florida slash pine)...................637-92 

Exhibit 637-30 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus monticola (western white pine)..................................637-93 

Exhibit 637-31 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus palustris (longleaf pine).............................................637-94 

Exhibit 637-32 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine).......................................637-95 

Exhibit 637-33 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus resinosa (red pine) .....................................................637-96 

Exhibit 637-34 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus serotina (pond pine)...................................................637-97 

Exhibit 637-35 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) - WV, MD, DE, VA .....637-98 

Exhibit 637-36 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus strobus (eastern white pine).......................................637-99 

Exhibit 637-37 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) - PA, NJ, NY, and New 

England .................................................................................................................................................637-100 

Exhibit 637-38 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus taeda (loblolly pine).................................................637-101 

Exhibit 637-39 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine)........................................637-102 

Exhibit 637-40 CMAI Annual Growth - Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) .....................637-103 

Exhibit 637-41 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus L. (cottonwood)....................................................637-104 

Exhibit 637-42 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) - Lake States......637-105 

Exhibit 637-43 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) – Lake States .........637-106 

Exhibit 637-44 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) - Central Rockies...637-107 
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Exhibit 637-45 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) – Alaska.................637-108 

Exhibit 637-46 CMAI Annual Growth - Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir).................................637-109 

Exhibit 637-47 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus L. (upland oaks)...................................................637-110 

Exhibit 637-48 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus nigra (water oak).................................................637-111 

Exhibit 637-49 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus pagoda (cherrybark oak) .....................................637-112 

Exhibit 637-50 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus phellos (willow oak)............................................637-113 

Exhibit 637-51 CMAI Annual Growth - Sequoia sempervirens (redwood) ......................................637-114 

Exhibit 637-52 CMAI Annual Growth - Thuja occidentalis (eastern arborvitae) .............................637-115 

Exhibit 637-53 CMAI Annual Growth - Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock) ............................. 637-116 

Exhibit 637-54 CMAI Annual Growth References............................................................................637-116 

Exhibit 637-55 ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet ............................................................................... 637-119 

Exhibit 637-56 State Plane Coordinate Zone Codes ..........................................................................637-119 

Exhibit 637-57 Determining Site Index for Lodgepole Pine.............................................................. 637-120

Exhibit 637-58 ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet ....................................................................... 637-122 

Exhibit 637-59 Forest Cover Type Codes ..........................................................................................637-124 

PART 638 – INFORMATION SYSTEMS 

Part 638.0 – General .................................................................................................................................638-3 

Part 638.1 – Database Information Systems.............................................................................................638-4 

Part 638.2 – Decision Support Systems....................................................................................................638-5 

Part 638.3 – Utility Software....................................................................................................................638-6
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

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Figure 636-1 Differentiating Stands................................................................................................................................. 636-15 

Figure 636-2 Starter Tree ................................................................................................................................................. 636-17 

Figure 636-3 Tree Selection Sequence............................................................................................................................. 636-17 

Figure 636-4 Openings and Clumps................................................................................................................................. 636-18 

Figure 636-5 Zigzag Transect Field Notes Example........................................................................................................ 636-18 

Figure 636-6 Typical 10 Percent Strip Sampling Layout................................................................................................. 636-20 

Figure 636-7 Typical 10 Percent Line-Plot or Variable Plot Sampling Layout ............................................................... 636-20 

Figure 636-8 Increment Borer.......................................................................................................................................... 636-22 

Figure 636-9 Increment Tree Core................................................................................................................................... 636-23 

Figure 636-10 Diameter Tape ............................................................................................................................................ 636-23 

Figure 636-11 Tree Calipers............................................................................................................................................... 636-24 

Figure 636-12 Diameter Stick Measurement...................................................................................................................... 636-24 

Figure 636-13 Relaskop ..................................................................................................................................................... 636-25 

Figure 636-14 SUUNTO® Clinometer ............................................................................................................................... 636-25 

Figure 636-15 Estimating Tree Height Using Trigonometric Principles ........................................................................... 636-26 

Figure 636-16 Clinometer Height Measurement................................................................................................................ 636-26 

Figure 636-17 Abney Level ............................................................................................................................................... 636-27 

Figure 636-18 Haga Altimeter............................................................................................................................................ 636-27 

Figure 636-19 Vertex Hypsometer..................................................................................................................................... 636-28 

Figure 636-20 Standard Stick Hypsometers....................................................................................................................... 636-28 

Figure 636-21 Woodland Information Stick ...................................................................................................................... 636-28 

Figure 636-22 Spherical Densiometer................................................................................................................................ 636-30 

Figure 636-23 Canopy Cover Measuring Tube.................................................................................................................. 636-30 

Figure 636-24 Wedge Prism............................................................................................................................................... 636-31 

Figure 636-25 Fixed-Point Plot Center .............................................................................................................................. 636-31 

Figure 636-26 Wedge Prism Tree Tally............................................................................................................................. 636-32 

Table 636-1 Plot Radius Factor ...................................................................................................................................... 636-32 

Figure 636-27 Commercial Angle Gauges......................................................................................................................... 636-32 

Figure 636-28 Stick-Type Angle Gauge ............................................................................................................................ 636-33 

Table 636-2 Tree Diameter to Plot Radius Ratio............................................................................................................ 636-33 

Figure 636-29 Typical Logger's Tape ................................................................................................................................ 636-34 

Figure 636-30 Typical Measuring Tapes ........................................................................................................................... 636-34 

Figure 636-31 Base Plate Compass.................................................................................................................................... 636-34 

Figure 636-32 Linsatic Compass........................................................................................................................................ 636-35 

Figure 636-33 Other Compass Types................................................................................................................................. 636-35 

Figure 636-34 Hand-Held Wind Meters ............................................................................................................................ 636-35 

Figure 637-1 NASIS Hierarchical Table Structure ............................................................................................................ 637-4 

Figure 637-2 Component Forest Productivity Table.......................................................................................................... 637-5 

Figure 637-3 Component Trees to Manage Table.............................................................................................................. 637-5 

Figure 637-4 Plant Selection Choice List........................................................................................................................... 637-5 

Figure 637-5 Site Index Base Choice List.......................................................................................................................... 637-6 

Figure 637-6 Component Forest Productivity Table - Site Index Values .......................................................................... 637-6 

Figure 637-7 Component Forest Productivity Table - Productivity Values....................................................................... 637-7 

Figure 637-8 Component Forest Productivity Other Table - Site Index ............................................................................ 637-7 

Figure 637-9 Component Forest Productivity Other Table - Productivity......................................................................... 637-7 

Figure 637-10 Unit of Measure Choice List......................................................................................................................... 637-8 

Figure 637-11 Simple Property Statement ........................................................................................................................... 637-9 

Figure 637-12 Complex Property Statement........................................................................................................................ 637-9 

Figure 637-13 Crisp Evaluation ........................................................................................................................................... 637-9 

Figure 637-14 Fuzzy Rating Value .................................................................................................................................... 637-10 

Figure 637-15 Fuzzy Evaluation - Linear Curve................................................................................................................ 637-10 

Figure 637-16 Fuzzy Evaluation - Sigmoid Curve............................................................................................................. 637-10 

Figure 637-17 Simple Rule ................................................................................................................................................ 637-11 
Table of Figures 

xiv 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Figure 637-18 Rule Report - Rating Value Only................................................................................................................637-11 

Figure 637-19 Assigning Rating Classes............................................................................................................................637-11 

Figure 637-20 Rule Report - Rating Value Class ...............................................................................................................637-11 

Figure 637-21 Rule With Multiple Evaluations..................................................................................................................637-12 

Figure 637-22 Rule Report - Multiple Evaluations.............................................................................................................637-12 

Table 637 - 1 Fuzzy Math..................................................................................................................................................637-12 

Figure 637-23 Rule With Multiple Rules ...........................................................................................................................637-13 

Figure 637-24 Rule Report - Multiple Reporting Levels....................................................................................................637-13 

Figure 637-25 Typical Forestry Interpretation Report........................................................................................................637-13 

Figure 637-26 Accessing the Report Manager ...................................................................................................................637-14 

Figure 637-27 Report Manager Screen - INTERP Format .................................................................................................637-14 

Figure 637-28 Portrait Report Format ................................................................................................................................637-15 

Figure 637-29 Landscape Report Format ...........................................................................................................................637-15 

Figure 637-30 Debug Report Format..................................................................................................................................637-15 

Figure 637-31 NASIS Report Parameters Screen...............................................................................................................637-15 

Figure 637-32 Sample Report - One Level Reporting Depth .............................................................................................637-16 

Figure 637-33 Sample Report - Two Level Reporting Depth.............................................................................................637-16 

Figure 637-34 Sample Report - Least/Most Restrictive Feature.........................................................................................637-16 

Figure 637-35 Sample Report - No Rating Values .............................................................................................................637-17 

Figure 637-36 Sample Report - Two Non-Zero Reasons ...................................................................................................637-17 

Figure 637-37 Report Manager Screen - MANU Format...................................................................................................637-17 

Figure 637-38 Sample Report - MANU Format.................................................................................................................637-18 

Figure 637-39 Plants Homepage.........................................................................................................................................637-18 

Figure 637-40 ESIS Homepage ..........................................................................................................................................637-19 

Figure 637-41 ESD Homepage...........................................................................................................................................637-20 

Figure 637-42 Choice List Field .........................................................................................................................................637-20 

Figure 637-43 Entry/Edit Tables.........................................................................................................................................637-21 

Figure 637-44 Forestland (Add) Screen .............................................................................................................................637-22 

Figure 637-45 ESD Selection Screen..................................................................................................................................637-22 

Figure 637-46 Invalid Plant Name Screen..........................................................................................................................637-23 

Figure 637-47 Scientific Name Search Screen ...................................................................................................................637-23 

Figure 637-48 Applet Initialized Dialog Box .....................................................................................................................637-23 

Figure 637-49 Forest Site General Information Screen ......................................................................................................637-24 

Figure 637-50 Change ESD ID...........................................................................................................................................637-24 

Figure 637-51 Copy ESD....................................................................................................................................................637-24 

Figure 637-52 Change Name ..............................................................................................................................................637-25 

Figure 637-53 Physiographic Features Screen....................................................................................................................637-25 

Figure 637-54 Climate Features Screen..............................................................................................................................637-26 

Figure 637-55 Influencing Water Features Screen .............................................................................................................637-27 

Figure 637-56 Water Features Screen.................................................................................................................................637-27 

Figure 637-57 Representative Soil Features Screen ...........................................................................................................637-28 

Figure 637-58 Plant Communities Screen -- Ecological Dynamics Portion.......................................................................637-29 

Figure 637-59 Add An Image Dialog Box..........................................................................................................................637-29 

Figure 637-60 Forest Plant Communities Screen – Plant Community Portion...................................................................637-29 

Figure 637-61 Add Forest Plant Community......................................................................................................................637-30 

Figure 637-62 Forest Plant Community Screen – Ecological Site ID Portion....................................................................637-30 

Figure 637-63 Forest Plant Community Screen – Plant Narrative Portion.........................................................................637-31 

Figure 637-64 Forest Plant Community Screen – Ground Cover and Structure Table Portion..........................................637-31 

Figure 637-65 Forest Cover and Structure..........................................................................................................................637-32 

Figure 637-66 Forest Plant Community Screen – Overstory/Understory Narrative Portion ..............................................637-32 

Figure 637-67 Forest Plant Community Screen – Composition and Production Table Portion .........................................637-32 

Figure 637-68 Forest Overstory/Understory.......................................................................................................................637-33 

Figure 637-69 Find Plant Symbol.......................................................................................................................................637-33 
Table of Figures 

xv 

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Figure 637-70 Typical Plant Community Photo................................................................................................................. 637-34 

Figure 637-71 Ecological Site Interpretations Screen – Narrative Portion ........................................................................ 637-34 

Figure 637-72 Ecological Site Interpretations Screen – Plant Preference by Animal Kind Portion .................................. 637-35 

Figure 637-73 Animal Plant Preferences Screen................................................................................................................ 637-35 

Figure 637-74 Ecological Site Interpretations Screen – Forest Productivity Portion......................................................... 637-35 

Figure 637-75 Forest Site Productivity Screen .................................................................................................................. 637-36 

Figure 637-76 Supporting Information Screen – Associated Sites Portion........................................................................ 637-36 

Figure 637-77 Associated Site Screen................................................................................................................................ 637-37 

Figure 637-78 Supporting Information Screen – Similar Sites Portion ............................................................................. 637-37 

Figure 637-79 Similar Site Screen ..................................................................................................................................... 637-37 

Figure 637-80 Supporting Information Screen – Inventory Data References Narrative Portion ....................................... 637-38 

Figure 637-81 Supporting Information Screen – Inventory Data References Table Portion ............................................. 637-38 

Figure 637-82 Forest Data References Screen ................................................................................................................... 637-38 

Figure 637-83 Supporting Information Screen – State Correlation Portion....................................................................... 637-39 

Figure 637-84 Supporting Information Screen – Type Locality Portion ........................................................................... 637-39 

Figure 637-85 Type Localities Screen ............................................................................................................................... 637-39 

Figure 637-86 Supporting Information Screen –References Portion ................................................................................. 637-40 

Figure 637-87 ESD Report Screen..................................................................................................................................... 637-40 

Figure 637-88 Calculating Standard Deviation using Electronic Spreadsheet................................................................... 637-47 

Figure 637-89 Text Box ..................................................................................................................................................... 637-54 

Figure 637-90 Choice List Field ........................................................................................................................................ 637-54 

Figure 637-91 Hypertext Help ........................................................................................................................................... 637-54 

Figure 637-92 Forest Plot Data Entry Screen..................................................................................................................... 637-55 

Figure 637-93 Forest Plot Data Edit Screen....................................................................................................................... 637-55 

Figure 637-94 Delete Confirmation Message .................................................................................................................... 637-56 

Figure 637-95 Update Reminder........................................................................................................................................ 637-56 

Figure 637-96 ESI-Forestland Homepage.......................................................................................................................... 637-56 

Figure 637-97 Security Login Screen ................................................................................................................................ 637-56 

Figure 637-98 User Profile Screen..................................................................................................................................... 637-57 

Figure 637-99 Data Edit/Entry Screen ............................................................................................................................... 637-57 

Figure 637-100 County Choice List Screen ......................................................................................................................... 637-57 

Figure 637-101 Site Selection Screen .................................................................................................................................. 637-57 

Figure 637-102 Change Forest Plot ID ................................................................................................................................ 637-58 

Figure 637-103 Forest Plot Vegetative Information............................................................................................................. 637-58 

Figure 637-104 Change Windbreak Plot ID......................................................................................................................... 637-59 

Figure 637-105 Windbreak Row Data ................................................................................................................................. 637-59 

Figure 637-106 Site Index Standard Report......................................................................................................................... 637-60 

Figure 637-107 Soil Series Constrains................................................................................................................................. 637-60 

Figure 637-108 Soil Series Query........................................................................................................................................ 637-60 

Figure 637-109 Soil Series List............................................................................................................................................ 637-61 

Figure 637-110 Criteria Screen ............................................................................................................................................ 637-61 

Figure 637-111 Column Select Screen................................................................................................................................. 637-62 

Figure 637-112 Sort Screen.................................................................................................................................................. 637-62 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

PART 635 – OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT 

635-i 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

CONTENTS 

PART PAGE 

Part 635.0 – General 

635.00 Mission and Objectives ...............................................................................................................635-1 

635.01 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................635-1 

635.02 Supplementing the Handbook......................................................................................................635-1 

635.03 Relationship to the National Forestry Manual.............................................................................635-1 

635.04 Quality Assurance........................................................................................................................635-1 

Part 635.1 – Authorities 

635.10 General.........................................................................................................................................635-2 

Part 635.2 – Cooperation With Other Agencies 

635.20 General.........................................................................................................................................635-3 

Part 635.3 – Cooperation With Non-Government Organizations 

635.30 General.........................................................................................................................................635-3 

Part 635.4 – Forestry Within NRCS 

635.40 General.........................................................................................................................................635-4 

635.44 Technology Transfer....................................................................................................................635-4 

(a) Acquiring and Maintaining Technical Materials ...................................................................635-4 

(1) U.S. Forest Service (USFS) .............................................................................................635-4 

(2) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)...................635-4 

(3) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS).......................................................................635-5 

(4) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)...........................................................635-5 

(5) Colleges and Universities ................................................................................................635-5 

(6) Forest Industry .................................................................................................................635-5 

(b) Disseminating Technical Information.................................................................................... 635-6 

(c) Training ..................................................................................................................................635-6 
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)
Part 635.0 – General 

635-1 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

635.00 Mission and Objectives 

The mission of NRCS is to provide leadership and 

administer programs to help people conserve, improve, 

and sustain our natural resources and environment. 

Toward this end, NRCS is committed to conservation 

forestry by maintaining a high level of expertise in 

planning, using and conserving soil, water, animals, 

plants, air, and related human resources. 

635.01 Purpose 

The purpose of the National Forestry Handbook (NFH) 

is to provide informational material to assist Natural 

Resource Conservation Service personnel in the 

planning and application of forestry and agroforestry 

practices on nonfederal forestland throughout the United 

States. The NFH contains methodology, procedures, and 

related reference materials. This reference material 

assists NRCS personnel in implementing NFM policy in 

forestry and agroforestry technologies. 

635.02 Supplementing the 

Handbook 

States are encouraged to supplement this handbook with 

material relative to the application of forestry and/or 

agroforestry in their locales. Supplements must be in 

accordance with the NRCS Directives System. Copies 

of all state-level supplements will be provided to the 

Director of Ecological Sciences Division at National 

Headquarters. 

635.03 Relationship to the National 

Forestry Manual 

The National Forestry Manual (NFM) is a companion 

document to the NFH. The NFH contains methodology, 

procedures, and related reference materials. This 

reference material assists NRCS personnel to implement 

NFM policy in forestry and agroforestry technologies. 

The NFH consists of Parts 635, 636, 637 and 638, which 

directly complement NFM Parts 535, 536, 537 and 538 

respectively. Materials prepared for the NFH will be 

numbered based on the predominant relationship to 

specific paragraphs in the NFM. NFH material may be 

prepared at any administrative level. The originating 

level is responsible for administrative and technical 

support of such materials published in the NFH. 

635.04 Quality Assurance 

Refer to the National Forestry Manual, Part 537 for 

policy and guidance relative to quality assurance 

reviews.
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

635.10 General 

Refer to the National Forestry Manual for the 

authorities that govern the forestry program activities 

of the Natural Resources Conservation Service 
Part 635.1 – Authorities

635-3

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

635.20 General Refer to the National Forestry Manual for specific 

guidance and policies on cooperating with other 

agencies. 

635.30 General 

Refer to the National Forestry Manual for specific 

guidance and policies on cooperating with nongovernment organizations.
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

635.40 General 

This section provides examples of state-developed 

technical materials, guidelines on how to develop 

technical notes, and potential sources of forestry-related 

training. Parts 635.41, 635.42, 635.43, and 635.45 are 

intentionally omitted to maintain coordination to 

numbering in the National Forestry Manual. 

635.44 Technology Transfer 

(a) Acquiring and Maintaining Technical 

Materials 

It is the responsibility of each individual to keep their 

technical knowledge up-to-date. This section provides 

information on some of the many resources available to 

keep abreast of the current technology forestry and 

agroforestry activities. 

Forest and range experiment stations (see U.S Forest 

Service, below) publish a considerable volume of 

periodic research papers and notes on forestry topics. 

Many national publications contain research articles 

valuable for foresters. The Journal of Forestry, Forest 

Science, Ecology, Journal of Soil and Water 

Conservation, National Agriculture Library and many 

others can be obtained through circulation lists, library 

services, or public libraries. 

Many experiment stations welcome group tours of the 

station, written requests to individual researchers, or 

telephone calls for information. 

The following are potential sources that individuals may 

find useful in keeping their technical knowledge up to 

date. 

(1) U.S. Forest Service (USFS) 

The Forest Service conducts research through a network 

of forest and range experiment stations and the Forest 

Products Laboratory. Detailed information on specific 

topics of research can be found on each research 

station’s Web site. Thousands of publications are 

available for either downloading or ordering through the 

research station. The location and Web site address of 

each research station regional site is listed below. 

• International Institute of Tropical Forestry 

Río Piedras, Puerto Rico 

PO Box 25000, Río Piedras, PR 00928-5000 

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/welcome.html

• Pacific Southwest Research Station 

Box 245 

Berkeley, California 94701 

510-559-6300 

http://www.psw.fs.fed.us

• Pacific Northwest Research Station 

333 SW 1st Avenue, PO Box 3890 

Portland, OR 97208-3890503-808-2592 

http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw

• North Central Research Station 

1992 Folwell Avenue 

St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 

651-649-5173 

http://www.ncfes.umn.edu

• Northeastern Research Station 

11 Campus Boulevard Suite 100 

Newtown Square, PA 19073 

610-557-4017 

http://www.fs.fed.us/ne

• Southern Research Station 

Box 2680 

Asheville, North Carolina 28802 

http://www.srs.fs.fed.us

• Rocky Mountain Research Station 

240 West Prospect Road 

Fort Collins, Colorado 80526-2098 

970-498-1100 

http://www.fs.fed.us/rm

• Forest Products Laboratory 

One Gifford Pinchot Drive 

Madison, Wisconsin 53705 

608-231-9200 

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us

(2) Cooperative State Research, Education, and 

Extension Service (CSREES) 

CSREES links the research and education programs of 

the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide access to 

scientific knowledge; strengthen the capabilities of landgrant and other institutions in research, extension and 

higher education; increase access to improved 
Part 635.4 – Forestry Within NRCS 

635-5

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

communication and network systems; and promote 

informed decisionmaking. CSREES works closely with 

the following institutes to develop the research and 

education programs needed to solve agricultural, 

environmental and community problems. 

• Land-grant institutions in each state, territory and 

the District of Columbia 

• More than 130 colleges of agriculture; 59 

agricultural experiment stations; 57 cooperative 

extension services 

• 63 schools of forestry 

• 17 1890 historically black land-grant institutions, 

including Tuskegee University 

• 27 colleges of veterinary medicine 

• 42 schools and colleges of human sciences 

• 29 1994 Native American land-grant institutions 

• 190 Hispanic-serving institutions 

The forest product programs of the Cooperative State 

Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) 

are conducted in cooperation with universities in every 

State, and with other agencies (Forest Service (FS), 

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) , and 

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and organizations. 

For information about CSREES forest products research, 

visit the Forestry Programs Web site at: 

http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/programs/forestry.htm 

(3) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) 

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the principal 

research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA). It is one of the four component agencies of the 

Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission 

area. ARS scientists communicate research results and 

transfer new technologies from the agency to other 

scientists, institutions of higher education, producers, 

product and process developers, consumers, and other 

end users through publications; conferences, workshops, 

and consultations; and cooperative agreements and 

patent licenses. 

Research stations conduct wind erosion research to 

increase the understanding of wind erosion processes, 

develop reliable predictive tools and improve windbreak 

design technology. For information on current wind 

erosion research efforts, visit the Agricultural Research 

Service Web site at: http://www.ars.usda.gov. 

(4) Natural Resources Conservation Service 

(NRCS) 

NRCS provides onsite assistance to conservation 

districts and their cooperators. The resources available 

include: 

• Published soil surveys – http://soils.usda.gov

• Ecological site inventory information relative to 

forest productivity and windbreak performance – 

http://plants.usda.gov – ESI Link 

• Ecological site descriptions – 

http://plants.usda.gov – ESD Link 

• Soil-related forestry and agroforestry interpretations 

http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nfhandbook – Part 537 

This above information is used in technical guides and 

soil survey reports that support activities conducted by 

field offices for conservation districts and their 

cooperators. 

NRCS operates 26 Plant Materials Centers (PMC's) 

throughout the Nation. The PMC's assemble, evaluate, 

select, and distribute promising new plants for a wide 

range of conservation uses. To learn more about the 

activities at the various PMC’s, visit their Web site at: 

http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/ 

(5) Colleges and Universities 

Colleges and universities work with the Cooperative 

State Research, Education, and Extension Service 

(CSREES) in connection with the McIntire-Stennis 

Forestry Research Act. In addition, many staff members 

do part-time research funded by grants from other 

organizations and industrial firms. Other researchers are 

funded full-time from state appropriations. Several have 

forest laboratories in addition to campus facilities. Close 

working relationships are maintained with forest and 

range experiment stations that have laboratories at state 

colleges and universities. For a list of accredited foresty 

institutions visit the Society of American Foresters Web 

site at: http://www.safnet.org/educate/pforschools.htm. 

(6) Forest Industry 

Most of the larger forest industry companies maintain 

laboratories and teams of scientists to carry out 

investigative work important to their needs. Much of this 

is centered around forest products research, particularly 

in pulp and paper, particle board, and plywood, and in 
Part 635.4 – Forestry Within NRCS 

635-6 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

forest management research for raising, tending, and 

harvesting the tree crops. Associations of forest 

industries also specialize in research on some related 

products. Manufacturers of forest harvesting equipment 

do limited research specific to the use of their products. 

A good resource for finding Internet information on the 

forest products industry, forest products, wood science 

and technology, wood engineering, forest products 

marketing, wood industry associations, wood industry 

consultants, wood industry data sources, and woodproducts-based research can be found at 

http://www.forestdirectory.com 

(b) Disseminating Technical Information 

The National Forestry Manual gives policy and guidance 

for issuing technical information at the area, state, or 

national level. One effective method of disseminating 

technical information is with the use of Technical Notes. 

The following are some helpful tips on writing effective 

Technical Notes. Several examples of effective 

Technical Notes can be found on the National 

Agroforestry Center’s Web site at: 

http://www.unl.edu/nac/ 

• Narrow the topic 

Write on a specific topic rather than a bigger or 

more general subject

• Simplify the content 

Avoid jargon and big words

Make technical information easy to understand

Avoid unnecessary phrases and adjectives

Use short sentences

• Be concise 

Include only necessary information

• Break up blocks of text 

Use short sections with titles ,subtitles, and bullets

• Answer these questions 

Who? What? When? Where? Why? and 

especially, How?

• Organize in sections 

Introduction – What is it?

Application – Where does it apply?

Benefits

How to design it

How to apply it: Step 1, Step 2, etc.

Follow-up and maintenance needs

• Know your audience 

Natural resource professionals? Landowners?

Write on what is important to them 

• Include additional resource information 

Publications

Where to get help (e.g. local NRCS office, state 

forestry, etc.)

(c) Training 

Foresters and others involved in forestry and 

agroforestry activities need to take advantage of 

available training opportunities in order to maintain 

technical competency. The following is a list of some of 

the many training resources available to NRCS 

personnel. In addition to those resources listed below, 

training is also available at numerous colleges and 

universities throughout the country and from state and/or 

regional NRCS offices. 

• The National Employee Development Center 

(NEDC) is the national training division of the 

NRCS. NEDC provides educational and 

developmental activities through traditional and 

alternative delivery systems that meet the NRCS's 

mission and goals and enables employees to achieve 

individual and career goals. Visit their Web site at 

http://www.ncg.nrcs.usda.gov/nedc/homepage.html 

for more information. 

• The NRCS offers many in-house technical training 

courses throughout the country. A description and 

contact person for these courses can be found at 

http://www.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/pdf/Train.pdf. 

• The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's National 

Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in West 

Virginia provides training and education services to 

conservation professionals from a variety of 

agencies and organizations. Visit their Web site at 

http://www.nctc.fws.gov for more information. 

• The Forest Service Continuing Education (CEWFRP) Program is designed to meet the training 

needs of entry-level and mid-career professionals. 

In addition to Forest Service personnel, a number of 

openings are available for resource specialists from 

other Federal agencies. Visit their Web site at 

http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/education for more 

information. 

• The USDA Graduate School offers career-related 

courses to all adults regardless of education or place 

of employment. The Graduate School annually 

provides more than 1,500 different courses for career 

development and personal enrichment. Classes are 

designed to help individuals realize their career 
Part 635.4 – Forestry Within NRCS 

635-7

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

potential and improve their job performance. Visit 

their Web site at http://grad.usda.gov for more 

information. 

• The U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources 

Division, through the Midcontinent Ecological 

Science Center (MESC) offers a special selection of 

natural resources management courses. Instructed 

courses are scheduled throughout the year at various 

locations. Others are available as correspondence 

courses and independent study. The courses are 

open to individuals from federal, state, and local 

governments; universities; private businesses; and 

foreign governments. Visit their Web site at 

http://www.mesc.usgs.gov/training/mesctraining.html for more information. 

• The NRCS Graduate Studies Program is a unique 

opportunity for selected employees to enter a 

formalized graduate study program at an accredited 

college or university. 

The NRCS Graduate Studies Program will pay 

tuition and related expenses to selected employees 

for the purpose of enhancing the agency's expertise 

in targeted priority developmental needs areas. The 

program is open to employees at the GS-11 grade 

level and above (or equivalent pay systems). The 

program is offered for full-time and part-time study. 

Curriculum is offered in the technical and 

management field. Visit their Web site at http:// 

www.ncg.nrcs.usda.gov/nedc/grad_grant.html for 

more information. 

• The National Arbor Day Foundation has a wide 

range of programs that provide opportunities for 

continuing education for professionals in 

government services. Visit their Web site at 

http://arborday.org for more information for more 

information. 

• The Society of American Foresters (SAF) offers a 

Continuing Forestry Education Program designed to 

reward and recognize those who pursue a program of 

continuing education and professional development. 

The program is available nationwide and is open to 

members and nonmembers of SAF. Visit their Web 

site at http://www.safnet.org/ 

educate/index.html for more information. 

CONTENTS 

PART PAGE 

Part 636.0 – General 

636.00 Introduction .................................................................................................................................636-5 

636.01 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................636-5 

636.02 Planning Procedures ....................................................................................................................636-2 

Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process 

636.10 General.........................................................................................................................................636-3 

636.11 Preplanning..................................................................................................................................636-3 

(a) Gather Materials and Information..........................................................................................636-3 

(b) Prepare Yourself ....................................................................................................................636-4 

(c) Determine Clients Objectives ................................................................................................636-4 

(d) Make Firm Planning Schedule...............................................................................................636-4 

(e) Ensure Understanding of Basic Ecological Principles...........................................................636-4 

636.12 Identify the Problem ....................................................................................................................636-5 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-5 

(b) Standard .................................................................................................................................636-5 

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-5 

636.13 Determine the Objectives ............................................................................................................636-6 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-6 
Part 636 – Conservation Planning 

636-ii 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-6 

636.14 Inventory the Resources...............................................................................................................636-7 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-7 

(b) Standard..................................................................................................................................636-7 

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-7 

636.15 Analyze Resource Data.................................................................................................................636-8 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-8 

(b) Standard..................................................................................................................................636-8 

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-8 

636.16.1 Formulate Alternative Solutions...............................................................................................636-9 

(a) General ...................................................................................................................................636-9 

(b) Standard..................................................................................................................................636-9 

(c) Activities ................................................................................................................................636-9 

636.16.2 Evaluate Alternative Solutions ...............................................................................................636-10 

(a) General .................................................................................................................................636-10 

(b) Standard................................................................................................................................636-10 

(c) Activities ..............................................................................................................................636-10 

636.17 Make Decisions..........................................................................................................................636-11 

(a) General .................................................................................................................................636-11 

(b) Standard................................................................................................................................636-11 

(c) Activities ..............................................................................................................................636-11 

636.18 Implement the Plan ....................................................................................................................636-13 

(a) General .................................................................................................................................636-13 

(b) Standard................................................................................................................................636-13 

(c) Activities ..............................................................................................................................636-13 

636.19 Evaluation of Results ..................................................................................................................636-14 

(a) General .................................................................................................................................636-14 

(b) Activities ..............................................................................................................................636-14 

Part 636.2 – Inventory Methods 

636.20 General.......................................................................................................................................636-14 

636.21 Forest Stand Inventory...............................................................................................................636-14 

(a) Zigzag Transect Method.......................................................................................................636-15 

(1) Zigzag Transect Procedures ...........................................................................................636-15 

(i) Step 1 – Select Main Stand ........................................................................................636-15 

(ii) Step 2 – Choose a Route ..........................................................................................636-15 

(iii) Step 3 – Select a Starter Tree..................................................................................636-15 

(iv) Step 4 – Choose a Direction....................................................................................636-17 

(v) Step 5 – Locate Closest Tree....................................................................................636-17 

(vi) Step 6 – Determine Distance, Species, and Diameter.............................................636-17 

(vii) Step 7 – Rate Tree Condition.................................................................................636-17 

(viii) Step 8 – Repeat Process........................................................................................636-17 

(2) Zigzag Conventions .......................................................................................................636-17 

(i) Clumps and Open Area .............................................................................................636-17 

(ii) Plantations................................................................................................................636-18 
Part 636 – Conservation Planning 

636-iii

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

(iii) Eligible Trees..........................................................................................................636-18 

(3) Zigzag Inventory Analysis.............................................................................................636-18 

(i) Stand Diameter Calculation ......................................................................................636-18 

(ii) Average Tree Spacing Calculation ..........................................................................636-19 

(iii) Trees Per Acre Calculation....................................................................................636-19 

(iv) Thinning Determinations ........................................................................................ 636-19 

(v) Species Composition Analysis................................................................................. 636-19 

(vi) Stand Condition Analysis .......................................................................................636-19 

(b) Strip Sampling......................................................................................................................636-19 

(c) Fixed Plot Sampling.............................................................................................................636-20 

(d) Variable Plot Sampling ........................................................................................................636-20 

636.22 Riparian Inventory and Assessment Methods ........................................................................... 636-20 

636.23 Understory Inventory.................................................................................................................636-20 

636.24 Windbreak Management Inventory ...........................................................................................636-21 

636.25 Soil Rating Methods ...................................................................................................................636-21 

Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools 

636.30 General.......................................................................................................................................636-22 

636.31 Age and Growth Measuring Tools ............................................................................................636-22 

(a) Increment Borer....................................................................................................................636-22 

(1) Planning Application .....................................................................................................636-22 

(2) Use .................................................................................................................................636-22 

(3) Age Determination.........................................................................................................636-22 

(4) Care and Maintenance....................................................................................................636-22 

636.32 Diameter Measuring Tools ........................................................................................................636-23 

(a) Diameter Tape......................................................................................................................636-23 

(b) Tree Calipers........................................................................................................................636-23 

(c) Diameter Sticks ....................................................................................................................636-24 

(d) Relaskop...............................................................................................................................636-24 

636.33 Height Measuring Tools ............................................................................................................636-25 

(a) SUUNTO® Clinometer......................................................................................................... 636-25 

(b) Abney Level.........................................................................................................................636-26 

(c) Haga Altimeter .....................................................................................................................636-27 

(d) Relaskop and Vertex Hypsometers...................................................................................... 636-28 

(e) Stick Hypsometers................................................................................................................636-28 

(f) Comparison of Height Measuring Devices........................................................................... 636-29 

(1) Precision.........................................................................................................................636-29 

(2) Ease of Use.....................................................................................................................636-29 

(3) Robustness .....................................................................................................................636-29 

(4) Speed of Use ..................................................................................................................636-29 

(5) Price ...............................................................................................................................636-29 

(6) Compactness ..................................................................................................................636-29 

636.34 Canopy Measurement Tools......................................................................................................636-29 

(a) Spherical Densiometer .........................................................................................................636-29 

(b) Leaf Tube .............................................................................................................................636-30 
Part 636 – Conservation Planning 

636-iv 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

636.35 Basal Area Measurement Tools.................................................................................................636-31 

(a) Wedge Prism ........................................................................................................................636-31 

(b) Angle Gauge.........................................................................................................................636-32 

636.36 Linear Measurement Tools ........................................................................................................636-33 

(a) Logger's Tape .......................................................................................................................636-33 

(b) Measuring Tapes ..................................................................................................................636-34 

636.37 Hand Compass ...........................................................................................................................636-34 

636.38 Wind Meter ................................................................................................................................636-35 

Part 636.4 – Planning Considerations 

636.40 General.......................................................................................................................................636-36 

(a) Dynamics of Ecological Sites...............................................................................................636-36 

(b) Management Objectives.......................................................................................................636-36 

(c) Desired Plant Community ....................................................................................................636-36 

(d) Identifying Present Vegetation State and Desired Plant Community ..................................636-36 

(e) Recreation.............................................................................................................................636-37 

(f) Watershed Protection...........................................................................................................636-37 

(g) Erosion Control ...................................................................................................................636-37 

(h) Grazable Forests...................................................................................................................636-38 

(i) Wildlife .................................................................................................................................636-38 

(j)Technical Guide ......................................................................................................................636-38 

636.41 Windbreak Planning, Establishment, and Maintenance ............................................................636-38 

(a) Windbreak Types..................................................................................................................636-38 

(1) Farmstead Windbreak ....................................................................................................636-38 

(2) Feedlot and Animal Shelter Windbreak.........................................................................636-38 

(3) Field Windbreak.............................................................................................................636-38 

(b) Windbreak Design................................................................................................................636-39 

(1) Design for Erosion Control ............................................................................................636-39 

(2) Design for Crop Protection ............................................................................................636-39 

(3) Design for Livestock Protection.....................................................................................636-39

(4) Design for Farmstead Protection....................................................................................636-39 

(5) Design for Noise Reduction ...........................................................................................636-39 

(6) Design for Wildlife Habitat............................................................................................636-39 

(7) Design for Beauty ..........................................................................................................636-39 

(8) Design for Snow Control ...............................................................................................636-39 

(9) Design for Energy Conservation....................................................................................636-39 

(10) Design for Screening....................................................................................................636-40 

(11) Enhancement of Recreation Values .............................................................................636-40 

(c) Establishment and Management...........................................................................................636-40 

(1) Site Preparation ..............................................................................................................636-40 

(2) Spacing...........................................................................................................................636-40 

(3) Care of Planting Stock ...................................................................................................636-40 

(4) Planting ..........................................................................................................................636-40 

(5) Care after Planting..........................................................................................................636-40 

(6) Protection .......................................................................................................................636-40 
Part 636 – Conservation Planning 

636-v

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

(7) Renovation .....................................................................................................................636-40 

(d) Selecting Better Trees and Shrubs for Windbreaks ............................................................. 636-41 

(1) Plant Materials Program ................................................................................................636-41 

(2) Research Programs.........................................................................................................636-41 

(3) Seed Orchards ................................................................................................................636-41 

(4) Nursery Production ........................................................................................................ 636-41 

(5) Handling of Planting Stock............................................................................................636-41 

(e) Technical Materials..............................................................................................................636-41 

Part 636.5 – Exhibits 

Exhibit 636-5 Trees Per Acre at Various Spacing................................................................................636-42 

636.00 Introduction 

General Manual 180–CPA, Part 409 establishes Natural 

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) policy that 

guides NRCS employees as they assist clients in 

planning and implementing resource conservation plans. 

The NRCS National Planning Procedures Handbook 

provides guidance on the “how to” of the planning 

process as related to the planning policy established by 

the General Manual. 

The National Forestry Handbook (NFH) provides the 

“how to” of forestland resource conservation planning. 

This handbook provides guidance and information 

concerning the planning process, specifically for forestry 

and agroforestry related activities. The NFH provides 

the technical guidance for developing resource 

information for inclusion in the Field Office Technical 

Guide (FOTG). 

General Manual 450–TCH, Amendment 4, Part 401 

establishes NRCS FOTG policy. The local FOTG 

contains the technical information needed to assist 

clients in the development and application of 

conservation plans. It contains general resource 

information about the field office area, soil and site 

information (forestland ecological sites, conservation 

tree/shrub groups, rangeland ecological sites, and forage 

suitability groups), quality criteria to be met by Resource 

Management Systems (RMS’s), guidance documents 

depicting the resource management planning thought 

process, practice standards for all practices applicable to 

the local field office area, and examples of the 

Conservation Effect Decision Making Process.

The VegSpec decision support system provides 

automated assistance in working with forestry and 

agroforestry clients to develop their conservation plans. 

636.01 Objectives 

The objectives of forestry and agroforestry related 

conservation planning on forestland are to assist clients 

to 

• Understand the basic ecological principles 

associated with managing their land – the soil, water, 

air, plants, and animals. 

• Realize they are part of a complex ecosystem and 

that their management decisions influence the 

ecological changes that occur. 

• Realize their responsibilities and the importance of 

protecting the environment and maintaining future 

options for the use of the resource. 

• Develop and implement a plan that meets the needs 

of the soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources 

and their management objectives. 

• Recognize the productivity potential of their forest 

resource for wood, forage, and other nontimberrelated forest products. 
 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Conservation plans include decisions for manipulating 

the plant community to manage the soil, water, air, plant, 

and animal resources. These five resources are clearly 

related and respond to each other in an interactive mode. 

On forestland, plants are the resource that directly affects 

the soil, water, air, and animal resources. 

The major objective in forestry- and agroforestry-related 

conservation planning is the design and establishment of 

forestry and agroforestry practices that, when coupled 

with any necessary facilitating practices, will meet the 

quality criteria for the five resources established in the 

local FOTG and also the objectives of the client. When 

properly implemented, these conservation plans benefit 

the client, the local community, and the Nation. Wellmanaged forestlands, along with the carbon sink they 

afford, the clean water and air they produce, the 

recreation they provide, and the plants and animals they 

support, make a major contribution to the natural beauty 

of the landscape and to the maintenance of a quality and 

economically sound environment. 

636.02 Planning Procedures 

Refer to Parts 636.1 through 636.4 for detailed forestry 

and agroforestry planning procedures. 

 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

636-3

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

 

636.10 General 

Success in the application of forestry and agroforestry 

practices is directly related to the quality of the 

assistance provided to the client during the planning 

process. 

The National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH) 

describes the NRCS planning process. The NPPH 

details how the planning process is applied in developing 

viable and meaningful plans for managing, protecting, 

and restoring natural resources. Planners need to be 

thoroughly familiar with the guidance and principles 

described in the NPPH. 

NRCS assists clients who own or control the land for 

which conservation plans are being prepared. It must be 

understood that 

• Clients make the decisions. 

• Clients apply the practices and pay for them. 

• NRCS is assisting them in preparing their plans. 

• Conservation planning is productive only when firm 

decisions have been made by the client. 

Recording practices in a conservation plan by NRCS 

personnel, when the client has not made the decision to 

apply the plan, is not appropriate planning that leads to 

the application of resource management systems. 

Conservation planning is productive when clients 

understand their ecosystem to the degree that their daily 

decision-making is influenced and their decisions in the 

conservation plan reflect this stimulus. 

636.11 Preplanning 

The National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH), 

Part 600.16 describes the items that need to be addressed 

before planning activities begin. Preplanning is of major 

importance to the effectiveness of the planning process. 

Preplanning includes the following activities: 

(a) Gather Materials and Information 

• Site Interpretation Information 

Gather interpretive information needed for the 

conservation planning process, such as: 

Forestland ecological site descriptions 

Rangeland ecological site descriptions 

Conservation tree/shrub groups 

Use and management interpretations 

Forestland productivity interpretations 

Plant identification materials; a good source is the 

Plants Web site at http://plants.usda.gov 

• Conservation Practice Standards 

Understand all the conservation practices applicable 

to forestry and agroforestry activities in Section IV 

of the Field Office Technical Guide. 

• Inventory Methods and Tools 

Prepare for the field inventory. Have at hand and 

thoroughly understand the use of the various 

methods and tools needed to inventory the planning 

area’s resources. See Parts 636.2 and 636.3 for a 

detailed description of the common inventory 

methods and tools used in forestry and agroforestry 

applications. 

• Soil Information 

Forest planning begins with a soil survey. Planners 

need to be familiar with soils of the area and the 

forestry/agroforestry interpretations that apply. 

Forestry/agroforestry interpretations describe the 

behavior and limitations of soil components as they 

relate to vegetation, productivity, and management. 

See the National Forestry Manual, Part 537 for 

detailed documentation of forestry and agroforestry 

interpretations. 

Study the soil survey information for the area under 

consideration and consult the field office technical 

guide (FOTG) for forestry and/or agroforestry 

interpretive information relative to the appropriate 

soil components. The FOTG contains forestry and 

agroforestry interpretive information relative to soil 

map units such as: potential forest productivity; use 

and management limitations or hazards; kinds of 

trees likely to be present; adapted species for 

forestry and/or agroforestry practices; and which 

species are most suited for wood production, 

agroforestry practices (block, row, or density 

plantings), wildlife, aesthetic values, etc. 

• Aerial Photographs

Study the aerial photograph of the area under 

consideration. Use a stereoscope to locate 

drainageways, streams, ridges, developed areas, and 

other features that might affect the use of the land. 

Locate logging roads and other disturbed areas on 

the photo that need to be visited for planning 

necessary erosion control measures. When planning 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-4

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

agroforestry practices, such as windbreak or 

shelterbelt establishment, locate important features 

such as buildings, crop boundaries, roads, feedlots, 

etc. 

Outline, on the map, those areas that need onsite 

examination. Apparent differences in cover, 

changes in aspect or soil, and natural barriers are 

used to make tentative field separations. Forested 

areas are not necessarily “fenced in,” as are cropland 

and pasture. A boundary of a forest is usually 

determined by a change of soil or forest condition or 

by a natural barrier. 

If available, GIS technology can be utilized to 

provide much of the above information. 

• Applicable Laws, Regulations, and BMP's 

Be familiar with and understand all of the national 

and local laws and regulations that may have an 

impact on conservation planning activities. This 

would include state "Best Management Practices," 

where applicable. 

(b) Prepare Yourself 

• Be knowledgeable about the basic ecological 

principles of forestland in your work area and be 

prepared to discuss them in a manner that land 

managers can understand. 

• Be able to determine forest productivity, forest 

health, plant community dynamics, trees to manage, 

and adapted species. 

• Understand the quality criteria for soil, water, air, 

plants, and animals as specified in Section III of the 

FOTG. 

• Understand and be proficient in the nine steps of 

conservation planning. 

• Understand and be proficient in the use of the 

VegSpec decision support system to assist in the 

planning process. 

• Be knowledgeable about the cost of implementing 

forestry and agroforestry-related practices (tree 

planting, timber stand improvement, conservation 

tree/shrub establishment, etc.). 

• Be knowledgeable about the economics (cost-return) 

relative to forestry and agroforestry activities 

(logging, hunting, Christmas trees, silvopasture, etc.) 

• Be knowledgeable of the cultural and social 

resources applicable to the planning area. 

• Be knowledgeable of any threatened or endangered 

species that may be indigenous to the planning area. 

(c) Determine Client's Objectives 

Determine as much as possible about the client’s desires, 

objectives, and level of knowledge of ecological 

principles on forestland. Secure this information from 

notes in current conservation plans and by visiting with 

other personnel who may have worked with the 

individuals on prior occasions. 

(d) Make Firm Planning Schedule 

Make firm dates with the clients and discuss the purpose 

of the planning dates. Ensure that they understand the 

time requirements in order to schedule sufficient time for 

the planning dates. Arrive at the assigned time, prepared 

for the day’s work. 

(e) Ensure Understanding of Basic 

Ecological Principles 

Ensure that the client has a basic knowledge of 

ecological principles. Important items to know and 

understand are: 

− Identity of plants on their land 

− Effects of forestry and agroforestry management 

techniques (fire, harvesting, thinning, timber 

stand improvement, and other management 

decisions that affect the ecological dynamics of 

the plant community) 

− How plants compete with each other in plant 

communities 

− Ecological site concepts (explain the soil-plant 

relationship) 

− Selection of trees and shrubs for agroforestry 

applications 

− Forest understory reactions to canopy 

manipulation 

− Forest production and habitat values of the 

different plant communities that can exist on a 

forestland site 

− Multiple use opportunities 

− How forestland is managed to protect or 

improve water quality 

− Wildlife needs for food, water, and cover 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-5

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

An understanding of these basic principles by clients is 

essential to the planning process. Without this 

knowledge they cannot continuously inventory and 

analyze their resources, recognize problems and their 

cause, develop proper and obtainable objectives, 

formulate and evaluate treatment alternatives, plan a 

course of action, implement the plan, and continuously 

evaluate results and make improvements. 

636.12 Identify the Problem 

(a) General 

When clients contact NRCS requesting assistance, they 

have perceived a problem and want to solve it. The 

perceived problem may actually be a symptom caused 

by the real problem. An example: the client has 

recognized an invasion of undesirable vegetation in their 

forest stand and an increased incidence of disease in the 

desirable trees. To the client, these are definite 

problems, but both are symptoms of the problem of poor 

timber management. The lack of applying timber stand 

improvement techniques (prescribed fire, chemical 

deadening) has allowed undesirable plants to become 

established and reproduce. This has led to increased 

competition for water and nutrients within the forest 

stand. The increased competition and the lack of 

properly timed harvesting of the desirable trees have 

resulted in a stress condition in which the desirable trees 

are more susceptible to disease and insect infestation. 

The problem was not what the client originally 

perceived, but rather the lack of sound timber 

management that caused the symptoms. The NRCS 

objective is to help land managers recognize real 

problems, not just symptoms. When poor timber 

management is a problem, the NRCS conservationist 

should not tell managers the problem is poor timber 

management. Instead, the conservationist must lead 

them to recognize that poor timber management is 

the problem. This can be accomplished by helping 

them understand their ecosystems as described in 

preplanning. The process of recognizing the problem 

continues from preplanning through the steps of resource 

inventory and analyzing the resource data. 

(b) Standard 

Land managers are led to recognize the symptoms and 

causes of problems through an understanding of the 

ecosystem and the inventory process. 

(c) Activities 

The activities needed to identify the problem are shown 

below. 

What How

Clients identify perceived problems Personal observations, often without the knowledge required to identify 

the cause of the problem. 

Clients develop an understanding 

of ecosystems 

NRCS personnel ensure that land managers understand their ecosystems 

by teaching and showing them on their land. 

Clients recognize the real problems and 

the causes of problems 

NRCS assists land managers to 

• Inventory the resources in the ecosystem. 

• Identify all the symptoms—soil, air, plant, and animal problems and 

potential problems—and the causes of each. 

• Recognize all the causes of symptoms as resource problems that must 

be addressed in the planning process. 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-6

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

636.13 Determine the Objectives 

(a) General 

All clients have a set of objectives. These objectives 

may or may not include the proper management of the 

ecosystem to accomplish their desired objective. If not, 

the reason may be a lack of understanding of all the 

interactions in the ecosystem. To assist clients in the 

planning process, objectives must be established by them 

after they fully understand the ecosystem, have 

inventoried the resources, and identified the problems. 

When working with clients, it is often best not to ask for 

firm objectives until these three processes have been 

accomplished. Some people do not like to change their 

minds once they have made a firm commitment to an 

objective. Assist them to understand and inventory their 

resources and identify the problems before they express 

their objectives. 

(b) Standard

NRCS employee leads the client to develop ecologically 

and economically sound objectives. 

(c) Activities 

The activities needed to determine the objectives are 

shown below. 

What How

Client expresses management 

objectives. 

This is often accomplished without a sound understanding of ecological 

principles, resource inventories, or problems identified. 

Client expresses objectives for 

management that are ecologically, 

economically, and socially sound. 

NRCS personnel 

• Ensure that client understands the ecosystem. 

• Assist managers in inventorying their resources. 

• Assist managers in recognizing resource problems and causes. 

• Assist clients to establish objectives that are ecologically, 

economically, and socially sound. 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-7

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

636.14 Inventory the Resources 

(a) General 

Once clients understand the ecological principles of their 

land, they generally ask: 

"What is the productivity potential of my forestlands?" 

"What is the forest health?" 

"How does my forest stand compare to its potential?" 

At this point the clients are beginning to understand the 

dynamics of the ecosystem and the fact that it is 

important to determine and understand as much as 

possible about their lands. They will desire your 

assistance in inventorying the resources. 

NRCS personnel: 

• Identify available resources. 

 (b) Standard 

NRCS employees assist clients in inventorying their 

ecosystems and facilitating practices currently in place 

(current harvesting schemes, current timber stand 

improvement practices, forest stand productivity, 

wildlife habitat and numbers, etc.). During this process 

the conservationist should develop an understanding of 

the client’s available resources to implement the 

conservation plan. 

(c) Activities 

The activities needed to inventory the resources are 

shown below. Refer to Parts 636.2 and 636.3 for details 

on inventory methods and tools. 

What How

Secure needed materials 

for inventory 

NRCS secures maps (aerial photos and soil maps), equipment used in the 

field, and technical information, such as range ecological site descriptions, 

forestland ecological site descriptions, forage suitability groups, and 

conservation tree/shrub groups. 

Conduct the inventory NRCS personnel 

• Assist the client to identify forestland and rangeland ecological sites, 

conservation tree/shrub groups, and forage suitability groups on aerial 

photos from soil interpretations and ground truthing. 

• Determine site indices and record on the plan map. 

• Determine forest stand distribution and indicate on map. 

• Record land boundaries, roads, logging trails, farmsteads, and other 

important features on the plan map. 

• Complete wildlife habitat evaluations. 

• Determine soil erosion, condition, and contamination. 

• Identify sediment depositions. 

• Evaluate water quality and water yield. 

• Determine wildlife numbers and condition. 

• Develop forage inventory. 

• Develop livestock and wildlife inventory. 

• Develop forage and animal needs balance sheet. 

• Identify active and potential recreation resources and client's aesthetic 

considerations. 

• Identify cultural resources, if present. 

• Identify endangered plant and animal species and habitat, if 

present. • Identify available resources. 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-8

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

636.15 Analyze Resource Data 

(a) General 

After the inventory process is complete, an analysis of 

the data is necessary to assist the client to identify and 

quantify problems. Again, it is imperative for clients to 

understand ecosystem concepts before they can analyze 

resource data. Only then can they understand the 

relationship of soil, water, air, plant, and animal 

resources in ecosystems and the causes of resource 

problems. The analysis may point out opportunities that 

the client has not recognized, such as 

• Recreation – Fee hunting, camping, bed and 

breakfast, fishing, hiking, and bird-watching. 

• Alley Cropping – Planting of trees or shrubs in 

conjunction with agronomic, horticultural, or forage 

crops. 

• Forest Farming – Cultivating high-value specialty 

products in conjunction with growing timber, such 

as medicinals and herbs, decorative items, specialty 

wood items, edibles, etc. 

• Silvopasture – Managing timber and livestock as a 

single integrated system. 

(b) Standard 

NRCS assists client in analyzing the inventory data so 

they may recognize resource problems, as well as new 

opportunities. 

(c) Activities 

The activities needed to analyze resource data are shown 

below. 

What How

Evaluate the current ecosystem in 

relation to site potentials 

NRCS assists land managers to determine: 

• Whether the current plant community provides the desired attributes of 

production, habitat, water quality and quantity, air quality, and soil 

protection. 

• Desirability of tree species for the products, production, and economic 

returns desired. 

• Health of existing forest stands. 

• Forage value rating for livestock. 

• Effects of current management programs on the plant and animal 

communities. 

• Wildlife habitat values in relation to potential for the site. 

• Significance of cultural resources, if present. 

• Endangered or threatened plant or animal species, if present. 

• Opportunity for new enterprises. 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-9

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

636.16.1 Formulate Alternative 

Solutions 

(a) General 

Phase II of the planning process begins with development of alternative solutions. At least one of the 

alternatives developed should be a Resource 

Management System (RMS), meeting the quality criteria 

for all resource problems identified and the objectives of 

the client. The Conservation Effects Decision (CED) 

worksheets can be used to present the impact of the 

RMS and other alternatives to the client. In developing 

Resource Management System alternatives, vegetation 

management practices will be planned that meet the 

needs of the plants and animals. Facilitating practices 

(log landings, haul roads, tree 

planting, windbreaks, etc.) will be planned when needed 

to enable the application of the planned vegetative 

management practices. Facilitating practices (diversion 

terraces, water bars, stabilization structures, etc.) will be 

planned when needed to treat specific problems. 

(b) Standard 

NRCS employees will assist the client to develop 

treatment alternatives that meet quality criteria in the 

FOTG for resource problems identified and that 

accomplish objectives of the client. 

(c) Activities 

The activities needed to identify the problem are shown 

below. 

What How

Develop treatment alternatives Select the vegetation management and facilitating practices that will meet 

quality criteria established in the local FOTG for all resource problems 

identified, and that meet the management objectives of client. Develop 

sufficient numbers of alternatives from which client's may select an 

alternative to meet their needs. 

. 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-10

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

636.16.2 Evaluate Alternative 

Solutions 

(a) General 

After alternative solutions are developed, client's 

evaluate them to determine which one best meets their 

objectives and solves the identified resource problems. 

(b) Standard 

Effects of each alternative are evaluated individually and 

compared to benchmarks for their ability to solve or 

alleviate identified resource problems and meet the 

client’s objectives. 

(c) Activities 

The activities needed to evaluate alternative solutions are 

shown below. 

What How 

Determine ecological, economical, 

and social effectiveness of treatment 

alternatives 

Determine 

• Effectiveness of the alternative to achieve the desired plant 

community. 

• Effectiveness of each alternative to solve or alleviate each of the 

soil, water, air, plant, and animal resource problems. 

• Economic and social feasibility of each alternative. Decision 

support systems can assist in the economic evaluation of the 

treatment alternative. See Part 538 of the National Forestry 

Manual. 

• If the producer has the willingness, values, skills, and commitment 

to apply the system of practices. 

. 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-11

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

636.17 Make Decisions 

(a) General 

After all the alternatives have been evaluated, the client 

makes a decision on which alternative meets their 

objectives. This is accomplished by comparing the 

alternatives to determine which one 

• Will best achieve the desired plant community 

• Will meet the desired time schedule 

• Is the most financially and economically sound 

• Is consistent with the client's knowledge and skills 

• Is consistent with the client's time and distance 

restraints 

After the alternative is selected, it is recorded in a 

manner that will assist the land manager in application. 

Application of the selected alternative is usually a 

logical sequence that should be reflected in the schedule 

of application in the plan narrative. The following logic 

provides ideas for scheduling application. 

If a forest stand is overstocked, then a thinning operation 

should be scheduled and applied. Facilitating practices 

such as logging roads, log landings, etc. must be 

installed before applying the thinning operation. 

Maintenance practices should be scheduled when they 

are most advantageous. For instance, it may be 

advantageous to schedule prescribed burning ahead of 

the thinning operation to facilitate access to the area for 

marking timber. On the other hand, mechanical removal 

of large undesirable trees may be more advantageous 

after the thinning operation to prevent damage to 

harvestable timber from falling trees. 

Facilitating practices (such as critical area treatment) 

would be applied last if harvest operations or prescribed 

burning would be detrimental to the newly established 

critical area vegetation. Each land unit will have its 

unique set of circumstances that dictate the schedule of 

application. 

(b) Standard 

NRCS leads the client to select alternatives that best 

meet the client’s objectives. Decisions are recorded in 

the conservation plan. 

(c) Activities 

The activities needed to make decisions are shown on 

the following page. 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-12

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

• 

What How 

Client selects best alternatives 

to meet client's objectives 

NRCS assists the client in comparing each of the alternative evaluations to 

determine the one that best meets the objectives. 

Schedule of application NRCS personnel assist the client in developing a long-term schedule of 

application that ensures proper sequence and timing of applications for 

success. 

Conservation plan prepared NRCS assists the client in preparing the conservation plan. Client’s copy 

should contain 

• Soil and water conservation district agreements. 

• Conservation plan maps, which should delineate as scale of map 

permits: 

− Operating unit boundary 

− Planned field boundaries, number, and acres 

− Land use of each field 

− Location of present and planned enduring practices 

− Ecological site delineation 

− Forage value ratings on grazed forest land 

− Other pertinent information, such as roads, log landing areas, 

riparian buffers, and wildlife corridors 

• Soils map and legend 

• All inventory data 

• Record of treatment alternatives selected and schedule of application 

• Fact sheets and/or job sheets 

NRCS case file contains 

• All information placed in the client’s copy 

• Directions for location of the land unit(s) 

• List of job sheets furnished to the client 

• Technical assistance notes 

• Record of accomplishments 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-13

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

636.18 Implement the Plan 

(a) General 

The client is now ready to implement the plan. NRCS 

personnel shall provide technical assistance to the client 

in the application of all practices as needed and 

requested. For the plan to be successful, the client often 

requires close and continuous technical assistance from 

NRCS personnel as they learn to make the needed plant 

community observations and adjustments in 

management strategy. 

For any planned practice or combination of practices, the 

technical guide gives the best known specifications. 

NRCS personnel must be familiar with and understand 

the specifications and other important materials in the 

technical guide. The standards and specifications 

include practice modifications that can be used to 

eliminate, overcome, or counteract any moderate or 

severe soil limitation shown in Section II of the technical 

guide. If the landowner is being assisted in the 

application phase by a State-employed forester or a 

consulting forester, the forester should be given the 

interpretations and urged to consider appropriate 

measures. 

(b) Standard 

NRCS provides technical assistance to the client to 

ensure the successful application of the planned 

practices. 

(c) Activities 

The activities needed to implement the plan are shown 

below. 

What How 

Application of planned practices NRCS personnel provide technical assistance to clients in the design 

and application of conservation plans. NRCS personnel must provide 

on-site assistance in a timely manner to continually teach clients to 

observe their resources and make the management decisions that will 

ensure success. 

Facilitating practices, such as logging roads and log landings all need to 

be installed according to a technical design to ensure success. NRCS 

personnel shall provide the on-ground technical assistance needed for 

design and installation. 

Facilitating practices, such as timber stand improvement, riparian 

buffers, forest site preparation, tree planting, prescribed burning, critical 

area treatment, diversions, streambank and shoreline protection, and 

structures for water control, all need to be installed according to a 

technical design to ensure success. NRCS shall provide the technical 

assistance needed for design and installation. 
Part 636.1 – Conservation Planning Process

636-14

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

636.19 Evaluation of Results 

(a) General 

After clients initiate the application of their conservation 

plans, NRCS should provide follow-up assistance. 

Management is an ongoing process. The client may 

need the assistance of NRCS personnel to evaluate the 

results of the applied practices, such as timber harvesting 

or timber stand improvement. The initial planning 

process is just the beginning of learning and 

understanding of ecological management for many 

clients. 

Experience has shown that most clients will not, and 

cannot, successfully apply their plan without follow-up 

evaluation assistance from trained NRCS personnel. For 

these reasons, periodic contact needs to be made with the 

client to ensure the continued success of the 

conservation plan and to collect response data for future 

assistance. 

(b) Activities 

The activities needed to evaluate results are shown 

below. 

636.20 General 

The National Planning Procedures Handbook, Part 

600.23, describes the resource inventory process. The 

inventory process is used to collect information about 

the planning area’s resources. This information is used 

to define the problems and opportunities and to 

formulate and evaluate alternatives. 

Parts 636.2 and 636.3 of this handbook provide a 

detailed description of the common inventory methods 

and tools used in forestry and agroforestry applications. 

This part details the various methods used to conduct 

resource inventories related to the planning process. 

Much of the understanding a client acquires about the 

nature of their resources, on which they may base many 

of their decisions, comes during the inventory stage. It 

is essential to work on the land with the decisionmaker 

that is empowered to make the necessary resource 

management decisions. 

Forests are rarely homogeneous areas. Prior to 

conducting an inventory, forested areas should be 

divided into units that are reasonably uniform with 

respect to the quality of the land, the density of the trees, 

the species composition of the stand, and the size and 

age of the trees. Forestland Ecological Site Descriptions 

can be a valuable source of information to determine 

these groupings. Refer to the National Forestry Manual, 

Part 573.3 for a detailed discussion of Forestland 

Ecological Site Descriptions. 

636.21 Forest Stand Inventory 

The zigzag transect method of sampling will normally 

meet the inventory needs relative to conservation 

planning. However, there may occasionally be a need to 

employ other common sampling methods. 

What How 

Provide needed follow-up for the 

evaluation of results, fine tuning of the 

management plan, revision of plan, 

and obtaining response data 

Make firm dates with the client for follow-up evaluation assistance. 

Explain the purpose of the contact so the client may prepare. 

Review on the ground the results of the applied management practices. 

Use the opportunity to teach and assist clients to recognize trends in 

plant community response. Assist them to adjust their management to 

cause the plant community to respond as desired and meet the needs of 

the soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources. 

Review the schedule of application of facilitating practices. Review 

those that have been applied to evaluate their continued success. Assist 

in improving the schedule of application. Assist in recognizing any 

maintenance needed on applied practices. 

Gather response data that will improve the ability to predict future 

responses to treatment. 

Assist clients to identify new resource problems that need attention. 

Provide clients with new technical information applicable to their 

resource problems. Assist the clients to revise their conservation plans 

as needed. Follow the nine steps of conservation planning to accomplish 

this process. 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Methods

636-15

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

In addition to the zigzag transect method, three other 

common forest stand inventory methods are also 

discussed in this subpart – strip sampling, fixed plot 

sampling, and variable plot sampling. 

The strip sampling and plot sampling methods are based 

on a percentage system. A limited proportion of the area 

is measured, on the assumption that the samples are 

typical of the entire stand. The percentage of the area 

sampled depends on the uniformity of the stand and the 

size of the area to be sampled. In uniform stands, typical 

sampling percentages range from 20 percent on small 

areas of from 20 to 40 acres to 5 percent on areas larger 

than 80 acres. In areas where trees are of irregular 

distribution, the percentage of the area sampled may 

need to be increased to give adequate results. 

Only a brief explanation of the strip sampling and plot 

sampling methods is given. Foresters should refer to 

other sources, such as the Society of American Foresters' 

Forestry Handbook, for a detailed description of these 

inventory methods. 

(a) Zigzag Transect Method 

A common inventory procedure used by NRCS foresters 

is the zigzag transect. The zigzag transect is a simple 

and rapid forest land inventory system that is used to 

determine 

• Average tree diameter 

• Range of tree diameters 

• Stocking rates (trees per acre) 

• Stand composition 

• Stand condition (health)

(1) Zigzag Transect Procedures 

The following procedures are used to conduct a zigzag 

transect. 

(i) Step 1 – Select Main Stand 

The main stand is usually made up of larger trees. There 

may be more than one general crown level. Beneath the 

main stand there is usually an understory of suppressed 

trees, advanced reproduction, or other plants. The 

client’s principal concern should be with the main stand. 

(see Figure 636-1). 

(ii) Step 2 – Choose a Route 

Choose a route through the stand so you can sample a 

good cross section. Generally, this can best be 

accomplished by crossing the drainageways. On a sunny 

day you can use the sun as a direction marker by going 

toward it, away from it, or at some angle to or from it. A 

visible landmark can also be used as a direction marker. 

(iii) Step 3 – Select a Starter Tree 

The starter tree may be any tree that is a part of the main 

stand. No measurements are made of the starter tree. It 

serves only as a point of beginning. 

Figure 636-1 Differentiating Stands 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Methods

636-16 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Main Stand

Secondary Stand

Understory

Main Stand

Main Stand

Main Stand

Secondary Stand

Main Stand

Secondary Stand

Understory

An occasional tree may be borderline between the main 

stand and the secondary stand. If, in your opinion, the 

tree offers significant competition to the tree in the main 

stand, consider it as part of the main stand. 

Don’t separate large trees as a secondary stand unless 

they are considerably larger and clearly of an earlier 

generation than the trees of the main stand. 

If the larger trees are numerous, there may be a question 

as to which is the main stand. In case of doubt, consider 

the larger trees as the main stand. 

A change in the main stand may show need for a field 

boundary 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Methods

636-17

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

(iv) Step 4 – Choose a Direction 

At the base of the starter tree, face the chosen direction, 

place your heels together and position your toes to make 

a 90-degree angle. A line along the direction of travel 

bisects the angle formed by your feet (see Figure 636-2). 

A 90-degree arc is printed on some information sticks to 

help define the angle. When a 25” stick is held 

horizontally l2” from the eye, the ends of the stick form 

a 90-degree angle. A compass may also be used. 

(v) Step 5 – Locate Closest Tree 

Locate the closest main stand tree, the center of which is 

within the 90-degree angle. This is tree #1, as shown in 

Figure 636-3. 

(vi) Step 6 – Determine Distance, Species, and 

Diameter 

Pace or measure the distance from the center of the 

starter tree to the center of tree # 1. Determine the 

species of the tree identified in step 5 and measure its 

diameter at breast height (4.5 feet). Record 

measurements in the field notes (see Figure 636-5). 

Figure 636-2 Starter Tree 

Starter

Tree

Direction

of Travel

900

(vii) Step 7 – Rate Tree Condition 

Examine the tree and rate its condition as good, fair, or 

poor. A good tree is reasonably straight, has a sound 

and full crown, does not have excessive limbs, and does 

not have evidence of scars, wounds, or disease. A poor 

tree may have a broken top, a bad crotch, excessive 

limbs, canker, wounds, scars, disease, or a combination 

of defects. Use fair as an intermediate rating. Do not 

confuse species desirability with the condition rating. 

Rate each tree on its merits, without regard to species. 

Figure 636-3 Tree Selection Sequence 

Starter

Tree

Tree

#1

Tree

#2

Tree

#4

Tree

#3

Tree

#5

Not

Counted

Not

Counted

Direction

of Travel

Record the condition rating in the field notes as shown in 

Figure 636-5. Show in the “notes” the reason for rating 

a tree as fair or poor. 

(viii) Step 8 – Repeat Process 

Standing at tree # 1, repeat steps 5-7 to select, measure, 

and rate tree # 2. Continue in this manner until at least 

20 trees have been examined. The line of travel will 

proceed in a zigzag fashion as shown in Figure 636-3. 

(2) Zigzag Conventions 

The following conventions are observed when 

conducting a zigzag transect. 

(i) Clumps and Open Area 

Skip over openings and clumps or patches of trees that 

are not a part of the main stand or are decidedly different 

in kind or size from the main stand. Do not include 

spacing measurements or diameter measurements of 

trees on the edges of openings or clumps. Bypass those 

trees in the chosen direction of travel and start 

measurements on the opposite side (see Figure 636-4). 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Methods

636-18 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Figure 636-4 Openings and Clumps 

Tree

#7

Tree

#8

Tree

#9

Direction

of Travel

skip open

areas

and clumps

of trees

Tree

#10

Tree

#6

Direction of Travel

Measured Distance

(ii) Plantations 

In plantations, alternate the direction of travel. Use the 

direction of the row for the first tree; go at 900

 to the row 

for the second; use the direction of the row for the third, 

and so on. 

 (iii) Eligible Trees 

When two eligible trees are equidistant, select the one 

closest to the direction of travel. Trees joined at the base 

are considered separate and individual and both may be 

counted. 

(3) Zigzag Inventory Analysis 

(i) Stand Diameter Calculation 

Average stand diameter is obtained by dividing the total 

of diameters by the number of trees sampled. For 

example: Average diameter = 176 ÷ 20 = 8.8 inches; 

round to 9 inches. 

The range of diameters can be determined by noting the 

smallest and largest of the trees sampled. (In the 

example, 6 to 11 inches). 

Figure 636-5 Zigzag Transect Field Notes Example 

Tree No. Species Distance (feet) Diameter (inches) Condition Notes 

1 loblolly pine 12 8 good 

2 loblolly pine 9 7 good 

3 loblolly pine 15 10 fair scar at base 

4 loblolly pine 16 11 good 

5 shortleaf pine 14 11 good 

6 shortleaf pine 5 9 good 

7 loblolly pine 13 8 poor broken top 

8 loblolly pine 14 8 good 

9 loblolly pine 9 9 good 

10 loblolly pine 14 6 good 

11 loblolly pine 9 7 fair cronartium cankers 

12 loblolly pine 10 7 good 

13 loblolly pine 11 9 good 

14 shortleaf pine 11 11 good 

15 loblolly pine 11 11 good 

16 loblolly pine 1 8 good 

17 loblolly pine 1 8 good 

18 loblolly pine 9 9 good 

19 loblolly pine 10 8 poor cronartium cankers 

20 shortleaf pine 15 11 good 

TOTALS 238 176 

AVERAGE 11.9 8.8 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Methods

636-19

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

(ii) Average Tree Spacing Calculation 

Average tree spacing is found by dividing the total of 

distances by the number of trees sampled. For example: 

Spacing = 238 ÷ 20 = 11.9 feet; round to 12 feet. 

(iii) Trees Per Acre Calculation 

The number of trees per acre is calculated as follows: 

Number of trees per acre = 43560

2 spacing

For example: 43560

122 = 303 trees/acre

(iv) Thinning Determinations 

For planning purposes, the D + x “rule of thumb” is 

adequate to approximate the number of trees that need to 

be removed from a stand to avoid overcrowding. This 

rule of thumb is primarily applicable to even-aged 

stands. According to the D + x rule, the average spacing 

between trees should equal the average stand diameter 

(D) plus a constant (x), expressed in feet. The constant x

varies, depending on location and tree type. In Southern 

States, a constant of 6 is most commonly used for 

southern pines. In Western States, the constant can 

range from 2 for West Coast Douglas fir, to 4 for 

ponderosa pine. For stands with average diameters less 

than 6 inches, constants of 4 in the East and 2 in the 

West are commonly used. You should consult your 

local forest specialist to determine the constants 

applicable to the trees in your locale. 

The approximate number of trees to be removed in a D + 

x thinning is the difference between the number now 

present and the number that would be present after 

thinning. For example: 

Assume that 6 is the applicable spacing constant for this 

stand of trees. From the zigzag transect, it is determined 

that the average tree diameter of the stand is 9 inches, 

and the average number of trees per acre is calculated to 

be 303. According the D + x rule, the average trees per 

acre for 9 inch trees is calculated to be 194, as follows: 

D + 6 = 15 

43560/152 = 194 

Therefore, approximately 109 trees per acre (303-194) 

need to be removed to provide adequate spacing. 

See Exhibit 636-1 to determine the appropriated number 

of trees per acres at various D + spacings and tree 

diameters. 

(v) Species Composition Analysis 

An approximation of species composition can be made 

from the zigzag transect. For example: four shortleaf 

pines were sampled out of 20 trees, indicating 20 percent 

shortleaf pine and 80 percent loblolly pine as stand 

composition. 

(vi) Stand Condition Analysis 

An approximation can be made of the percent of trees in 

poor condition in the same manner as used to get species 

composition. The percentage is not as important as 

making the landowner aware of the condition of the 

growing stock. The trees in poor condition can be slated 

for early removal to favor those in better condition. 

Transect information can reveal treatment needs and 

alternatives. Transects need not be taken in every field 

or at every change in forest condition. Each planning 

job is different. An experienced planner will need to 

take fewer transects than a less experienced planner. 

(b) Strip Sampling 

In strip sampling, the sample units are continuous strips 

of uniform width, spaced at a predetermined distance 

apart. The width of the strips and the distance between 

the centerline of the strips determines the percentage of 

the area sampled. See Figure 636-6 for an example of a 

typical 10 percent strip sampling layout. 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Methods

636-20 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Figure 636-6 Typical 10 Percent Strip Sampling 

Layout 

(c) Fixed Plot Sampling 

In fixed plot sampling, a set of plots, generally all of the 

same size, is located throughout the area. The sample 

plots can be located throughout the area in a number of 

ways. The most common method is to locate the plots at 

predetermined intervals on lines a set distance apart. 

Plots can be any shapes but circular plots are most 

commonly used. The size and number of plots 

determines the percentage of the area sampled. See 

Figure 636-7 for an example of a typical 10 percent lineplot layout. 

(d) Variable Plot Sampling 

Many features of variable plot sampling (sometimes 

referred to as “point sampling”) and fixed plot sampling 

are similar. The number and location of plot centers are 

determined in the same manner (see Figure 636-7). Tree 

measurements (diameter, height, defects, etc.) are also 

measured or estimated by methods similar to those used 

in the fixed plot sampling method. 

The primary difference in the two sampling methods is 

that variable plot sampling does not require 

measurement of the plot radius because each tree has its 

own plot size dependent on the diameter of the tree. At 

each plot center, or “sample point,” a count is made of 

the number of “in” trees whose diameter is large enough 

to subtend the fixed angle of the angle gauge or prism. 

See Part 636.3 for details on the use of angle gauges and 

prisms. These “sample points” are analogous to the plot 

centers used in the fixed plot sampling method. 

With variable plot sampling, no tree measurements are 

required if only basal area is desired. If the number of 

trees or the volume per unit of area is desired, then the 

dbh or the height of the “in” trees must be tallied. 

Figure 636-7 Typical 10 Percent Line-Plot or 

Variable Plot Sampling Layout 

636.22 Riparian Inventory and 

Assessment Methods 

The NRCS National Water and Climate Center 

Technical Note 99-1, “Stream Visual Assessment 

Protocol”, is an initial streamside assessment that can be 

done to provide useful information. It can be 

downloaded from their web site: 

www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov. 

Other riparian inventory and assessment information will 

included as it becomes available. 

636.23 Understory Inventory 

When an inventory of the production and composition of 

the understory plant community is needed to adequately 

plan livestock or wildlife management practices, use the 

procedures and methods detailed in Chapter 4 of the 

National Range and Pasture Handbook. 

 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 

of

Strip

Center

line

Strip

Width

66 Feet

Strip 1 Strip 2 Strip 3 Strip 4 Strip 5
Part 636.3 – Inventory Methods

636-21

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

636.24 Windbreak Management 

Inventory 

Reserved for inclusion at a future date. 

636.25 Soil Rating Methods 

The National Forestry Manual, Part 537.22 lists the 

rating criteria for several of the common forestry-related 

and agroforestry-related activities. Each identified soil 

component in the planning area should be rated to 

determine its limitation or potential for specific 

activities. Rating soils for the activities listed in the 

National Forestry Manual is easily accomplished by 

using the rating functionality built into the National Soil 

Information System (NASIS) software. Refer to Part 

637.23 for instructions on using this NASIS 

functionality. 
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

636.30 General 

This part provides a detailed description of some of the 

common inventory tools used in forestry and 

agroforestry applications. 

636.31 Age and Growth Measuring 

Tools 

 (a) Increment Borer 

An increment borer is a tool used to obtain a cylindrical 

cross section from a living tree for studying the annual 

growth rings. (see Figure 636-8). 

Figure 636-8 Increment Borer 

(1) Planning Application 

The increment borer is perhaps the best psychological 

tool for forestry planning and application. Its primary 

purpose is to determine the age and growth rates of trees. 

In the planning process, this can be an important 

function. For example, if a good average diameter for 

ponderosa pine is 10 inches at 30 years of age, then an 

examination of the increment core should reveal an 

average of six rings per inch. If the client has 10-inch 

trees with more than six rings per inch, it is likely that 

the trees have too much competition and a thinning or 

other remedial action may be needed. 

(2) Use 

The increment borer has a hollow bit (auger) that fits 

into the handle when not in use. To use, the bit is bored 

into the tree. An extractor is slipped into the hollow bit 

to hold the wood core tight. The bit is then reversed a 

turn, which breaks the core at the tip of the bit. The 

extractor is then removed to extract the pencil-like core. 

The core represents a small cross-ring strip from the bark 

to the pith of the tree from which the annual rings can be 

examined and counted. (see Figure 636-9). NOTE: You 

should NOT plug the hole left by an increment borer. 

Trees are very capable of repairing the small wound by 

filling the hole with resin to prevent contamination. You 

should never insert a stick or anything else as this may 

actually introduce diseases. 

Most trees are elliptical in cross section with the pith 

along the long axis, offset away from the lean of the tree 

and toward the prevailing winds. The pith can be 

reached more accurately by drilling along the long axis 

rather than along the short axis of the tree bole cross 

section. 

Often the slowest growth and the most tightly packed 

rings are those closest to the bark. To ensure that these 

are not lost, the borer must be started slowly while being 

held very firmly. After the bit is into the tree an inch or 

so it will continue smoothly. 

(3) Age Determination 

Conifers and porous hardwood annual rings are easily 

counted. The annual rings of poplar, cottonwood, 

sweetgum, maple, and other diffused-porous trees are 

more difficult to discern and may require the use of a 

coloring agent such as phloroglucinol in order to see the 

annual rings. Phloroglucinol is available from forestry 

suppliers. If available, a microscope (using top 

illumination only) is useful in counting growth rings. 

To accurately determine age, bore the tree at breast 

height (4.5 feet), count the rings, and, if needed, add the 

number of years estimated for the tree to reach the height 

at which the boring was made. Age correction factors 

are listed in the National Register of Site Index Curves, 

National Forestry Manual, Part 537. 

(4) Care and Maintenance 

The increment borer is a fine tool and rather expensive. 

The tip of the bit must be protected from damage. When 

returning the bit to its case (the handle), guide it between 

the thumb and index finger so that it will not hit the steel 

edge. 

Keep the tip of the borer sharp and free of nicks. Special 

sharpening stones are available from forestry suppliers to 

sharpen the borer bit. Keep the bit clean and oiled with 

a light oil. 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-23

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

When working with hardwoods, staining and corrosion 

can be prevented by using beeswax on the bit, which 

allows the auger to bore more easily. 

The extractor should have a leather loop tied to it so that 

it can be hung around the neck or to a limb to prevent it 

for becoming damaged. 

Figure 636-9 Increment Tree Core 

Center

of

Tree

Together, they make up 

one annual tree ring.

Earlywood is marked 

by lighter colored cells.

Latewood is marked 

by the dark bands.

Bark

636.32 Diameter Measuring Tools 

(a) Diameter Tape 

A diameter tape is the most popular tool for measuring 

tree diameter due to its convenient size and relative 

accuracy. (see Figure 636-10). 

A diameter tape is graduated to read 1 inch for each 

3.14159 inches of tape length. The principle is that the 

diameter of a tree is equal to the circumference divided 

by pi. 

Diameters measured with a diameter tape are accurate 

when properly taken. Care must be taken to hold the 

tape at a fixed height in going around the tree and to 

avoid going over bumps or limb stubs. 

Figure 636-10 Diameter Tape 

(b) Tree Calipers 

A tree caliper consists of a graduated bar with one fixed 

arm set at right angles to the bar, and a second sliding 

arm that can be adjusted by a screw. (see Figure 636-11). 

When placed against a tree, the sliding arm forms a right 

angle with the bar and is parallel to the fixed arm. 

Calipers are accurate for measuring the diameter of 

standing trees, but are normally limited to trees 36 

inches or less in diameter, and are not as convenient to 

carry as a diameter tape. 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-24 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Figure 636-11 Tree Calipers 

(c) Diameter Sticks 

Several sticks are available for measuring the diameter 

of a standing tree. These sticks are normally made of 

wood and contain a diameter (Biltmore) scale graduated 

in such a manner that the diameter of a standing tree may 

be read directly from the stick. (see Figure 636-12). 

To use the diameter stick: 

• Hold the stick horizontally against the tree 

(usually at breast height) and 25 inches from the 

eye. 

• Adjust the stick so that the left end is even with 

your line of sight to the left of the tree. 

• Turn your eye, not your head, and read from the 

diameter scale the figure crossed by your line of 

sight to the right side of the tree. This is the 

diameter of the tree. 

Most trees are elliptical in cross section; therefore, it is 

often necessary to make more than one measurement and 

use the average to determine the tree diameter. 

Figure 636-12 Diameter Stick Measurement 

(d) Relaskop 

The relaskop combines five instruments into one: a 

rangefinder for measuring horizontal base distances; a 

clinometer for measuring tree height; a dendrometer for 

measuring tree diameter outside the bark; an angle gauge 

for measuring basal area per acre; and a slope correction 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-25

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

instrument for measuring topographic correction. (see 

Figure 636-13). 

Although a very versatile instrument, it is also quite 

expensive. Consequently, it is not commonly used for 

the type of activities associated with conservation 

planning. 

Instructions for using the relaskop to measure tree 

diameters are included with the instrument. 

Figure 636-13 Relaskop 

636.33 Height Measuring Tools 

The height of trees may be measured directly or 

indirectly. Although it is possible to make direct tree 

height measurements on standing trees, it is normally 

most practical to do so only on felled trees. 

The most common method of measuring the height of 

standing trees is with instruments designed to calculate 

tree height based on indirect measurements. 

Tools designed to calculate tree height based on indirect 

measurements are called hypsometers. They fall into two 

basic groups: tools based on geometric principles and 

tools based on trigonometric principles. 

Geometric-based instruments, such as the JAL 

hypsometer, are the standard instrument in some 

European countries (e.g. Denmark) and are considered 

quite reliable. The Dendrometer II is another geometricbased instrument used for quick but approximate 

measurement of tree height. 

Some tools use trigonometric principles to calculate tree 

heights. For an example of using trigonometric 

principles to measure tree height, see Figure 636-15. 

Several hypsometers are commonly available. Although 

these instruments have many different names, they all 

calculate tree height by use of trigonometric principles. 

These instruments range from the simple and 

inexpensive Information Stick to the complex and 

expensive Spiegel relaskop. The following sections 

describe some of the more frequently used hypsometers. 

(a) SUUNTO® Clinometer 

The SUUNTO® clinometer (see Figure 636-14) is an 

instrument that allows you to measure tree heights. 

When the angle or slope to the top of the tree and the 

horizontal distance to the tree are measured, the height 

of the tree can be calculated. 

SUUNTO® clinometers are available in several scales, 

such as degrees, percent, topographic, metric, and 

secant. With each scale, a different horizontal distance 

is used. For example, the horizontal base distance is 66 

feet for clinometers with a topographic scale and 100 

feet for clinometers with a percent scale. Refer to the 

manufacturers' instructions for the procedure to be used 

with each scale. 

Figure 636-14 SUUNTO® Clinometer 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-26 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Figure 636-15 Estimating Tree Height Using 

Trigonometric Principles 

Generally, the taller the trees being measured, the greater 

the horizontal distance should be. The greater the 

horizontal distance, the easier it is to sight the top of a 

tree, thus increasing the accuracy of the height 

measurement. As a general rule, height measurement 

should be made from a point on the ground such that the 

angle of observation to the tip of the tree lies between 

30 and 45 degrees, i.e. the observer should stand from 1 

to 1.5 times the tree height away from the tree. 

To use the clinometer, hold it to your eye and with both 

eyes open, look simultaneously through the lens and 

alongside the housing. Raise or lower the clinometer (by 

tilting your head) to place the sighting line at the top or 

base of the tree. 

To measure tree height, stand at the baseline distance, 

sight the top of the tree and read the scale; sight the base 

of the tree and read the scale. 

To compute tree height, add the 2 scale readings if you 

looked up to the top of the tree and down to the base, or 

subtract the height to the base of the tree from the height 

to top if you had to look up to both the top and the base 

of the tree. Multiply this result by the baseline distance 

to obtain the tree height. (see Figure 636-16). 

Figure 636-16 Clinometer Height Measurement 

(b) Abney Level 

-26%

+100%

100’

Tree Height

100+26=126’

+148%

Tree Height

148-26=126’

+22%

100’

Assumptions: 

 The tree is truly vertical (i.e. point A is directly above point B) 

 The distance to the tree (OC) is the horizontal distance from the operator to the center of the tree 

 Leaning trees are measured at right angles to the plane in which it leans 

Distance OC is Variable

(as a general rule, the horizontal distance should be between 1 and about 1.5 times the tree height away 

from the tree). 

 Measure distance OC. If the slope is severe, the horizontal distance OC can be measured by 

holding a measuring tape at point B and stretching it out horizontally until it is exactly above point O. 

 Measure angles AOC and COB. 

 Determine the lengths of AC and CB by calculator or reference to trigonometric tables. 

 Calculate total height (AB) 

• Operator’s eye (point O) is above the base of the tree (see example 1): 

AB = OC x (TAN(AOC) + TAN(COB)). 

• Operator’s eye (point O) is below the base of the tree (see example 2): 

AB = OC x (TAN(AOC) - TAN(BOC)) 

Distance OC is Fixed

 Observer stands at a specific distance (or multiple or fraction of it) from the tree (i.e. the distance 

OC is fixed at 100 feet). The instrument is calibrated in terms of this specific distance and 

successive angles of elevation and depression, so that AC and CB can be read directly from the 

instrument.

O

B

C

A

Example 1

C

B

O

A
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-27

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

An Abney level (see Figure 636-17) is very similar to a 

clinometer in the way it is used to measure tree height. 

To use the Abney level, sight through the eyepiece to the 

top of the tree, move the index arm over the scale until 

the bubble tube is level, then read the scale. Repeat this 

procedure while sighting at the base of the tree. 

To measure tree height, measure the horizontal distance 

from the base of the tree to a location where the top of 

the tree can be seen and take readings to the top and base 

of the tree as explained above. 

To compute tree height: 

1. If the scale is in percentage, multiply the scale 

reading to the top of the tree and the scale 

reading to the base of the tree by the horizontal 

distance. 

Figure 636-17 Abney Level 

2. If the scale is in degrees and minutes of the angle, 

then multiply the horizontal distance by the Tan

of the angle to the top of the tree and the Tan of 

the angle to the base of the tree. 

3. Add the 2 scale readings if you looked up to the 

top of the tree and down to the base, or subtract 

the height to the base of the tree from the height 

to top if you had to look up to both the top and 

the base of the tree. (see Figure 636-16). 

 

(c) Haga Altimeter 

The Haga altimeter (see Figure 636-18) differs from 

other hypsometers in that it gives the user the choice of 

selecting several built-in horizontal base distances. 

To use the altimeter, look through the pinhole and align 

the sighting prongs on the top of the tree. Gently press 

the trigger to lock the pointer. Look through the window 

and read the scale value indicated by the pointer. Sight 

on the base of the tree and repeat this procedure. 

Figure 636-18 Haga Altimeter 

To measure tree height, select a horizontal distance away 

from the tree corresponding to one of the built-in scale 

distances, where the top of the tree can be seen. 

Measure the horizontal distance from the base of the tree 

to a location where the top of the tree can be seen. 

Select the appropriate distance scale on the rotating rod 

and take readings to the top and base of the tree as 

explained above. 

To compute tree height, add the 2 scale readings if you 

looked up to the top of the tree and down to the base, or 

subtract the height to the base of the tree from the height 

to top if you had to look up to both the top and the base 

of the tree. (see Figure 636-16). 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-28 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

(d) Relaskop and Vertex Hypsometers 

The relaskop is a multi-use instrument that can be used 

to measure tree height. See Part 636.32 (d) for more 

information on the relaskop. 

The vertex hypsometer (see Figure 636-19) utilizes sonic 

technology to measure tree height. The unit consists of a 

hypsometer and transponder. The transponder is 

fastened to the tree at a predetermined height and the 

unit calculates the vertical distance from the transponder 

to the top of the tree. Total tree height is obtained by 

adding this measurement to the predetermined height of 

the transponder. Like the relaskop, the vertex is quite 

expensive and is not commonly used for the type of 

activities associated with conservation planning. 

Figure 636-19 Vertex Hypsometer 

(e) Stick Hypsometers 

Several varieties of stick hypsometers are available for 

measuring tree heights. With each, a graduated stick or 

rod is held vertically at a certain distance from the eye. 

Using trigonometric principles (see Figure 636-20), the 

height of the tree can be determined from reading the 

scale on the stick where a line intercepts either the top or 

base of the tree. 

The majority of stick hypsometers are constructed to 

read heights at a set horizontal base distance from the 

tree (50, 66, 99, and 100 feet) and are designed to align 

the bottom of the stick with the base of the tree when 

measuring tree heights. 

To measure tree height with this type of hypsometer, 

hold the stick vertical at 25 inches from the eye and 

align the bottom of the stick with the base of the tree. 

Without moving your head, sight alongside the scale of 

the stick to the top of the tree and read the tree height. 

(see Figure 636-20). 

Figure 636-20 Standard Stick Hypsometers 

25”

Distance

Read

Height

 

The hypsometer incorporated into the Woodland 

Information Stick utilizes a graduated percent scale that 

allows the observer to stand at horizontal base distance 

rather than a fixed distance. This stick also differs from 

other stick hypsometers in that it is designed to align the 

top of the stick with the top of the tree rather than 

aligning the bottom of the stick with the base of the tree 

(see Figure 636-21). 

Figure 636-21 Woodland Information Stick 

25”

Distance

Read 

Height
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-29

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

To measure tree height with the Woodland Information 

Stick, hold the stick vertical at 25 inches from the eye 

and align the top of the stick with the top of the tree. 

Without moving your head, sight alongside the scale of 

the stick to the base of the tree and read the tree height 

from the inverted scale. 

(f) Comparison of Height Measuring 

Devices 

(1) Precision 

When properly calibrated and used, the Abney, Haga, 

Relaskop and Suunto® have equal precision of about 

2.5%. The Vertex has a precision of less than 1%. Stick 

hypsometers are accurate within about 5 to 10 feet. 

(2) Ease of Use 

The stick hypsometer is the simplest tool to use. The 

Haga and Vertex are easier to hold steady than the 

Abney, Relaskop, and Suunto®. The Suunto® causes 

eyestrain in some people due to the method of projecting 

the line of sight. Sighting with the Abney and Relaskop 

is through a tube of narrow dimension or through the 

instrument. This restricted field of view (especially with 

the Abney) is important under poor light conditions. 

The Haga has external sights. 

(3) Robustness 

Ranked from best to worst: 

1. Stick Hypsometer 

2. Vertex 

3. Relaskop 

4. Suunto® 

5. Haga 

6. Abney 

(4) Speed of Use 

Ranked from fastest to slowest: 

1. Stick Hypsometer 

2. Vertex 

3. Haga, Relaskop, Suunto® 

4. Abney 

 

(5) Price 

Ranked from least to most expensive: 

1. Stick Hypsometer 

2. Suunto® 

3. Abney 

4. Haga 

5. Relaskop, Vertex 

(6) Compactness 

Ranked from most to least compact: 

1. Suunto® 

2. Vertex 

3. Relaskop 

4. Haga, Abney 

5. Stick Hypsometer 

636.34 Canopy Measurement Tools 

(a) Spherical Densiometer 

The spherical densiometer is used to determine crown 

canopy density. (see Figure 636-22). 

These data are useful for determining herbage and crown 

canopy relationships, comparing crown canopy and 

basal area relationships by species or forest types, and 

determining stocking percent. 

To use the spherical densiometer: 

• Hold the densiometer 1 to 1.5 feet away from 

your body at elbow level. Make sure that the 

bubble is in the center of its circle, indicating 

that the densiometer is level. 

• Imagine that each of the 24 boxes in the 

densiometer is subdivided into four quadrants. 

Count how many of these quadrants contain the 

reflection of leaves. Record the number. 

• Repeat this procedure as many times as 

necessary to get a representative sample of the 

area under consideration. 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-30 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

• Average the four measurements. For example: 

 Quadrants Covered 

Measurement 1 45 

Measurement 2 47 

Measurement 3 48 

Measurement 4 46 

Sum 186 

Average Quadrants 46.5 

• To determine the percentage of canopy cover, 

multiply the average value by 1.04. For 

example: 46.5 x 1.04 = 48.4% 

Figure 636-22 Spherical Densiometer 

(b) Leaf Tube 

A simple and inexpensive canopy measuring device can 

be constructed by attaching two pieces of string across 

one end of a toilet paper tube to form an X. A third 

piece of string, about 8 inches long, is tied to the center 

of the X and extends through the tube, and a weight is 

attached to the opposite end of the string. (see Figure 

636-23). 

To use the measuring tube: 

• Hold the tube above your head. 

• Look up through the tube. Make sure that the 

weight is directly below the center of the X so 

you know you are looking straight up. 

• If you see leaves touching the center of the X, 

record a plus sign (+) to indicate that there are 

leaves directly overhead. If no leaves are 

touching the X, record a minus sign (–). 

• Repeat this procedure as many times as 

necessary to get a representative sample of the 

area under consideration. 

Figure 636-23 Canopy Cover Measuring Tube 

To determine the percentage of canopy cover: 

• Sum the total number of plus signs (+) where 

you observed leaves. 

• Sum the total number of pluses and minuses (–) 

to reflect the number of observations. 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-31

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

• Divide the number of +’s by the total number of 

observations (sum of +’s and –‘s) to determine 

the fraction of the area which is covered by 

canopy cover. 

• Multiply the fraction by 100 to determine the 

percentage of the area covered by canopy cover. 

For example: 

Number of +’s: 18 

Number of +’s and –’s: 49 

Division result: 0.37 

Percentage of canopy cover (x 100): 37% 

636.35 Basal Area Measurement 

Tools 

Tools used to measure basal area are useful in 

determining stand density and are the primary 

instruments used in variable plot sampling. See Part 

636.21(d) for details on variable plot sampling. 

(a) Wedge Prism 

The wedge prism is a wedge-shaped piece of glass that 

refracts light rays, thus establishing a critical angle. (see 

Figure 636-24). A tree viewed through the prism is 

displaced through an angle depending on the diopter 

strength of the prism. One prism diopter is equivalent to 

the right angle displacement of an object by one unit per 

100 units of distance. 

The diopter of the prism determines the prism’s basal 

area factor (BAF). The most commonly used prisms are 

those with a BAF between 5 and 40. The larger the 

average diameter of the stand to be measured, the larger 

the BAF used. The smaller the average diameter, or the 

more open the stand, the smaller the BAF used. 

Figure 636-24 Wedge Prism 

To use the wedge prism, establish a fixed point on the 

ground. This fixed point becomes the plot center. The 

prism, and not the cruiser’s body, must be held directly 

over the plot center. The distance the prism is held from 

the eye is not critical. 

While holding the prism at eye level, check each tree in 

a 3600

 circle, making certain to keep the prism exactly 

over the center point as you rotate around the plot center. 

(see Figure 636-25). 

Figure 636-25 Fixed-Point Plot Center 

As demonstrated in Figure 636-26, when looking 

through the prism, the edge of the tree is offset to one 

side. If the offset is greater than the diameter of the tree, 

the tree is not tallied. If the offset is smaller than the 

diameter of the tree, the tree is tallied. If the offset is 

the same as the diameter of the tree, the tree is 

borderline. Either borderline trees are tallied as half 

trees, or every other borderline tree is tallied. Another 

method of determining whether a borderline tree is in or 

out is to multiply the tree DBH times the plot radius 

factor (see Table 636 - 1). If the product is greater than 

the distance from the plot center to the borderline tree, 

the tree is not tallied. 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-32 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Figure 636-26 Wedge Prism Tree Tally

1 - In (Tally)

2 -Out (Don’t Tally)

3 - Borderline (Tally As Half Tree)

1

2

3

Table 636 - 1 Plot Radius Factor 

Basal Area 

Factor 

Plot Radius 

Factor 

5 3.889 

10 2.750 

15 2.245 

20 1.944 

25 1.739 

30 1.588 

35 1.470 

40 1.375 

50 1.230 

60 1.123 

70 1.039 

80 0.972 

 

(b) Angle Gauge 

There are many varieties of angle gauges. All are based 

on the principle of projecting an angle to a tree from a 

fixed point (the eye), through two points whose lateral 

separation is fixed (the angle gauge). Although there 

are numerous angle gauges commercially available (see 

Figure 636-27), a stick-type angle gauge can be simply 

constructed of a wooden rod with a peep sight at one end 

and a crossarm at the other. 

To use the stick-type angle gauge, the observer holds the 

stick against the cheekbone and sights down the rod (see 

Figure 636-28). All trees whose diameter at breast 

height (DBH) appears larger than the crossarm are 

tallied. All trees whose DBH appears smaller than the 

crossarm are not tallied. All trees whose DBH appears 

the same width as the crossarm are considered borderline 

trees. Borderline trees are either tallied as half trees or 

every other borderline tree is tallied. With a stick-type 

angle gauge, the observer’s eye forms the vertex of the 

angle; so, unlike the wedge prism, the eye must be 

maintained over the sampling point as a 3600

 circle is 

made. 

Figure 636-27 Commercial Angle Gauges 

A — Fixed length, multiple BAF 

B — Fixed length, multiple BAF, slope 

correction 

C — Tube-type, single BAF
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-33

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Figure 636-28 Stick-Type Angle Gauge 

The length of the rod and the width of the crossarm 

depend on the desired BAF. These measurements are 

derived by constructing the rod and the crossarm in the 

same relationship as the ratio of tree diameter to plot 

radius for the desired BAF, as shown in Table 636 - 2. 

The ratio of tree diameter to plot radius for a BAF of 10 

is 1:33. Thus, an angle gauge with a BAF of 10 could 

have a 1-inch crossarm at the end of a 33-inch rod. 

Table 636 - 2 Tree Diameter to Plot Radius 

Ratio 

Basal Area 

Factor 

Ratio 

(tree diameter to plot radius 

5 1/46.7 

10 1/33.0 

15 1/26.9 

20 1/23.3 

25 1/20.9 

30 1/19.0 

35 1/17.6 

40 1/16.5 

50 1/14.8 

60 1/13.5 

70 1/12.5 

80 1/11.74 

Any combination of crossarm width to rod length could 

theoretically be used. However, regardless of the ratio 

desired, the rod should be at least 24 inches long. With 

rods shorter than 24 inches, it is difficult to keep both the 

intercept and the tree in focus simultaneously. Thus, if 

an angle gauge with a BAF of 60 were constructed with 

a 1-inch crossarm, the rod length would be only 13.5 

inches. (see Table 636 - 2). 

To adjust the crossarm width to accommodate longer rod 

lengths, use the formula: W = KL where 

W = crossarm width in inches 

K = gauge constant 

L = rod length in inches 

For example, an angle gauge with a BAF of 60 and a rod 

length of 25 inches would require a crossarm width of: 

W = (1/13.5) x 25 

W = (0.07407) x 25 

W = 1.85 

Conversely, to adjust the rod length to accommodate 

fixed crossarm widths, use the formula: L = W ÷ K 

For example, an angle gauge with a BAF of 60 and a 

crossarm width of 2 inches would require a crossarm 

length of 

L = 2 / (1/13.5) 

L = 2 / 0.07407 

L = 27 

636.36 Linear Measurement Tools 

(a) Logger's Tape 

Logger's tapes (see Figure 636-29) were originally 

designed to allow loggers' to scale felled timber. Their 

design allowed loggers to measure felled timber using 

one hand by clipping the tape to a belt loop, attaching a 

hook on the end of the tape to one end of a log and 

walking to the other end. After the measurement was 

recorded, a simple yank on the tape detached the hook 

and the tape automatically rewound. 

These features also make this type of tape ideal for many 

of the inventory methods previously described 

(measuring plot centers, determining distances between 

trees, etc.), especially when working alone. 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-34 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Figure 636-29 Typical Logger's Tape 

(b) Measuring Tapes 

Measuring tapes are often used in the inventory process. 

The primary differences among tapes are (1) material, 

(2) reel or no reel, (3) length, and (4) unit of measure. 

Some of the more commonly used tape styles are shown 

in Figure 636-30. 

Figure 636-30 Typical Measuring Tapes 

Tape material is either metallic or nonmetallic. Metallic 

tapes (chrome-clad, epoxy- coated, stainless steel, nyloncoated) are very durable, but the conductive nature of 

steel can make them dangerous to use around electrical 

sources, such as electric fences, power lines, etc. 

Nonmetallic tapes (fiberglass, Dacron) are only slightly 

less durable than steel tapes and are nonconductive, 

although they may be conductive when wet. Therefore, 

they are generally safe to use around electrical hazards. 

Although steel tapes are sometimes used without a reel, 

the convenience of either an open or closed reel is 

generally preferred. Tapes are graduated in either metric 

or English units of measurement. A 100-foot tape, 

graduated in feet and inches, is the style most commonly 

used. 

636.37 Hand Compass 

A hand compass is useful in inventory work for locating 

physical features in the planning area, such as roads, 

field and forest stand boundaries, windbreak rows, etc.; 

conducting stand inventories using the plot sampling 

method; and for general orientation of the planning area 

to maps or aerial photographs. 

There are basically two types of hand compasses, base 

plate and lensatic. 

The base plate compass is a flat, rectangular compass 

designed to be used in conjunction with a map. Most 

have a transparent base plate with an etched scale on one 

or both sides to measure distances on a map. Common 

scales available are standard map scales (1:24,000, 

1:50,000,1:62,000, etc.), inches, and millimeters. Some 

base plate compasses have a hinged sighting mirror that 

allows concurrent sighting and viewing of the compass 

needle, a useful feature when following a course of 

travel. The base plate compass is the most common type 

of compass used for general navigation. Figure 636-31 

shows examples of base plate compasses, one with a 

mirror and one without. 

Figure 636-31 Base Plate Compass 
Part 636.3 – Inventory Tools

636-35

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

The lensatic compass is generally a round compass with 

a hinged cover, sighting notch, and sighting wire. One 

type of lensatic compass, commonly referred to as a 

pocket transit, functions as a surveyor's compass, 

prismatic compass, clinometer, hand level, and plumb. 

The excellent sighting features (especially when used 

with a staff or tripod) make this type of compass ideal 

for shooting a bearing, and therefore it is the most 

common type of compass used for layout work (roads, 

trails, windbreaks, forest stand boundaries, etc.). Figure 

636-32 shows examples of lensatic compasses. The 

compass on the right is an example of a pocket transit. 

Figure 636-32 Lensatic Compass 

There are other hand compass types available that do not 

strictly fit into the above two categories. Examples are 

SUUNTO® and electronic, shown in Figure 636-33. 

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has an excellent 

article on using the compass. The article can be 

accessed on the Internet at 

http://mapping.usgs.gov/mac/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs0799

9.html 

Figure 636-33 Other Compass Types 

636.38 Wind Meter 

Wind meters, also called anemometers, measure wind 

speeds. These instruments are useful for determining 

wind parameters used in windbreak designs. Hand-held 

mechanical and electronic anemometers are the types 

most frequently used by NRCS personnel. Both are 

relatively inexpensive and have sufficient accuracy for 

design purposes. The mechanical type is the least 

expensive. The electronic types are more expensive but 

are somewhat more foolproof to use, due to the 

electronic display. In addition to measuring the current 

wind speed, some electronic models will also record the 

average and maximum wind speed over time. Figure 

636-34 shows some examples of typical hand-held wind 

meters. 

 Figure 636-34 Hand-Held Wind Meters 
Part 636.4 – Planning Considerations 

636-36

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

636.40 General 

Success in the planning and application of sound forest 

management principles depends on an understanding of 

the ecological processes and the ecology of the 

communities to be managed. Some processes of change 

are so universal as to be considered general ecological 

principles. Others may be less widely applicable 

(regional) and more closely related to particular 

communities or individual characteristics of a species. 

(a) Dynamics of Ecological Sites 

The plant communities for an ecological site are 

dynamic. They respond to changes in their environment 

by adjusting the kinds, proportions, and amounts of 

species in the plant community. Climatic cycles, fire, 

insects, diseases, and physical disturbances are factors 

that can cause plant communities to change over time. 

Some changes, such as those resulting from seasonal 

drought, are temporary; others, such as indiscriminate 

logging, may be long lasting. 

Other changes are the result of natural successional 

processes, such as the competition for space between 

different plant species. This competition for space 

results in changes to the structure and composition of the 

forest. As the main story of trees increases in size, the 

competition for space increases. A few trees gain space 

because adjacent trees succumb to wind, insects, 

diseases, logging, or just old age. A few more trees just 

manage to hold their own. And an increasing majority 

of trees lose space and eventually succumb. 

Thus, many complex factors contribute to changes in the 

composition, function, and trend of plant communities. 

Not all changes are related to management practices. 

Many changes may be caused by climatic fluctuations, 

fire, and extreme episodic events. 

To develop alternatives with the decisionmaker for 

management of forestland, NRCS employees must 

understand how an ecological site or association of sites 

responds to disturbance or other treatment. It is 

necessary to identify the ecological site and understand 

the description for that site. The ecological site 

description has the information necessary to interpret the 

findings of inventories to determine the rating of an 

ecological site. 

(b) Management Objectives 

Management objectives are developed and determined 

with the landowner during the planning process. All 

inventory and other necessary information for the 

development of objectives and the selection and 

application of forest management practices are gathered 

during the planning process. The objectives of the 

landowner and those of the NRCS do not need to be the 

same, but they must be compatible. The management 

objective must meet the needs of the landowner and the 

resources. 

(c) Desired Plant Community 

For most land units, there are several management 

alternatives. These alternatives must make available the 

kind of plant community that provides for and maintains 

a healthy ecosystem, meets resource quality criteria in 

the local field office technical guide and the desires of 

the landowner. The plant community that meets these 

criteria is the desired plant community. 

(d) Identifying Present Vegetation State 

and Desired Plant Community 

An ecological site may have several steady-state plant 

communities; the actual number is variable from site to 

site. The common plant communities described in the 

ecological site description will give an indication of the 

present plant community and an indication of the factors 

influencing the transition from one plant community to 

another. 

 After the cooperator has set goals for the site based 

upon the intended use, the NRCS conservationist 

provides information and analysis to help the cooperator 

select the appropriate plant community to meet the goals. 

This plant community becomes the desired plant 

community (DPC) and the appropriate plans are made by 

the cooperator to either maintain the existing plant 

community (if it is the DPC) or plan the appropriate 

transition from the present plant community to the 

desired plant community. This decision sets the stage 

for the selection of the appropriate conservation 

practices and resource management systems for the 

cooperator’s conservation plan. 

The NRCS conservationist will use information from the 

ecological site description, and other information to 

assist the land manager. This assistance will provide 

alternatives that would most likely lead toward the 
Part 636.4 – Planning Considerations

636-37 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

desired plant community. This stage of the conservation 

planning process involves the following steps: 

• Inventory the present plant community. 

• Determine which vegetation state the present 

community most closely resembles. 

• Determine what changes may be occurring. 

• Identify which vegetation state may be the desired plant community to meet the land 

manager’s goals and the resource needs. 

• Determine what conservation practice 

alternatives and resulting resource management 

system will achieve or maintain the DPC. 

• Provide follow-up assistance to the land 

manager in plan implementation. 

• Provide assistance to monitor progress. 

Conservation practices applied on forestland are grouped 

into two categories to reflect their major purposes: 

vegetation management and facilitating practices. 

(e) Recreation 

Recreation can be an important use of forestland. Soil 

interpretations can be used to determine the suitability of 

an area for recreation. NRCS can assist land users in 

understanding soil limitations and appraising the 

physical quality of sites. The major consideration is the 

protection of the site from erosion. 

In analyzing treatment needs, a distinction must be made 

between areas that are to receive intensive or extensive 

use: 

• On extensively used areas (those walked over 

occasionally) the best approach is to maintain 

the natural ground cover, mulch, and litter on the 

site. The leaves and twigs should not be raked 

or burned. 

• On intensively used areas, such as campgrounds, 

picnic sites, and playgrounds, a dense 

groundcover is needed. Materials such as wood 

chips, asphalt, concrete, and gravel may be used 

to protect heavily used areas. 

Recreational use requires careful consideration of 

possible conflicts. Certain types of recreation such as 

camping, nature study, and hiking may require a 

modification of silvicultural treatments. Trees that are of 

low priority for timber products may have high priority 

for recreational areas. A tree that is unmerchantable 

because of poor form, large limbs, or interior defect may 

have considerable value as a specimen tree or as a home 

for wildlife. An unmerchantable species may have very 

attractive foliage, bark, or shape. Selection cutting or 

group selection may be chosen as a harvest system even 

though clear cutting might be the best method from a 

wood production standpoint. 

Multiple use of forests does not necessarily mean a 

number of uses on the same area at the same time. 

Multiple use may involve a series of single uses of the 

same area over a period of time. 

(f) Watershed Protection 

Protection of the watershed is an important function of 

tree cover. A well-managed forest will: 

• Reduce flood-producing direct storm runoff. 

• Protect the soil from erosion. 

• Reduce sediment load in streams. 

• Maintain water quality. 

• Prolong streamflow during dry periods. 

• Permit better water infiltration and percolation 

to feed permanent springs and streams and 

replenish the water table. 

Little erosion occurs in protected, well-managed forests. 

Significant erosion may occur along poorly designed 

haul roads, skid roads, skid trails, and landings even in 

well-managed forests. Such erosion can be controlled 

by a few simple but essential measures. 

(g) Erosion Control 

Proper management can reduce erosion to the geologic 

rate. One or more of the following measures may be 

needed: 

• Plan roads and trails along the contour to the 

extent possible. Vary the road grade. 

• Slope roadbeds to allow water to drain off the 

road rather than collect on it. 

• Use culverts and bridges and keep equipment 

out of streams. 

• Leave or plant vegetation bufferstrips along 

streams. 

• Use water diversions to dispose of water that 

collects on roads and skid trails. 

• Seed raw roadbanks and other disturbed areas. 

• Put road to bed when not in use. Install water 

diversions, dips, and ditches as necessary to 

approximate original drainage pattern and seed 

them with adapted grasses and legumes. 
Part 636.4 – Planning Considerations

636-38 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

• Block unused roads to prevent unnecessary 

traffic. 

• Before any harvest operation, plan the work to 

take into account any moderate or severe soilrelated hazards or limitations. For instance, plan 

to harvest on wet soils during dry season to 

minimize damage by compaction. 

• Regulate grazing in accordance with the 

technical guide. 

• Protect the mat of needles and duff on the forest 

floor to the extent possible. 

• Use geologic information to minimize mass 

sliding. 

(h) Grazable Forests 

Some forest communities produce, at least periodically, 

enough understory vegetation suitable for forage that can 

be grazed without significantly impairing wood 

production and other forest values. 

Grazing land specialists can assist in preparing guides 

for grazable forests. 

(i) Wildlife 

Forests provide habitat for many wildlife species. 

Silvicultural practices and harvest methods can alter the 

forest environment. Certain practices are beneficial to 

certain animal groups and detrimental to others. By 

knowing animal needs and habitat responses to 

silvicultural practices, forests can be managed to 

produce selected timber and wildlife species according 

to the objectives of the land manager. 

Practices that promote diversity in the forests usually 

produce more variety in wildlife habitat. This can 

provide a variety of successional stages in the forest 

area, such as grass-forb, shrub-seedling, pole-sapling, 

young forest, and mature forest. 

(j)Technical Guide 

For any planned practice or combination of practices, the 

technical guide gives the best known specifications. 

Conservationists must be familiar with and understand 

the specifications and other important materials in the 

technical guide. The standards and specifications 

include practice modifications that can be used to 

eliminate, overcome, or counteract any moderate or 

severe soil limitation shown in Section II of the technical 

guide. If the landowner is being assisted in the 

application phase by a State-employed forester or a 

consulting forester, the forester should be given the 

interpretations and urged to consider appropriate 

measures. 

636.41 Windbreak Planning, 

Establishment, and Maintenance 

Windbreaks may be planted for many purposes or 

combinations of purposes: 

• Act as part of an erosion control system 

• Protect crops from wind damage or blowing soil 

• Protect livestock 

• Protect farmsteads 

• Reduce noise 

• Provide wildlife habitat 

• Give beauty and diversity in areas with few trees 

• Control snow drifting 

• Keep snow on fields and control deposition 

• Conserve energy and feed 

• Screen unsightly views 

• Enhance recreation areas. 

(a) Windbreak Types 

Although most windbreaks provide multiple benefits, 

there are three basic kinds. 

(1) Farmstead Windbreak 

A row or belt of trees and shrubs established next to a 

farmstead. Farmstead windbreaks protect soil resources, 

control snow deposition, prevent physical wind damage 

to the farmstead, conserve fuel, beautify the area, and 

provide habitat for some species of wildlife. The chill 

factor is moderated during winter months, dust is 

reduced, and living made more pleasant during the 

summer months. 

(2) Feedlot and Animal Shelter Windbreak 

One or more rows of trees or shrubs established to 

protect feedlots or areas where livestock are 

concentrated. Snow deposition is controlled, thus 

facilitating feeding and handling. Animal weight gain is 

better during cold windy weather when so protected. 

Livestock losses during blizzards are reduced. 

(3) Field Windbreak 

A row or belt of trees and shrubs planted on field edges 

or within fields. The primary purposes are to stop soil 

movement, protect crops, control snow deposition, 
Part 636.4 – Planning Considerations

636-39 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

conserve moisture, and provide food and cover for 

wildlife. Field windbreaks serve best as part of an 

erosion control system that includes other practice 

components. 

(b) Windbreak Design 

Many elements must be considered in designing a 

windbreak, each of which may be varied to achieve the 

particular purpose or combination of purposes. Design 

elements are: 

• Species suitability in relation to soils 

• Species composition 

• Number of rows 

• Primary purposes and the desired priority for 

those purposes 

• Species arrangements 

• Distance from area to be sheltered 

• Spacing of trees within rows and between rows 

• Prevailing wind direction 

• Topography. 

The VegSpec decision support system provides an 

expert system for the design of windbreaks. 

(1) Design for Erosion Control 

If wind erosion control is the principal purpose, one or 

two rows of fairly narrow plantings oriented 

perpendicular to prevailing winds give good protection. 

Windbreaks will give good protection for a distance of 

10 times the tree height, fair protection from 10 to 20 

times the height, and some protection from 20 to 30 

times the height. Windbreaks are most successful in 

erosion control when used as part of a system that 

includes crop residue use, tillage practices, wind 

stripcropping, and cover crops. 

(2) Design for Crop Protection 

Windbreaks are effective for the protection of orchard 

and field crops. In fruit crops, windbreaks improve 

pollination and fruit quality. With crops such as small 

grains and vegetables, windbreaks minimize the damage 

from blowing soil. 

(3) Design for Livestock Protection 

Snow control is most important in feedlots. Placement 

of the windbreak with relation to feed bunkers must be 

carefully planned. Other elements are similar to the 

design for farmstead protection. In planning for 

livestock protection, do not overlook the possibility of 

plantings to keep the dust and odors of the feedlot from 

reaching the farmstead. 

(4) Design for Farmstead Protection 

Farmstead windbreaks are most successful when several 

rows are used. Tall-growing trees are combined with 

medium-height trees and dense shrubs for maximum 

protection. Where snow control is important, dense 

shrub rows are essential on the windward side. Spacing 

between rows may be varied according to species needs 

or to fit the cultivating equipment that is available. 

Conifers generally give better year-round protection. 

Success with conifers demands special care in planning, 

spacing, and species arrangements to ensure unrestricted 

development. 

(5) Design for Noise Reduction 

 For noise reduction, conifers are superior to hardwoods 

because of their year-round foliage. Better noise 

reduction depends on maximum foliage density, extra 

width, and use of tall-growing species. For maximum 

noise reduction the planting should be placed as close as 

possible to the source of the noise. 

(6) Design for Wildlife Habitat 

 Windbreaks furnish a necessary habitat element in 

otherwise treeless areas. Because species diversity is 

desirable, a mixture of deciduous and evergreen tree and 

shrub species is best. Where snow is a problem, wider 

windbreaks are desirable for wildlife survival. 

(7) Design for Beauty 

 To enhance scenic quality, consider the following: 

• Mixtures of conifers and hardwoods provide a 

contrast. 

• Silver-foliaged plants when planted next to 

green foliage produce striking contrast. 

• Species with striking fall foliage can be planted 

where they can be seen. 

• Flowering shrubs and trees may be used as parts 

of rows to add seasonal beauty. 

• Trees with unusual color or form may be used 

where extra room is available to allow optimum 

development. 

(8) Design for Snow Control 

A narrow windbreak of medium density is needed to 

distribute and hold snow on fields. Dense windbreaks 

are needed to keep snow out of roads, farmsteads, and 

feedlots. 

(9) Design for Energy Conservation 
Part 636.4 – Planning Considerations

636-40 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Maximum reduction of winter energy use is achieved 

with dense windbreaks. Energy savings are proportional 

to wind reduction. 

(10) Design for Screening 

Almost any adapted species may be used for screening. 

If thin-foliage trees are used, it is necessary to back them 

up with dense-foliage trees or shrubs. For winter 

screening, conifers are best. 

(11) Enhancement of Recreation Values 

In recreation areas, windbreaks or screen plantings can 

beautify as well as provide wind protection. 

(12) Design for Odor Suppression 

Windbreaks or screening plants that can absorb and 

disperse air flow from odor generating areas.

(c) Establishment and Management 

(1) Site Preparation 

Site preparation has two principal benefits. The first is 

to save moisture through mechanical or chemical 

fallowing. Nonirrigated plantings in low-moisture areas 

may require fallowing to ensure enough available water 

to supply the tree seedlings through the first and most 

critical summer. 

The second benefit of site preparation is to eliminate or 

control competing vegetation. Fallow systems should 

leave a crop residue on the surface both to protect from 

wind erosion and to reduce evaporation. 

(2) Spacing 

Where moisture is plentiful, spacings of 8 to 16 feet 

between rows may be suitable. In drier areas as much as 

20 to 40 feet may be needed. Often, spacing between 

rows is selected to fit the equipment available. Spacings 

within the row may vary from as little as 3 feet for 

shrubs to 20 feet for trees depending on the species, soil, 

and climate. 

(3) Care of Planting Stock 

Planting stock should be stored in a manner that will 

ensure that the plants remain dormant and retain their 

vigor. It is important to keep the roots moist from the 

time the plants are lifted until they are planted. 

(4) Planting 

Trees and shrubs should be planted with the roots 

positioned as naturally as possible and near the same 

depth as they grew in the nursery. The soil must be 

firmly and uniformly packed around the roots. Any 

plants that fail to survive the first or second season 

should be replaced the following planting season. 

(5) Care after Planting 

No single management practice is more important than 

controlling weeds and grass. Even when moisture is 

plentiful, better growth and development occurs with 

proper maintenance. Where cultivation is necessary, 

shallow cultivation (4 inches or less) is recommended. 

In dry areas, or on unfavorable soils, cultivation may be 

necessary throughout the life of the windbreak or until 

the crowns close and prohibit cultivation. Herbicides are 

valuable tools for controlling competing vegetation, 

especially within the tree row. In dry areas applying 

supplemental water is beneficial to plant establishment. 

(6) Protection 

Poultry and livestock must be kept out of the windbreak. 

Grazing cannot be tolerated if a good windbreak is the 

goal. Animals can seriously deform and kill trees and 

shrubs. Insect pests must be controlled. Timely use of 

pesticides can prevent buildup and provide immediate 

relief. Long-term solutions include integrating direct 

silvicultural, biological, and chemical control methods 

with indirect control methods such as diversity of 

species and the use of resistant varieties. Periodic 

inspections are essential to a protection system. 

 (7) Renovation 

Windbreak renovation includes actions to restore or 

create proper spacing, density, structure, and species 

composition. There are eight major problems that may 

be overcome by renovation: 

• Need for thinning to relieve extreme crowding 

and loss of vigor in interior rows. 

• Need for releasing conifers from severe 

overtopping and side competition from broadleaf 

trees. 

• Need for planting supplemental rows of conifers 

in windbreaks composed entirely of broadleaf 

trees. 

• Need for modifying the level of density of 

foliage (increase density in some cases and 

reduce it in others). 

• Need for reducing the width of very wide belts 

where removal of rows will not seriously alter 

the windbreak's effectiveness. 

• Need for managing reproduction so as to 

maintain the desired structure of the shelterbelt. 
Part 636.4 – Planning Considerations

636-41 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

• Need for replacing rows lost to drought or 

disease. 

• Need for replacing deteriorating broadleaf rows 

by underplanting with shade-tolerant conifers. 

(d) Selecting Better Trees and Shrubs for 

Windbreaks 

(1) Plant Materials Program 

The NRCS plant materials program selects better 

adapted windbreak plants through testing and release of 

improved plants. Conservationists and foresters should 

always be on the lookout for trees and shrubs that have 

proven to be more drought resistant, more resistant to 

disease, more resistant to breakage, or have other 

desirable characteristics. 

(2) Research Programs 

The Forest Service, Science and Education 

Administration, universities, and agricultural experiment 

stations have research responsibilities in windbreak 

development. It is the policy of NRCS and the 

responsibility of NRCS conservationists and foresters to 

work closely with research personnel and thus give them 

the benefit of field observations. Superior tree selection 

programs can be developed by close interagency 

cooperation. 

(3) Seed Orchards 

After superior trees have been identified, seed orchards 

and seed production areas need to be established so that 

seed can be produced in commercial quantities and its 

origin certified. The goal should be trees grown from 

seed of certified origin with known genetic potential. 

(4) Nursery Production 

Trees for windbreak planting are grown in Forest 

Service, State, private, and conservation district 

nurseries. NRCS can encourage conservation district 

governing bodies to develop planting stock orders so as 

to stabilize the demand. To facilitate production, 

nurseries should be provided with reasonable estimates 

or commitments two or more months before the planting 

season. A good windbreak program requires a variety of 

species. Planting a few species in great quantity leaves 

the program vulnerable to disease or insect infestation. 

(5) Handling of Planting Stock 

Many windbreak plantings require only a few hundred 

trees. For economy of handling it is necessary to pool 

orders. NRCS encourages conservation districts to make 

pooling arrangements. When pooled orders arrive, 

modern storage facilities are essential if the trees are to 

be kept dormant until ready for planting. Where bad 

weather can delay a planting season or where the 

workload is heavy, refrigerated storage pays off. 

(e) Technical Materials 

Each conservationist and forester should make certain 

that the principles in this manual are contained in the 

technical guide. The National Forestry Manual, Part 537 

discusses conservation tree/shrub interpretations. The 

conservationist needs to be familiar with those 

interpretations and use them in helping landowners 

design better windbreaks. 
Part 636.5 – Exhibits 

636-42

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Exhibit 636-1 Trees Per Acre by Spacing and Diameter 

Average Tree Diameter (D) 

(inches)

Spacing 

(D + x) 

(feet) 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 

D+15 99 90 82 76 70 64 60 56 52 48 45 43 40 38 36

D+14 109 99 90 82 76 70 64 60 56 52 48 45 43 40 38

D+13 121 109 99 90 82 76 70 64 60 56 52 48 45 43 40

D+12 134 121 109 99 90 82 76 70 64 60 56 52 48 45 43

D+11 151 134 121 109 99 90 82 76 70 64 60 56 52 48 45

D+10 170 151 134 121 109 99 90 82 76 70 64 60 56 52 48

D+9 194 170 151 134 121 109 99 90 82 76 70 64 60 56 52

D+8 222 194 170 151 134 121 109 99 90 82 76 70 64 60 56

D+7 258 222 194 170 151 134 121 109 99 90 82 76 70 64 60

D+6 303 258 222 194 170 151 134 121 109 99 90 82 76 70 64

D+5 360 303 258 222 194 170 151 134 121 109 99 90 82 76 70

D+4 436 360 303 258 222 194 170 151 134 121 109 99 90 82 76

D+3 538 436 360 303 258 222 194 170 151 134 121 109 99 90 82

D+2 681 538 436 360 303 258 222 194 170 151 134 121 109 99 90

D+1 889 681 538 436 360 303 258 222 194 170 151 134 121 109 99

D+0 1210 889 681 538 436 360 303 258 222 194 170 151 134 121 109

D–1 1742 1210 889 681 538 436 360 303 258 222 194 170 151 134 121

D–2 2723 1742 1210 889 681 538 436 360 303 258 222 194 170 151 134

D–3 2723 1742 1210 889 681 538 436 360 303 258 222 194 170 151

D–4 2723 1742 1210 889 681 538 436 360 303 258 222 194 170

D–5 2723 1742 1210 889 681 538 436 360 303 258 222 194

The number of trees per acre is read at the intersection of the column representing the average tree diameter and the 

row representing the desired D + x. 
Part 636.4 – Planning Considerations

636-43 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

CONTENTS 

PART PAGE 

Part 637.0 – General 

637.00 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 637-4 

637.01 Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 637-2 

637.02 Responsibilities............................................................................................................................ 637-2 

637.03 Basic Unit of Interpretation and Forms of Information Display ................................................. 637-2 

(a) Basic Unit of Interpretation.................................................................................................... 637-2 

(b) Forms of Information Display................................................................................................ 637-2 

Part 637.1 – Data Collection, Analyses, and Interpretation 

637.10 General.........................................................................................................................................637-3 

637.11 Organization of Interpretations....................................................................................................637-3 

(a) Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations..............................637-3 

(b) Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations..............................637-3 

Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations 

637.20.1 General...................................................................................................................................... 637-3 

637.20.2 Overview of NASIS Structure.................................................................................................. 637-4 

637.21 Vegetation and Productivity Interpretations................................................................................ 637-5 

(a) Component Trees to Manage Table ....................................................................................... 637-5 

(1) Table Values .................................................................................................................... 637-5 

(i) Local Plant Symbol and Local Plant Name ............................................................... 637-5 

(b) Component Forest Productivity Table ................................................................................... 637-6 

(1) Table Values .................................................................................................................... 637-6 

(i) Local Plant Symbol and Local Plant Name ................................................................ 637-6 

(ii) Site Index Base ..........................................................................................................637-6 

(iii) Site Index.................................................................................................................. 637-6 

(iv) Productivity ft3/ac/yr CMAI - Low/RV/High ........ 637-Error! Bookmark not defined.

(c) Component Forest Productivity - Other Table....................................................................... 637-7 

(1) Table Values .................................................................................................................... 637-7 

(i) Site Index Base ...........................................................................................................637-7 

(ii) Site Index ................................................................................................................... 637-7 

(iii) Productivity and Units.............................................................................................. 637-7 

637.22 Criteria-Based Interpretations...................................................................................................... 637-8 

(a) Developing Interpretations..................................................................................................... 637-8 

(b) NASIS Interpretation Components ........................................................................................ 637-8 

(1) Properties ......................................................................................................................... 637-8 

(2) Evaluations....................................................................................................................... 637-9 

(i) Crisp Evaluations........................................................................................................ 637-9 

(ii) Fuzzy Evaluations...................................................................................................... 637-9 

(3) Rules............................................................................................................................... 637-10 

(i) Reporting Out Rating Values.................................................................................... 637-10 

(ii) Reporting Out Rating Classes.................................................................................. 637-11 
Part 637 – Soil-Related Forestry and Agroforestry Interpretation

637-ii 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

(iii) Rules With Multiple Evaluations............................................................................637-11 

(iv) Fuzzy Math .............................................................................................................637-12 

(v) Multiple Reporting Levels .......................................................................................637-12 

(c) Reporting Interpretations......................................................................................................637-13 

(1) Report Manager..............................................................................................................637-14 

(2) Selecting the Report Format...........................................................................................637-14 

(i) INTERP Report Format ............................................................................................637-14 

(ii) MANU Report Format.............................................................................................637-17 

Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations 

637.30 General.......................................................................................................................................637-18 

637.31 Ecological Site Description Application (ESD) ........................................................................637-19 

(a) Conventions for Using the ESD Application .......................................................................637-20 

(b) Adding or Editing Ecological Site Descriptions ..................................................................637-21 

(1) Forestland(Add) Screen .................................................................................................637-22 

(2) Data Entry and Editing...................................................................................................637-23 

(i) General Section.........................................................................................................637-24 

(ii) Physiographic Features Section ...............................................................................637-25 

(iii) Climate Features Section ........................................................................................637-26 

(iv) Water Features Section ...........................................................................................637-26 

(v) Soil Features Section................................................................................................637-27 

(vi) Plant Communities Section.....................................................................................637-28 

(1) Forest Plant Community Screen - Ecological Dynamics Portion ......................637-29 

(2) Forest Plant Communities Screen – Plant Community Portion .........................637-29 

(vii) Site Interpretations Section....................................................................................637-34 

(viii) Supporting Information Section............................................................................637-36 

(3) Producing Ecological Site Description Reports.............................................................637-40 

637.32 Ecological Site Inventory...........................................................................................................637-41 

(a) Forest Plot Inventory Operations .........................................................................................637-41 

(1) Site Selection..................................................................................................................637-41 

(2) Site Documentation........................................................................................................637-41 

(3) ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet....................................................................................637-41 

(i) Forest Site Plot Number............................................................................................637-42 

(ii) Location Data...........................................................................................................637-42 

(iii) Physical Data ..........................................................................................................637-42 

(iv) Soil Data..................................................................................................................637-43 

(v) Density Data.............................................................................................................637-44 

(vi) Tree Data.................................................................................................................637-44 

(vii) Site Index Data.......................................................................................................637-45 

(viii) Canopy Cover Data...............................................................................................637-46 

(ix) Ground Cover Data .................................................................................................637-46 

(xi) Remarks...................................................................................................................637-46 

(4) Statistical Analysis.........................................................................................................637-46 

(i) Standard Deviation....................................................................................................637-46 

(ii) Coefficient of Variation ...........................................................................................637-48
Part 637 – Soil-Related Forestry and Agroforestry Interpretation

637-iii 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

(b) Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot Inventory Operations........................................................... 637-48 

(1) Site Selection ................................................................................................................. 637-49 

(2) Site Documentation........................................................................................................637-49 

(3) ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet............................................................................ 637-49 

(i) General Data ............................................................................................................. 637-49 

(ii) Soil Information....................................................................................................... 637-50 

(iii) Maintenance and Response .................................................................................... 637-51 

(iv) Species Performance............................................................................................... 637-52 

(c) ESI-Forestland Application.................................................................................................. 637-54 

(1) Conventions for Using the ESI-Forestland Application ................................................ 637-54 

(2) Adding or Editing ESI-Forestland Data......................................................................... 637-56 

(i) Accessing the System ............................................................................................... 637-56 

(ii) Forest Plot Data Entry and Edit............................................................................... 637-58 

(1) Change Plot ID................................................................................................... 637-58 

(2) Site-Related Data ............................................................................................... 637-58 

(3) Vegetative-Related Data .................................................................................... 637-58 

(iii) Windbreak Plot Data Entry and Edit ...................................................................... 637-58 

(1) Change Windbreak Plot ID................................................................................ 637-59 

(2) Site-Related Data ............................................................................................... 637-59 

(3) Vegetative-Related Data .................................................................................... 637-59 

(iv) Producing ESI-Forestland Reports ......................................................................... 637-59 

(1) Forest Site Standard Reports.............................................................................. 637-59 

(1) Windbreak Standard Reports ............................................................................. 637-61 

(2) Forest Site Custom Report ................................................................................. 637-61 

Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

Exhibit 637-1 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies concolor (white fir)...................................................... 637-64 

Exhibit 637-2 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies magnifica (California red fir)....................................... 637-65 

Exhibit 637-3 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies balsamea (balsam fir) .................................................. 637-66 

Exhibit 637-4 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir)............................................. 637-67 

Exhibit 637-5 CMAI Annual Growth - Acer saccharinum (silver maple) ..........................................637-68 

Exhibit 637-6 CMAI Annual Growth - Alnus rubra (red alder) .......................................................... 637-69 

Exhibit 637-7 CMAI Annual Growth - Betula papyrifera (paper birch) ............................................. 637-70 

Exhibit 637-8 CMAI Annual Growth - Betula papyrifera (paper birch) - Alaska...............................637-71 

Exhibit 637-9 Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash).............................................................................. 637-72 

Exhibit 637-10 CMAI Annual Growth - Juniperus L. (juniper) - Southwest ...................................... 637-73 

Exhibit 637-11 CMAI Annual Growth - Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper).............................637-74 

Exhibit 637-12 CMAI Annual Growth - Larix occidentalis (western larch) ....................................... 637-75 

Exhibit 637-13 CMAI Annual Growth - Larix laricina (tamarack)..................................................... 637-76 

Exhibit 637-14 CMAI Annual Growth - Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) .................................. 637-77 

Exhibit 637-15 CMAI Annual Growth - Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree) .......................................637-78 

Exhibit 637-16 CMAI Annual Growth - Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo) ............................................. 637-79 

Exhibit 637-17 CMAI Annual Growth - Nyssa biflora (swamp tupelo).............................................. 637-80 

Exhibit 637-18 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea engelmannii (Engelmann’s spruce) ........................... 637-81 

Exhibit 637-19 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea glauca (white spruce) ................................................ 637-82 
Part 637 – Soil-Related Forestry and Agroforestry Interpretation

637-iv 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Exhibit 637-20 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea pungens (black spruce) ..............................................637-83 

Exhibit 637-21 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea rubens (red spruce) ....................................................637-84 

Exhibit 637-22 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) ............................................637-85 

Exhibit 637-23 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus L. (pinyon pine) – Southwest.....................................637-86 

Exhibit 637-24 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus banksiana (jack pine).................................................637-87 

Exhibit 637-25 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus clausa (sand pine) ......................................................637-88 

Exhibit 637-26 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine)...........................................637-89 

Exhibit 637-27 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) ............................................637-90 

Exhibit 637-28 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus elliottii (slash pine) ....................................................637-91 

Exhibit 637-29 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus elliottii densa (South Florida slash pine)...................637-92 

Exhibit 637-30 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus monticola (western white pine)..................................637-93 

Exhibit 637-31 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus palustris (longleaf pine).............................................637-94 

Exhibit 637-32 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine).......................................637-95 

Exhibit 637-33 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus resinosa (red pine) .....................................................637-96 

Exhibit 637-34 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus serotina (pond pine)...................................................637-97 

Exhibit 637-35 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) - WV, MD, DE, VA .....637-98 

Exhibit 637-36 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus strobus (eastern white pine).......................................637-99 

Exhibit 637-37 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) - PA, NJ, NY, and New 

England .................................................................................................................................................637-100 

Exhibit 637-38 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus taeda (loblolly pine).................................................637-101 

Exhibit 637-39 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine)........................................637-102 

Exhibit 637-40 CMAI Annual Growth - Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) .....................637-103 

Exhibit 637-41 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus L. (cottonwood)....................................................637-104 

Exhibit 637-42 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) - Lake States......637-105 

Exhibit 637-43 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) – Lake States .........637-106 

Exhibit 637-44 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) - Central Rockies...637-107 

Exhibit 637-45 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) – Alaska.................637-108 

Exhibit 637-46 CMAI Annual Growth - Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) .................................637-109 

Exhibit 637-47 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus L. (upland oaks)...................................................637-110 

Exhibit 637-48 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus nigra (water oak).................................................637-111 

Exhibit 637-49 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus pagoda (cherrybark oak) .....................................637-112 

Exhibit 637-50 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus phellos (willow oak)............................................637-113 

Exhibit 637-51 CMAI Annual Growth - Sequoia sempervirens (redwood).......................................637-114 

Exhibit 637-52 CMAI Annual Growth - Thuja occidentalis (eastern arborvitae)..............................637-115 

Exhibit 637-53 CMAI Annual Growth - Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock)..............................637-116 

Exhibit 637-54 CMAI Annual Growth References ............................................................................637-116 

Exhibit 637-55 ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet ...............................................................................637-119 

Exhibit 637-56 State Plane Coordinate Zone Codes ..........................................................................637-119 

Exhibit 637-57 Determining Site Index for Lodgepole Pine..............................................................637-120

Exhibit 637-58 ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet........................................................................637-122 

Exhibit 637-59 Forest Cover Type Codes ..........................................................................................637-124

637.00 Introduction 

This part provides detailed technical guidance and 

instruction (how-to) relative to the collection, analyses, 

and development of soil-related interpretations for 

forestry and agroforestry activities. Instructions and 

procedures are given for (1) conducting ecological site 

inventories of forest and windbreak sites; (2) using the 
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NASIS interpretation generator to automate the 

assigning of forestry and agroforestry interpretative 

ratings to soil components; (3) using the Ecological Site 

Inventory application to record and query forest and 

windbreak site inventory data; (4) using the Ecological 

Site Description application to record and query 

forestland ecological site descriptions. 

The purpose of this part is to define how NRCS collects 

and interprets soil-related forestry and agroforestry 

information. This information is needed to make 

decisions on the use and treatment of soil, vegetation, 

and water resources. Knowledge of the relationship of 

soil to forestry and agroforestry activities is essential to 

provide planning and applications assistance. 

637.01 Policy 

Refer to the National Forestry Manual. 

637.02 Responsibilities 

Refer to the National Forestry Manual. 

637.03 Basic Unit of Interpretation 

and Forms of Information Display 

(a) Basic Unit of Interpretation 

The basic geographic or land unit for interpretation is the 

soil component. For the purposes of this manual, the 

soil component normally refers to a soil series or phase 

of a soil series that exhibits consistent behavior in terms 

of growth, management and response of trees and 

associated understory. Soil map unit delineations in 

published soil surveys usually contain one or more 

predominant soil components and a number of 

components as inclusions. Regardless of complexity, 

interpretations and supporting data have a single soil 

component as their base unit or point of focus. 

(b) Forms of Information Display 

Soil map unit descriptions and ecological site 

descriptions are the two major forms of display used to 

describe the information and interpretations known 

about individual soil components. 

Soil map unit descriptions usually show the anticipated 

behavior or limitations of each soil component included 

in the map unit. 

Ecological site descriptions show group-level 

interpretations for soil components that behave similarly; 

where necessary, they also include component-level 

interpretations for individual soil components. For 

example, a group of similar soil components may have 

the same interpretation for overstory tree species but 

have different erosion hazard ratings. A group-level 

interpretation, when used and appropriate, allows for 

simplification of database relationships and forms of 

display.

Part 637.1 – Data Collection, Analyses, and Interpretation 

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637.10 General 

Certain data must be collected, analyses made, and 

evaluations performed to accurately describe the 

behavior and limitations of soil components for the 

purposes of forestry and agroforestry. Interpretations 

associated with each soil component are (1) developed 

from the raw field data and subsequent analyses, (2) 

inferred from historical data, maps or anecdotal 

information, or (3) derived from criteria based on soil 

characteristics, soil-moisture relationships, and other 

associated attributes. 

Certain interpretations are highly dependent on the 

analyses of field data, e.g., Trees to Manage; Forest 

Productivity; Forest Understory, Ground Cover and 

Structure, etc. NRCS foresters are to avoid making such 

interpretations without adequate and properly collected 

data. 

Other interpretations are inferred from historical data 

and maps, e.g., Historic Climax Plant Community, or 

from expert criteria or rating guides, e.g., Conservation 

Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups. These interpretations are 

usually not field-data dependent and can be derived from 

available reference materials or criteria. As such, they 

are approximations or expectations of an individual soil 

component’s behavior and limitations. 

As stated in the National Forestry Manual, Part 537 

forestry and agroforestry interpretations are organized 

into two subparts. The procedures and techniques used 

to collect, analyze, and interpret data are described 

relative to the two subparts. 

637.11 Organization of 

Interpretations 

(a) Part 637.2 – National Soil 

Information System (NASIS) 

Interpretations 

This subpart describes the procedures for (1) using 

NASIS to record vegetation and productivity 

interpretations; and (2) using the NASIS interpretation 

generator to develop interpretive ratings based on 

forestry and agroforestry criteria. 

(b) Part 637.3 – Ecological Site 

Information System (ESIS) 

Interpretations 

This subpart describes the procedures for (1) conducting 

ecological site inventories of forest and windbreak sites; 

(2) using the Ecological Site Inventory application to 

record and query forest and windbreak inventory data; 

(3) using the Ecological Site Description application to 

record and query forestland ecological site descriptions. 

 

637.20.1 General 

Interpretations are developed to predict soil behavior for 

specific soil uses (timber production) or specific soil 

management practices (log landings). They help to 

implement laws, programs, and regulation at local, State, 

and national levels. They are used to plan broad 

categories of land use, such as forestry or agroforestry. 

They are also used to plan specific management 

practices that are applied to soils, such as mechanical 

site preparation or haul road construction. 

Soil interpretations may be developed at the State, 

regional, or national level by interdisciplinary teams. 

Discipline specialists, such as foresters and grazing lands 

management specialists, are essential to the development 

of soil interpretations. 

Refer to the National Soil Survey Handbook (NSSH), 

Part 617 for detailed guidance and policy relative to the 

development of soil interpretations. 

The National Soil Information System (NASIS) is used 

to record forestry and agroforestry soil-based 

interpretations. The interpretative data recorded in 

NASIS fall within two broad categories: (1) vegetation 

and productivity interpretations, and (2) criteria-based 

interpretations. 

This subpart describes the procedures for (1) using 

NASIS to record vegetation and productivity 

interpretations, and (2) using the NASIS interpretation 

generator to develop interpretive ratings based on 

forestry and agroforestry criteria. 

This subpart is not intended to provide detailed 

instructions on the use of the NASIS software, although 
Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

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discipline specialists are encouraged to seek training in 

its use. This subpart is intended to provide discipline 

specialists with a broad understanding of the NASIS 

structure and the vegetation and productivity data 

elements. 

637.20.2 Overview of NASIS 

Structure 

NASIS uses a table-oriented approach for the entry and 

maintenance of data. These tables are grouped into a set 

of hierarchically related records where each group of 

tables has a root table to which all other tables in the 

group are linked. 

Figure 637-1 shows this hierarchical relationship. The 

group of tables named “data mapunit” begins with a root 

table, named Data Mapunit. As shown in Figure 637-1, 

the root table is always the top table. One or more 

components in the Component table are linked to a 

single data mapunit in the Data Mapunit. As shown 

Figure 637-1, the component named ADENA in the 

Component table is linked to the data mapunit named 

TESTCA in the Data Mapunit table. 

Figure 637-1 NASIS Hierarchical Table 

Structure 

Similarly, several tables are linked to the Component

table. Figure 637-2 shows the records in one of these 

tables, Component Forest Productivity, that are linked 

to the component ADENA in the Component table. 

Part 637.21 provides instructions for entering data in the 

vegetation and productivity tables in NASIS. Part 

637.22 provides guidance in the use of the NASIS 

application to provide criteria-based interpretations. 
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Figure 637-2 Component Forest Productivity 

Table 

637.21 Vegetation and Productivity 

Interpretations 

All of the vegetation and productivity interpretations are 

developed from analysis of field data collected for 

individual soil components. These interpretations 

correlate plant species and their expected productivity to 

soil components. Plant discipline experts (foresters, 

grazing lands management specialists, etc.) are 

responsible for the collection and analysis of the data. 

Normally, soil scientists at project, State, or major land 

resource offices physically enter the data in NASIS, 

although some areas may choose to allow the plant 

discipline experts to also enter and/or manage the 

vegetation and productivity data in NASIS. 

All of the vegetation and productivity interpretation 

records are contained in tables that are linked to the 

Component table. The following sections describe the 

data recorded in each of these tables. 

The National Forestry Manual, Part 537 describes the 

various vegetation and productivity interpretations and 

details the data elements associated with each 

interpretation. 

(a) Component Trees to Manage Table 

The Component Trees to Manage table (see Figure 

637-3) contains those tree species that are preferred for 

planting, seeding, or natural regeneration and/or the 

preferred residual tree species in thinning or partial 

harvest operations. 

Figure 637-3 Component Trees to Manage 

Table 

(1) Table Values 

(i) Local Plant Symbol and Local Plant Name 

Select the Local Plant Symbol and Local Plant Name 

from the list of local plants maintained in the database 

(see Figure 637-4). 

Figure 637-4 Plant Selection Choice List 
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(b) Component Forest Productivity Table 

The Component Forest Productivity table contains the 

site index and annual productivity of adapted tree 

species. The site index and productivity values recorded 

(Figure 637-4) are determined from plot data recorded 

in the Ecological Site Inventory database. See part 

637.3 for instructions on the collection of forestry and 

agroforestry plot data and the use of the Ecological Site 

Inventory application. 

(1) Table Values 

(i) Local Plant Symbol and Local Plant Name 

Select the Local Plant Symbol and Local Plant Name 

from the list of local plants maintained in the database 

(see Figure 637-4). 

(ii) Productivity ft3/ac/yr CMAI – Low/RV/High 

Productivity ft3/ac/yr CMAI is the annual growth of 

identified species in cubic feet per acre at the age of 

culmination of mean annual increment (CMAI) for the 

specified site index. These values represent the annual 

growth for fully stocked natural stands (unmanaged 

except for protection) as given in standard normal yield 

tables. An exception to this might be made for species 

grown primarily in plantations where the use of 

measured plantation yield seems more logical. Annual 

growth is the total wood produced in the boles of the 

trees to the smallest top diameter given in tables. CMAI 

is the volume at the point of the highest yearly growth. 

Exhibit 637-1 through Exhibit 637-53 show annual 

growth in cubic feet at CMAI by site index for common 

tree species. 

Enter the RV (representative value) annual growth in 

cubic feet per acre that most typifies the site for the 

identified soil component and site index (see Figure 637-

7). Low and high annual growth values (these values are 

the typical low and high annual growth for the identified 

soil component and site index) may also be entered. 

(iii) Site Index 

Enter the RV (representative value) site index, derived 

from the selected site index base (see Figure 637-6). 

The site index value entered should be that which most 

typifies the site for the identified soil component. Low 

and high site index values may also be entered. These 

values are the typical low and high site index values for 

the identified soil component. 

(iv) Site Index Base 

The site index base identifies the site index curve used to 

determine the site index. Select the appropriate curve 

number from the list of site index curves maintained in 

the database (see Figure 637-5). The list of site index 

curves is derived from the National Register of Site 

Index Curves as listed in National Forestry Manual, 

Exhibit 537-1. 

Figure 637-5 Site Index Base Choice List 

Figure 637-6 Component Forest Productivity 

Table - Site Index Values 

 
Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-7 Component Forest Productivity 

Table - Productivity Values 

(c) Component Forest Productivity – 

Other Table 

The Component Forest Productivity – Other table is 

used to record site index values with site index bases 

different from that recorded in the Component Forest 

Productivity table. This table is also used to record 

annual productivity values other than cubic feet per acre 

at CMAI. 

(1) Table Values 

(i) Site Index Base 

Select the appropriate curve number from the list (see 

Figure 637-5) that identifies a site index curve different 

than the one used to derive the site index value recorded 

in the Component Forest Productivity table. 

(ii) Site Index 

Enter the RV (representative value) site index value 

derived from the selected site index base (see Figure 

637-8). Low and high site index values may also be 

entered. 

(iii) Productivity and Units 

Enter the RV (representative value) annual productivity 

for units of measure other than cubic feet per acre per 

year CMAI. Low and high annual productivity values 

may also be entered. Select the appropriate unit of 

measure from the choice list that corresponds to the 

entered productivity value (see Figure 637-9 and Figure 

637-10). 

Figure 637-8 Component Forest Productivity 

Other Table - Site Index 

Figure 637-9 Component Forest Productivity 

Other Table - Productivity 
Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-10 Unit of Measure Choice List 

637.22 Criteria-Based 

Interpretations 

Criteria-based interpretations are based on soil 

properties or qualities that directly influence a specified 

use or management activity. These interpretations 

predict soil behavior to help in the development of 

reasonable and effective alternatives for the use and 

management of forestry and agroforestry activities. 

A set of national forestry and agroforestry interpretations 

is maintained at the national level. The descriptions, 

rating classes, rating criteria, and considerations for each 

of these national interpretations are detailed in the 

National Forestry Manual, Part 537. 

Interpretations are assigned to soil map unit components. 

The properties and soil performance data for these 

components are maintained in the National Soil 

Information System (NASIS) database and are the basis 

for assigning interpretive ratings. Interpretive ratings are 

assigned to individual soil map unit components by 

applying the interpretive criteria to the soil map unit 

component data in NASIS. This process is automated 

through the standard report functionality in NASIS. 

(a) Developing Interpretations 

States and other local offices may choose to use some or 

all of the national interpretations, develop new 

interpretations, or modify the national interpretations to 

reflect local criteria and needs. Refer to the National 

Soil Survey Handbook for guidelines on developing soil 

interpretations and the policy for documentation. 

Developing new interpretations or modifying existing 

interpretations should be done by interdisciplinary 

teams. Normally, a forester or other plant science 

specialist supplies the interpretive criteria and a soil 

scientist inputs the appropriate properties, evaluations, 

and rules into the NASIS database. 

This subpart is not intended to provide detailed 

instructions on the process of developing and/or 

modifying interpretive criteria in NASIS. Those 

interested in learning more about NASIS interpretation 

development should refer to the NASIS “Getting 

Started” publication or attend a training course on the 

subject. 

This subpart is intended to provide discipline specialists 

with an overview of the various components in NASIS 

that are required to produce interpretive ratings. 

(b) NASIS Interpretation Components 

Three components are required in order to produce 

automated interpretative ratings using NASIS: 

properties, evaluations, and rules. All interpretations in 

NASIS consist of at least one property, one evaluation, 

and one rule, although most interpretations have several 

of each. All of the properties, evaluations, and rules 

used to produce interpretive results are stored in the 

NASIS database. Anyone with the proper permissions 

may enter new properties, evaluations, and rules or 

modify existing ones. 

(1) Properties 

A property retrieves specified soil data from the 

database. It consists of a statement written in a language 

which queries the database and retrieves specific data. 

Some of the statements are very simply but most are 

rather complex. Because of their complexity, most 

properties are developed and/or modified by individuals 

thoroughly familiar with the language. 

Figure 637-11 shows an example of a simple property 

statement that retrieves the low, high, and representative 

values for the slope of a soil map unit component. 

Figure 637-12 shows the complexity of a typical 

property statement. This property retrieves the 

minimum top depth to a soil layer with soil moisture 

status of “wet” in any month corresponding to a 

specified taxonomic temperature regime. This property 

statement demonstrates not only the complexity of the 

statements but also the level of knowledge of soil 
Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

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properties that is required to retrieve soil data relative to 

specific interpretive criteria. 

Figure 637-11 Simple Property Statement 

Figure 637-12 Complex Property Statement 

(2) Evaluations 

An evaluation compares the data values retrieved by a 

property to the criteria specified in an interpretation and 

assigns a numerical rating (rating value) to the result. 

There are two basic types of evaluations: “crisp” and 

“fuzzy.” The following examples demonstrate the 

differences between these two evaluation types. 

(i) Crisp Evaluations 

Crisp evaluations return a rating class value of 1 or 0. In 

other words, the evaluation result is either true (1) or 

false (0). For example, an interpretation may rate a soil 

as being limited for a specific use if the soil is poorly 

drained. To evaluate the drainage class of a soil, a 

property is developed to retrieve the drainage class and 

an evaluation is developed to determine if the drainage 

class is poorly. If the drainage class is poorly, the 

evaluation returns a rating value of 1 (true). If the 

drainage class is not poorly, the evaluation returns a 

rating value of 0 (false). This type of evaluation is 

termed crisp. Figure 637-13 shows how the NASIS 

evaluation editor is used to develop a crisp evaluation. 

Figure 637-13 Crisp Evaluation 

(ii) Fuzzy Evaluations 

Fuzzy evaluations return a rating class value of 1 (true) 

or 0 (false) or some value between 1 and 0. Like a crisp 

evaluation, a fuzzy evaluation can be either true or false. 

But, unlike a crisp evaluation, the fuzzy evaluation may 

also be partly true or partly false. For example, an 

interpretation may rate a soil as being limited for a 

specific purpose if the slope is too steep. To evaluate the 

slope of a soil, a property is developed to retrieve the 

slope and an evaluation is developed to determine if the 

slope is too steep. The interpretation defines too steep as 

any slope over 35 percent. Conversely, the 

interpretation defines not too steep as any slope less than 

5 percent. Therefore, a slope greater than 35 percent has 

a rating class of 1 (true, or too steep) and a slope less 

than 5 percent has a rating class of 0 (false, or not too 

steep). Slopes between 5 percent and 35 percent are 

neither too steep nor not too steep and have a rating 

value somewhere between 0 and 1. The steeper the 

slope, the higher the rating value. The flatter the slope, 

the lower the rating value. 
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Figure 637-14 illustrates the fuzzy rating value principle. 

Note that in the graph, a slope of 20 percent has a rating 

value of 0.6. A rating value of 0.6 indicates the slope is 

neither too steep nor not too steep. However, because 

the value is greater than 0.5, it can be said that the slope 

is closer to being too steep than it is to being not too 

steep. 

Figure 637-14 Fuzzy Rating Value 

Figure 637-15 shows how the NASIS evaluation editor 

is used to develop a “fuzzy” evaluation. This example 

of and evaluation uses a linear curve, but several types 

of curves are available for use in the evaluation editor. 

The type of curve used in an evaluation is at the 

developer’s discretion. 

Figure 637-15 Fuzzy Evaluation - Linear Curve 

The type of curve used depends, in large part on the 

developer's determination of how much effect a change 

in criteria would have on the rating value. 

Figure 637-16 demonstrates the use of the sigmoid 

curve. This curve type gives greater weight to slope 

changes toward the middle of the slope and lessens the 

impact of slope changes at the two extremes. Notice in 

the example, that changes in the slope percent from 5 to 

25 percent produce relatively large increases in rating 

values, while changes in slope percent from 10 to 15 

percent and 25 to 35 percent produce relatively small 

increases in rating values. 

Figure 637-16 Fuzzy Evaluation - Sigmoid Curve 

(3) Rules 

A rule is used to report out the results of evaluations. 

Some rules report out the results of only one evaluation, 

while other rules report out the results of the interaction 

between several evaluations and/or other rules. 

Regardless of the complexity of a rule, the end result of 

a rule is the reporting out of evaluation results. 

(i) Reporting Out Rating Values 

The following example illustrates how a rule reports out 

the results of an evaluation. In this example, a rule to 

report out the results of the evaluation drainage class 

would look like the one in Figure 637-17. Because the 

drainage class evaluation is crisp, the rule will report out 

a rating class of either 0 or 1, meaning the soil is either 

poorly drained (1) or not poorly drained (0). 
Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

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 Figure 637-17 Simple Rule 

Figure 637-18 shows the result; notice in the report that 

the rating value is 1.00. A rating value of 1.00 indicates 

that the result of the evaluation is true and the soil is 

poorly drained. In this report example, only the rating 

value (1.000) is reported out. 

Figure 637-18 Rule Report - Rating Value Only 

(ii) Reporting Out Rating Classes 

In addition to reporting out rating values, most rules also 

report out a rating class assigned to each rating value. 

These rating classes are assigned with the NASIS rule 

editor, as illustrated in Figure 637-19. The assignment 

of rating classes is determined by those developing the 

rule. If the rating classes shown in Figure 637-19 are 

assigned to the rating values, the resulting report would 

look like that shown in Figure 637-20. 

Figure 637-19 Assigning Rating Classes 

Figure 637-20 Rule Report - Rating Value Class 

(iii) Rules With Multiple Evaluations 

The preceding example illustrates how a rule reports out 

the results of a single evaluation. Rules also report out 

the results of the interaction between two or more 

evaluations. For example, an interpretation may rate a 

soil as being limited for a specific use if the soil is 

poorly drained or has a slope over 35 percent. A rule to 

report out the results of the interaction of these two 

evaluations would look like the one shown in Figure 

637-21. 
Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-21 Rule With Multiple Evaluations 

Even though this rule contains two evaluations it will 

report out only one rating value. The rating value 

reported out is the result of the interaction of the two 

rules. This is true of all rules, regardless of the number 

of evaluations contained in the rule. In this example, if 

the soil has a drainage class of poorly or the slope is 

greater than 35 percent, the rule will report out a rating 

value of 1 and the soil will be rated as unsuitable for the 

specified land use, as shown in Figure 637-22. 

Figure 637-22 Rule Report - Multiple 

Evaluations 

(iv) Fuzzy Math 

When a rule contains more than one evaluation, the 

rating value reported out is a function of the operator 

used in the rule. As shown in Figure 637-21, the two 

evaluations in the rule are evaluated using an “OR” 

operator. 

To understand how operators influence the rating value 

it is necessary to understand fuzzy math concepts. When 

two or more evaluations are evaluated with the “OR” 

operator, the rule reports out the maximum rating value 

of the evaluations (A OR B = Max [A, B]. When two or 

more evaluations are evaluated with the “AND” 

operator, the rule reports out the minimum rating value 

of the evaluations (A AND B = Min [A, B]. Table 637-1 

shows the results of the “OR” and “AND” operators 

using fuzzy math. 

Table 637 - 1 Fuzzy Math 

If A is: OR If B is: The Rating Value is the 

Maximum Value: 

1 1 1 

1 0 1 

0 1 1 

0 0 0 

If A is AND If B is: The Rating Value is the 

Minimum Value:

1 1 1 

1 0 0 

0 1 0 

0 0 0 

(v) Multiple Reporting Levels 

Figure 637-22 shows the rule report resulting from the 

evaluation of the two evaluations, “drainage class” and 

“slope”. A rating value of 1.00 indicates that the result 

of the evaluation of one or both of the evaluations is 

true, either the soil is “poorly drained” or the slope is 

greater than 35 percent, or the soil is both “poorly 

drained” and the slope is greater than 35 percent. 

However, there is no way to determine from this report 

whether the slope or drainage class, or both, is the reason 

the rating value is 1.00. 

In order to report out the individual rating values for 

rules with multiple evaluations it is necessary to create a 

rule for each individual evaluation. Figure 637-23 

shows an example of a rule constructed to report out 

rating values for each evaluation in the rule. This rule 

will produce the exact same results as the rule shown in 

Figure 637-21. 
Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-23 Rule With Multiple Rules 

The difference between the rule shown in Figure 637-21 

and the rule shown in Figure 637-23, is that the rule 

shown in Figure 637-23 consists of two “child” rules 

rather than two evaluations. As shown in Figure 637-24, 

because this rule consists of “child” rules (Drainage 

Class - Poorly Drained and Slope 5-35%), rather than 

evaluations, the rating values assigned to each of the 

“child” rules can be reported out, in addition to the 

rating value for the rule as a whole. 

Figure 637-24 Rule Report - Multiple Reporting 

Levels 

All of the forestry interpretations in NASIS are 

constructed using “child” rules. This method allows the 

user to report out as little, or as much detail, as needed 

for the particular application. Figure 637-25 shows a 

typical forestry interpretation report with all “child” 

rules reported out. 

As shown in Figure 637-24, the rating values for each of 

the “child” rules is reported out, in addition to the rating 

value for the rule as a whole. The rating value for the 

rule as a whole has not changed from that reported out in 

the rule that consisted of two evaluations (Figure 637-

22). Now, however, it can be seen that the rating value 

of 1.00 is due to the component being “poorly drained” 

(remember, an “OR” operator returns the maximum 

rating value). It can also be determined that the slope is 

less than 35% because the rating value is less than 1.00. 

Figure 637-25 Typical Forestry Interpretation 

Report 

Subpart 637.22(c), below, provides detailed instructions 

on using the NASIS Report Manager to report out 

interpretations. 

(c) Reporting Interpretations 

All of the forestry and agroforestry criteria-based 

interpretations listed in the National Forestry Manual, 

Part 537 can be automatically generated using the 

interpretation generation capabilities of the NASIS 

software. This subpart provides detailed instruction on 
Part 637.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

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using the NASIS Report Manager to report out 

interpretations. 

(1) Report Manager 

All the rules stored in NASIS are reported out through 

the Report Manager, including the forestry and 

agroforestry criteria-based interpretations. For 

information about rules see Part 637.22(b)(3). To access 

the Report Manager, select Standard Reports from 

the Options menu (see Figure 637-26). 

Figure 637-26 Accessing the Report Manager 

The Report Manager screen (see Figure 637-27) is 

divided into two sections. The section on the left side of 

the screen contains a list of all the reports available for 

reporting out. The reports listed depend upon the 

NASIS Site selected. The NASIS site “NSSC Pangaea” 

contains the list of national reports that are available to 

all NASIS users. The NSSC Pangaea site contains all of 

the forestry and agroforestry criteria-based 

interpretations, as listed in the National Forestry Manual, 

Part 537. Other NASIS sites may have developed local 

reports (including interpretations) that are applicable to 

their particular locale and supersede the corresponding 

national report. Consult with the appropriate personnel 

to ascertain if there is a local report that should be used 

in lieu of the corresponding national report. 

 Figure 637-27 Report Manager Screen - 

INTERP Format 

The section on the right side of the Report Manager

screen contains a narrative that describes the selected 

report and lists any important information the user 

should know. 

(2) Selecting the Report Format 

The report you select in the Report Manager

determines your report options. There are two principal 

categories of report formats – INTERP and MANU. 

Each of these is described below. 

(i) INTERP Report Format 

The INTERP report format allows you to select any of 

the rules stored in NASIS. This format gives you the 

greatest flexibility in determining the report output. You 

can select a single rule or any combination of rules to 

report out. With this format you can choose to report out 

an interpretation (remember, an interpretation is just a 

rule containing multiple “child” rules) or you can choose 

to report out only a single “child” rule. Within the 

INTERP category, three report formats are available: 

• INTERP – Landscape Table 

• INTERP – Portrait Table 

• INTERP – Debug Report 

The difference between landscape format and portrait 

format is the orientation of the report on the printed 

page. Both of these reports are formatted with one 

column per selected rule. The portrait format will 

accommodate a maximum of three columns per page 

(see Figure 637-28). The landscape format will 

accommodate a maximum of six columns on a page (see 

Figure 637-29). 

The debug format reports out very detailed information 

about a rule. It is used primarily by developers to assist 

in the development and maintenance of rules, but it can 

also be useful to those needing more detailed 

information about a particular rule (see Figure 637-30). 
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Figure 637-28 Portrait Report Format 

Figure 637-29 Landscape Report Format 

Figure 637-30 Debug Report Format 

To report out rules using the INTERP category of 

reports, select one of the report formats listed above 

from the list in the Report Manager (see Figure 637-

27) and click the Preview button. This will bring up the 

NASIS Report Parameters screen. On this screen you 

select the rule(s) to report out and the various report 

options (see Figure 637-31). 

Figure 637-31 NASIS Report Parameters Screen 

The following options are available on the NASIS 

Report Parameters screen. 

NASIS Site – A selection box for choosing the NASIS 

site from which you want to load existing rules. The 

default entry is the local site. This site can be selected 

from the drop-down choice list or by clicking on the 

Local or National buttons at the right of the selection 

box. 

Rule List – A selection box for choosing the rule(s) to 

report out. To select a rule, click on the rule name. To 

de-select a previously selected rule, click again on the 

rule name. 

Reporting Depth – Specifies the number of rules to 

report out. Some rules contain multiple levels of “child” 

rules. This option allows you to specify how many 

levels of rules are reported out. This field must be 

populated. 

Figure 637-32 and Figure 637-33 show how a report for 

the rule Slope and Drainage Class will look when the 

reporting depth is set to 1 and 2, respectively. In Figure 

637-32, the rating value (1.000) and the rating class (Not 

Suitable) are reported out only for the “parent rule” 

(level 1). In Figure 637-33, the rating value and rating 

class are reported out for both the “parent rule” (level 1) 

and the two “child” rules (level 2). Notice that each 

level is indented from the preceding level as an aid in 

identifying the different levels. 
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Figure 637-32 Sample Report - One Level 

Reporting Depth 

Figure 637-33 Sample Report - Two Level 

Reporting Depth 

Print RV (Low and High) – An option to report out the 

low and high representative values when the soil 

property has multiple RV’s, like depth to top of water 

table. This option allows you to report out the typical 

range of a soil property. 

If this option is not selected, then the Print Least/Most 

Restrictive Feature option should be selected. If neither 

option is selected, the resulting report will be blank. 

Figure 637-32 and Figure 637-33 show how reports will 

look if the Print RV (Low and High) is selected and the 

Print Least/Most Restrictive Feature is not selected. 

Notice that only one rating value and rating class is 

reported out. This is because there is only one 

representative value (RV) for each of the soil properties 

used in the rule. 

Print Least/Most Restrictive – An option to report out 

both the most and least restrictive rating values. This 

option allows you to report out the best and worst rating 

values based on the entire range of soil properties. 

If this option is not selected, then the Print RV (Low and 

High) option should be selected. If neither option is 

selected, the resulting report will be blank. 

Figure 637-34 shows how reports will look if the Print 

Least/Most Restrictive Feature is selected and the Print 

RV (Low and High) is not selected. Notice that two 

rating values and two rating classes are reported out for 

slope. These represent the range of values for the slope 

of this soil component in the database. Also notice that 

only one rating value and one rating class is reported out 

for drainage class. This is because drainage class is a 

crisp value and does not have a low and high value 

(either it’s poorly drained, or it’s not). 

Figure 637-34 Sample Report - Least/Most 

Restrictive Feature 
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Print Fuzzy Rating Values – An option to report out the 

rating values between 0 and 1. If this option is not 

selected, no rating values will be reported out. 

If this option is not selected, the “Print Least/Most 

Restrictive” option should be selected. If neither option 

is selected, the resulting report will be blank. Figure 

637-35 shows how reports will look if the Print Fuzzy 

Rating Value option is not selected. This is the same 

report as that shown in Figure 637-33, except that the 

rating values are not reported out. 

Figure 637-35 Sample Report - No Rating 

Values 

Maximum Non-Zero Reasons (0=All Reasons) – 

Specifies the number of affecting (non-zero) features 

reported for each reporting depth. 

If you enter a 1 in this field, only the rating value for the 

“parent” rule will be reported out, even if the rule has 

one or more “child” rules. Figure 637-32 shows how a 

rule would look if a 1 is entered in the Maximum NonZero Reasons (0=All Reasons) field. Figure 637-36 

shows how the same report would look if a 2 is entered 

in the Maximum Non-Zero Reasons (0=All Reasons) 

field. 

Name of Report – Allows entry of an optional report 

name. 

Figure 637-36 Sample Report – Two Non-Zero 

Reasons 

(ii) MANU Report Format 

The MANU report format reports out a predetermined 

set of forestry criteria-based interpretations. The reports 

have been formatted to produce a manuscript style report 

for publication. The output is in standard interpretation 

format with one column per selected rule. The report 

contains three interpretations on a page and should be 

printed in portrait orientation. The MANU format 

reports are selected from the list of reports in the Report 

Manager (see Figure 637-37). An example of a MANU 

report is shown in Figure 637-38. 

Figure 637-37 Report Manager Screen – MANU 

Format 
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 Figure 637-38 Sample Report – MANU Format 

 

637.30 General 

This subpart describes the use of the Ecological Site 

Information System (ESIS). ESIS is organized into two 

applications and associated databases – Ecological Site 

Description (ESD) and Ecological Site Inventory (ESI). 

These two applications and their associated activities are 

described in detail in this subpart. 

Ecological Site Information is accessed via the Internet 

through the ESIS link on the Plants homepage at 

http://plants.usda.gov. Clicking on the ESIS link (see 

Figure 637-39) will take you to the ESIS homepage (see 

Figure 637-40). From the ESIS homepage you can 

access the Ecological Site Description application and 

the Ecological Site Inventory application. 

Figure 637-39 Plants Homepage 
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 Figure 637-40 ESIS Homepage 

637.31 Ecological Site Description 

Application (ESD) 

The National Forestry Manual, Part 537 provides an 

explanation of the ecological site concept and a detailed 

description of the various components comprising an 

ecological site description. This subpart describes the 

use of the Ecological Site Description (ESD) application 

to enter, edit, and report out the data associated with the 

development of ecological site descriptions. 

From the ESD homepage (see Figure 637-41) you can 

choose to (1) enter and/or edit ecological site 

descriptions and (2) view reports of existing ecological 

site descriptions. The following subparts provide 

instructions in the use of these two functions. 
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Figure 637-41 ESD Homepage 

(a) Conventions for Using the ESD 

Application 

The following conventions are used throughout the ESD 

application: 

Text Boxes – A text box requires that you type in data. 

In most cases, anything can be typed in a text box, 

although in some cases, the data will be validated before 

it is accepted. The "Username" field shown in Figure 

637-41 is an example of a text box. 

Choice List Boxes – Choice list boxes contain a list of 

appropriate items from which to make a selection. 

Normally, only one item can be chosen. The boxes 

themselves vary in size and in the number of items they 

contain. Boxes that have more items than can be viewed 

in the box have a scroll bar on the right side of the box 

that allows you to scroll through the list of items. To 

select an item in a choice box, highlight the item with 

the mouse. Figure 637-47 and Figure 637-51 show two 

examples of choice lists. 

Choice List Fields – Like the choice list box described 

above, the choice list field contains a list of appropriate 

items from which to make a selection. Normally, the 

only data that can be entered in a choice list field are 

data contained in the choice list. Unlike the choice list 

box, the list of items is view from a drop-down choice 

list. 

To select an entry from a drop-down choice list, click on 

the "down arrow" located on the right edge of the choice 

list field, then highlight and click on the desired item in 

the drop-down choice list. 

 Some choice lists contain more items than can be 

displayed in the drop-down choice list. To see all of the 

items, use the scroll bar on the right side of the box to 

scroll through the items. Figure 637-42 shows an 

example of a drop-down list of items in a choice list 

field. 

As an alternative to selecting from the drop-down choice 

list, you can also select a choice by placing the cursor in 

the choice list field and typing the first letter of the first 

word of your desired choice. 

Radio Buttons – Radio buttons are a modified form of 

choice lists. The difference is, you are able to view all 

of the items on the screen, rather than having a list of 

items in a drop-down choice or scrollable choice list 

box. Radio buttons are normally used when there are 

only a few choices. Only one item may be selected in a 

list. To select an item in a radio button list, click on the 

round radio button. Figure 637-41 shows a radio button 

choice list with the item "Edit Forestland ESD" selected. 

Check Boxes – Check boxes are similar to radio buttons 

in that they are a modified form of choice lists. Unlike 

radio buttons, however, more than one check box can be 

selected. Figure 637-53 shows and example of the use 

of check boxes to select Aspect. 

Figure 637-42 Choice List Field 

Entry/Edit Tables – Several screens utilize a table 

structure to display data. Figure 637-43 shows an 
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example of a typical table. The data cannot be entered 

or edited directly in the table. 

To enter data, click on the Add button at the bottom of 

the table and then complete the subsequent dialog box. 

To modify previously entered data, highlight the row to 

be modified by clicking on the button to the left of the 

desired row. Then click on the Modify button at the 

bottom of the table and modify the data in the 

subsequent dialog box. 

To delete previously entered data, highlight the row to 

be deleted by clicking the button to the left of the desired 

row. Then click on the Delete button at the bottom of 

the table. 

Figure 637-43 Entry/Edit Tables 

(b) Adding or Editing Ecological Site 

Descriptions 

The ESD application is designed to allow intermittent 

data entry. This allows you to enter as little or as much 

data as are currently available to support an ecological 

site description. It is not required to supply all the data 

associated with a description at any one time. The 

application can be accessed to enter new data or update 

existing data at any time. The following describes the 

procedures for accessing the system to add a new ESD 

or edit an existing ESD. 

To add or edit an ESD, complete the following on the 

ESD homepage (see Figure 637-41): 

1. State – From the choice list, select the appropriate 

state. You must select a state to add or edit an ESD. 

Note, you can enter or edit data only for those state 

for which you have authorization. 

2. MLRA – If you are editing an existing ESD, you 

may choose to select an appropriate MLRA from the 

choice list, but it is not required. When editing an 

existing ESD, selecting an MLRA serves to reduce 

the number of ESD’s from which to choose, if the 

MLRA covers only a portion of the state selected. It 

is not necessary to select an MLRA if you are 

adding a new ESD. 

3. Select a Function – Click on the Add Forestland 

ESD radio button to add a new forestland ESD or 

the “Edit Forestland ESD” radio button to edit an 

existing forestland ESD. 

4. Enter Username and Password – Enter your 

username and password. You cannot add or edit an 

ESD unless you have an authorized username and 

password. To obtain a username and password, or if 

you are experiencing difficulty with an existing 

username and password, contact one of the 

individuals listed at the bottom of the ESD 

homepage. 

5. Access the System – Click on the Access the ESD 

System button. 

If you elected to add a Forestland ESD, the 

Forestland (Add) screen shown in Figure 637-44 

will be displayed. To add an new ESD, follow the 

instructions in the Forestland(Add) Screen section 

below. 

If you elected to edit an existing Forestland ESD, the 

Ecological Site Description Selection screen shown 

in Figure 637-45 will be displayed. To edit an 

existing ESD, click on the ESD’s ID number. 

Upon selecting an ESD ID, the Java applet used for 

editing the ESD data will be loaded. The loading of 

the Java applet can take several minutes, so be 

patient. This is especially true the first time you run 

the ESD application. The first time a user runs the 

ESD application, the program will download some 

rather large Java scripts to the user’s computer. This 

will take some time (5–10 minutes). Fortunately, 

these files need to be downloaded only once, so 

subsequent access is much faster. 

At some point after clicking on the Continue button, 

the dialog box shown in Figure 637-48 will appear. 

This is normal. Just click on the OK button to 

continue. 

For instructions on entering data for a new ESD or 
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editing data for an existing ESD, refer to Data 

Entry and Editing, below. 

(1) Forestland(Add) Screen 

This screen is used to identify and name the site being 

entered (see Figure 637-44). 

Site Identifier – Enter the ecological site number as 

outlined in the National Forestry Manual, part 637. 

Notice that the postal abbreviation for the state is 

automatically entered and cannot be edited. To change 

the state you must return to the ESD homepage and 

select another state. 

 Site Name – Enter the scientific name of a primary 

overstory species and either a primary shrub species, or a 

primary herbaceous species, or both. A secondary triad 

of overstory, shrub, and herbaceous species may also be 

specified but is not required. Refer to the National 

Forestry Manual, part 537 for details on naming 

forestland ESDs. 

Figure 637-44 Forestland (Add) Screen 

Figure 637-45 ESD Selection Screen 

The scientific names must match those in the Plants 

database (http://plants.usda.gov). The names are case 

sensitive, so genus should be capitalized and species 

should be all lowercase. When you click on the 

Continue button, the species names are validated against 

the plants database. If a species name is not valid, the 

screen shown in Figure 637-46 will appear. 

If you click on the OK button you will be returned to the 

Forestland (Add) screen where you will need to reenter the correct scientific name. 

If you click on the Plants DB button, the Scientific 

Name Search screen will be displayed (see Figure 637-

47). Enter a genus name and click on the Search button 

to get a list of all species belonging to that genus. 

Select the appropriate species and click the OK button. 

The Forestland (Add) screen is re-displayed with the 

selected scientific name inserted. Repeat this process 

until all scientific names are validated. 
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Figure 637-46 Invalid Plant Name Screen 

Site Author – Enter the name of the person developing 

the ecological site description. 

Figure 637-47 Scientific Name Search Screen 

Description Date – Enter the date the description is 

approved for use in the MM/DD/YYYY format (i.e. 

10/23/2000). 

Continue – After completing data entry on the 

Forestland (Add) screen, click on the Continue button 

at the bottom of the screen. Validating the scientific 

names and starting the Java applet that is used for 

entering the remainder of the site description data can 

take several minutes, so be patient. This is especially 

true the first time you run the ESD application. The first 

time a user runs the ESD application, the program will 

download some rather large Java scripts to the user’s 

computer. This will take some time (5–10 minutes). 

Fortunately, these files need to be downloaded only 

once, so subsequent access is much faster. 

At some point after clicking on the Continue button, the 

dialog box shown in Figure 637-48 will appear. This is 

normal. Just click on the OK button to continue. 

For instructions on entering data for a new ESD or 

editing data for an existing ESD, refer to Data Entry 

and Editing, below. 

Figure 637-48 Applet Initialized Dialog Box 

(2) Data Entry and Editing 

After completing the requirements for adding a new 

ESD or after selection of an existing ESD, as described 

above, you are ready to begin entering data for a new 

ESD or editing data for an existing ESD. 

Data entry in the ESD application is organized into eight 

data entry sections: 

• General 

• Physiographic Features 

• Climate Features 

• Water Features 

• Soil Features 

• Plant Communities 

• Site Interpretations 

• Supporting Information 

As shown in Figure 637-49, the frame on the right side 

of the screen contains the data entry fields associated 

with one of the eight data entry sections and the frame 

on the left side of the screen contains a list of the eight 

data entry sections. You can jump to the different 

sections by clicking on the section names. The screen 

associated with the section name is displayed on the 
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right side while the section list on the left side remains 

visible. 

Figure 637-49 Forest Site General Information 

Screen 

By default, the General data entry section is the first to 

be displayed after completing the requirements for 

adding a new ESD or selecting an existing ESD. 

However, you can complete the sections in any order 

desired. 

The following subparts provide detailed instructions for 

entering or modifying data in the eight data entry 

sections. 

(i) General Section 

This section provides tools to manage the basic 

information about an ecological site. Figure 637-49 

shows and example of the screen associated with this 

section. 

Change ID – Click on this button to change the ESD ID. 

On the subsequent dialog box, enter the new ESD ID 

and click the OK button (see Figure 637-50). 

Figure 637-50 Change ESD ID 

Copy ESD – Click on this button to make a copy of an 

existing ESD. On the subsequent dialog box, select the 

ESD ID that you want to copy, enter a new ESD ID, and 

click the OK button (see Figure 637-51). Note, you 

must assign a unique ID to the new site. The ability to 

copy an existing ESD could save considerable data entry 

time. 

Remove ESD – Click on this button to delete an entire 

ESD from the database. A warning will be displayed to 

verify that you want to delete the ESD. 

 Figure 637-51 Copy ESD 

 
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Change Name – Click on this button to change all or any 

part of the ESD name. On the subsequent dialog box 

(see Figure 637-52), enter new primary or secondary 

species, or modify the current ones and click on Save. 

Click on the Find... button for assistance in identifying 

species. 

Figure 637-52 Change Name 

ESD Select – Click on this button to change to another 

ESD. This function is useful if you want to edit several 

different sites without having to re-logon each time you 

change sites. From the subsequent screen, select the 

desired site. 

 Site Date – Enter the date the site is developed, either 

partially or completely. 

Site Author – Type in the name of the individual 

responsible for initial development of the ESD. 

Site Approval – Type in the name of the individual 

responsible for approving ESD's in your area. 

Approval Date – Type in the date the site is approved for 

use. 

Revision Table – The table at the bottom of the screen is 

used to record information relative to site revisions. 

Whenever a site is revised after the initial approval date, 

record the revision date, reviser's name, approver's name, 

approval date, and any notes pertinent to the revision. 

After completing the General section, click on the Save 

button to save the data to the database. 

(ii) Physiographic Features Section 

This section is used to record the physiographic features 

of an ecological site. Remember, these data should 

reflect the range of values representative of the various 

soil map unit components that comprise the site. Figure 

637-53 shows an example of the screen associated with 

this section. 

Figure 637-53 Physiographic Features Screen 

Physiographic Features Narrative – Enter a narrative 

description of the physiographic features of the site. 

Landform – Select up to three landforms from the choice 

list. 

Aspect – Select up to three aspects by selecting each 

check box that applies. 

Elevation – Enter the minimum and maximum elevation 

of the site, in feet. 

Slope – Enter the minimum and maximum slope of the 

site, in percent. 

Water Table Depth – Enter the minimum and maximum 

depth to water table for the site, in inches. 

Flooding Frequency – Select the minimum and 

maximum flooding frequency for the site from the 

choice lists. 
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Flooding Duration – Select the minimum and maximum 

flooding duration for the site from the choice lists. 

Ponding Depth – Enter the minimum and maximum 

ponding depth for the site. 

Ponding Frequency – Select the minimum and maximum 

ponding frequency for the site from the choice lists. 

Ponding Duration – Select the minimum and maximum 

ponding duration for the site from the choice lists. 

 Runoff Class – Select the minimum and maximum 

runoff class designation for the site from the choice lists. 

After completing the Physiographic section, click on 

the Save button to save the data to the database. 

(iii) Climate Features Section 

This section is used to record the representative climate 

features of an ecological site. Remember, these data 

should reflect the range of values representative of the 

various soil map unit components that comprise the site. 

Figure 637-54 shows an example of the screen 

associated with this section. 

Figure 637-54 Climate Features Screen 

 Climate Narrative – Enter a narrative description of the 

climatic features of the site. 

Frost Free Period – Enter the minimum and maximum 

number of days the site is free of frost. 

Freeze Free Period – Enter the minimum and maximum 

number of days the site does not have freezing 

temperatures. 

Mean Annual Precipitation – Enter the minimum and 

maximum average precipitation the site receives 

annually, in inches. 

Monthly Precipitation – Enter the minimum and 

maximum average precipitation the site receives each 

month, in inches. 

Monthly Temperature – Enter the minimum and 

maximum average temperature at the site each month, in 

degrees Fahrenheit. 

Climate Station Table – The table at the bottom of the 

screen is used to record the unique identifier of the 

climate station(s) from which the climate data was 

derived. Enter the climate station ID, climate station 

name, and the start and end dates used to derive the 

climate averages. 

After completing the Climate Features section, click on 

the Save button to save the data to the database. 

(iv) Water Features Section 

This section is used to record the representative water 

features that influence the plant communities on the site. 

Remember, these data should reflect the range of values 

representative of the various soil map unit components 

that comprise the site. Figure 637-55 shows an example 

of the screen associated with this section. 

 Water Features Narrative – Enter a narrative description 

of the influencing water features on the site. If the plant 

communities are not influenced by water from a wetland 

or stream, then state this in the narrative. 

 Wetland Description Table – The table at the bottom of 

the screen is used to record the wetland systems and 

stream types (if applicable) that influence plant 

communities on the site. 

Figure 637-56 shows and example of the data entry 

screen associated with the wetland description table. On 

this screen select the applicable wetland system, wetland 

subsytem, and wetland class from the choice lists. 
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Figure 637-55 Influencing Water Features 

Screen 

Figure 637-56 Water Features Screen

Stream types can be selected only when a wetland 

system of Riverine is selected. To select the stream 

type(s) associated with a riverine wetland system, click 

on the applicable stream type(s) in the choice list box 

and then click on the > arrow. The stream type(s) 

selected will appear in the Selected Stream Types box 

and the narrative associated with the stream type will 

appear in the Rosgen Narrative box. 

To "unselect" a stream type, click on the applicable 

stream type in the Selected Stream Types box and then 

click on the < arrow. 

Click on Save at the bottom of the water features data 

entry screen to save the data and return to the 

Influencing Water Features screen. 

After completing the Influencing Water Features 

section, click on the Save button to save the data to the 

database. 

(v) Soil Features Section 

This section is used to record the representative soil 

features for the site. Remember, these data should 

reflect the range of values representative of the various 

soil map unit components that comprise the site. Figure 

637-57 shows an example of the screen associated with 

this section. 

Soil Features Narrative – Enter a narrative description of 

the soil features of the site. 

Parent Material Kind – Select the predominant kind of 

parent material from the choice list. 

Parent Material Origin – Select the origin of the selected 

kind of parent material from the choice list. 

Surface Texture – Select up to three texture classes for 

the surface of the soil from the choice list. The depth of 

the soil surface represented by the selected texture 

classes should be recorded in the Soil Features Narrative, 

e.g. "The surface textures recorded represent those found 

within 8 inches of the soil surface." 

Surface Texture Modifier – If applicable, select a texture 

modifier from the choice list. The texture modifier for 

each texture class should be selected in the choice list 

field directly below the choice list field of the texture 

class it modifies. 
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Figure 637-57 Representative Soil Features 

Screen 

Subsurface Texture Group – Select the general term that 

describes the texture class of the soil below the soil 

surface. The depth range for which the texture group 

applies should be recorded in the Soil Features 

Narrative, e.g. "The subsurface texture group recorded 

represents the group at a depth between 8 and 20 

inches." Refer to Part 537.31 of the National Forestry 

Manual for texture classes to assign to each texture 

group. 

Surface Fragments <=3% – Enter the percent of the soil 

surface covered by rock fragments less than or equal to 

3" in size. 

Surface Fragments >3" – Enter the percent of the soil 

surface covered by rock fragments greater than 3" in 

size. 

Subsurface Fragments <=3" – Enter the percent, by 

volume, of the rock fragments less than or equal to 3" in 

size within the soil profile to a specified depth. The 

depth range for which subsurface fragments apply 

should be recorded in the Soil Features Narrative, e.g. 

"The subsurface fragments recorded represent the 

fragments within 40 inches of the soil surface." 

Subsurface Fragments >3" – Enter the percent by, 

volume, of the rock fragments greater than 3" in size 

within the soil profile to a specified depth. The depth 

range for which subsurface fragments apply should be 

recorded in the Soil Features Narrative, e.g. "The 

subsurface fragments recorded represents the fragments 

within 40 inches of the soil surface". 

Drainage Class – Select the values from the choice lists 

that represent the range of drainage classes for the site. 

Permeability Class – Select the values from the choice 

lists that represent the range of permeability classes for 

the site. 

Soil Depth – Enter the minimum and maximum depth of 

the soil to the first restrictive layer, in inches. 

Electrical Conductivity – Enter the minimum and 

maximum electrical conductivity values within 40 inches 

of the soil surface or to the first restrictive layer, in 

millimhos per centimeter. 

Sodium Adsorption Ratio – Enter the minimum and 

maximum sodium adsorption ratio values within 40 

inches of the soil surface or to the first restrictive layer. 

Soil Reaction (1:1 Water) – Enter the minimum and 

maximum pH of the soil measured by the 1:1 water 

method within 40 inches of the soil surface or to the first 

restrictive layer. 

Soil Reaction (0.01M CaC12) – Enter the minimum and 

maximum pH of the soil measured by the 0.01M calcium 

chloride method within 40 inches of the soil surface or to 

the first restrictive layer. 

Available Water Capacity – Enter the minimum and 

maximum total available water capacity within 40 inches 

of the soil surface or to the first restrictive layer, in 

inches. 

Calcium Carbonate Equivalent – Enter the minimum and 

maximum calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches 

of the soil surface or to the first restrictive layer, in 

percent. 

After completing the Soil Features section, click on the 

Save button to save the data to the database. 

(vi) Plant Communities Section 

The plant communities section consists of two main 

parts: (1) ecological dynamics and (2) plant community. 

Each of these is described below. 
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 (1) Forest Plant Communities Screen – Ecological 

Dynamics 

This portion of the Forest Plant Communities screen is 

used to record the ecological dynamics of the site (see 

Figure 637-58). 

Figure 637-58 Plant Communities Screen -- 

Ecological Dynamics Portion 

Ecological Dynamics of the Site – Enter a narrative 

description of the ecological dynamics of the site. 

Save – Click on this button to save the current text in the 

Ecological Dynamics of the Site text box. 

Clear – Click on this button to clear the current text in 

the Ecological Dynamics of the Site text box. 

Delete – Click on this button to delete the current text in 

the Ecological Dynamics of the Site text box from the 

database. 

Upload Image – Click on this button to upload an image 

of a state and transition model that shows the vegetation 

states and the transition pathway between the states. 

Complete the information on the subsequent Add An 

Image dialog box (see Figure 637-59), and then click on 

the Add Image button to upload the image. The image 

should appear when you return to the Forest Plant

Communities screen. 

NOTE: All image files must be of the file type JPEG

or GIF and cannot be larger than 250KB in size. 

Delete Image – Click on this button to delete the state 

and transition model image from the database. 

Figure 637-59 Add An Image Dialog Box 

(2) Forest Plant Communities Screen – Plant 

Community 

This part of the Forest Plant Communities screen

displays the various vegetative states that are associated 

with the ESD (see Figure 637-60). These vegetative 

states should correspond to those shown in the transition 

pathways diagram. 

Figure 637-60 Forest Plant Communities Screen 

– Plant Community Portion 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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Add – Click on the Add button at the bottom of the Plant 

Community table to add a new vegetative state. The 

screen shown in Figure 637-61 will be displayed. 

Plant Community Name – Enter a descriptive name for 

the vegetative state. In most cases, the name will be the 

same as that shown in the transition pathways diagram 

for the corresponding vegetation state. 

Figure 637-61 Add Forest Plant Community 

Plant Community Sequence Number – Enter the 

sequence number for the vegetative state, such as 1 for 

the historic plant community. This sequence number is 

not critical at this time, but in future it may be used to 

automatically generate a transition diagram. 

Low Understory Canopy Cover (%) – Enter the percent 

of canopy cover that would represent the minimum 

canopy cover for the vegetative state. 

Rep. Value Understory Canopy Cover (%) – Enter the 

percent of canopy cover that would represent the typical 

canopy cover for the vegetative state. 

High Understory Canopy Cover (%) – Enter the percent 

of canopy cover that would represent the maximum 

canopy cover for the vegetative state. 

Add – Click on the Add button to save the entered data. 

After the data have been saved, the Forest Plant 

Community screen will be displayed (see Figure 637-

62). 

Modify – Highlight a row in the Plant Community table 

and click on the Modify button at the bottom of the table 

to modify a previously entered vegetative state. The 

Forest Plant Community screen will be displayed (see 

Figure 637-62). 

The Forest Plant Community screen is used to enter or 

edit data associated with each vegetative state. The 

screen consists of four main portions. Each of its parts is 

detailed below. 

Figure 637-62 Forest Plant Community Screen – 

Ecological Site ID Portion 

The part of the Forest Plant Community shown in 

Figure 637-62 screen is used to record the name of the 

vegetative state and the typical canopy cover 

percentages. It contains the following items. 

Ecological Site Description ID – This field is read-only 

and displays the ESD ID of the current site. 

Plant Community Name – Enter the descriptive name for 

the vegetative state. In most cases, the name should be 

the same as that shown in the transition pathways 

diagram for the corresponding vegetation state. 

Plant Community Sequence Number – Enter the 

sequence number for the vegetative state, such as 1 for 

the historic plant community. This sequence number is 

not critical at this time, but in future it may be used to 

automatically generate a transition diagram. 

Low Understory Canopy Cover (%) – Enter the percent 

of canopy cover that would represent the minimum 

canopy cover for the vegetative state. 
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Rep. Value Understory Canopy Cover (%) – Enter the 

percent of canopy cover that would represent the typical 

canopy cover for the vegetative state. 

High Understory Canopy Cover (%) – Enter the percent 

of canopy cover that would represent the maximum 

canopy cover for the vegetative state. 

Save – Click on this button to save the information 

entered in the above data fields. 

Return – Click on this button to return to the Forest 

Plant Communities Screen. Be sure to save any data 

entered or edited before clicking on the return button. 

Figure 637-63 Forest Plant Community Screen – 

Plant Narrative Portion 

The part of the Forest Plant Community screen shown 

in Figure 637-63 is used to record a narrative description 

of a vegetative state. It contains the following items. 

Plant Community Narrative – Enter a narrative 

description of the vegetative state. Where the vegetative 

state represents the interpretive plant community for the 

site, the first sentence in narrative should clearly state 

whether the interpretive plant community described is 

the historic climax or the naturalized plant community. 

Narrative Label – Enter a label for the vegetative state. 

In most cases the label will be the same as the plant 

community name, but not always. For example, the 

plant community may be named “Interpretive Plant 

Community,” but the label may be “Historic Climax 

Community” or “Naturalized Plant Community.” 

Save – Click on this button to save the information 

entered in the Plant Community Narrative and Narrative 

Label fields. 

Clear – Click on this button to clear all entered data in 

the Plant Community Narrative and Narrative Label 

fields. 

Delete – Click on this button to delete all entered data in 

the Plant Community Narrative and Narrative Label 

fields. 

Figure 637-64 Forest Plant Community Screen – 

Ground Cover and Structure 

Table Portion 

 The part of the Forest Plant Community screen shown 

in Figure 637-64 displays the percent ground cover by 

height class for various cover types typical of the 

vegetative state being described. It contains the 

following items. 

Add/Modify – Click on the Add or Modify button at the 

bottom of the Ground Cover and Structure table to 

record new or modify existing ground cover and 

structure data. For new entries the screen shown in 

Figure 637-65 will be displayed. When modifying 

previously entered data, a screen identical to the screen 

shown in Figure 637-65 will be displayed, except the 

screen is titled Modify rather than Add. Refer to the 

National Forestry Manual, Part 537 for details on 

recording ground cover and structure. 

Record the percent cover by height class for each cover 

type typical of the vegetative state. After recording the 

percent cover for a cover type, click on the Save button 

to insert the data into the database, then enter the next 

percent cover for the next cover type. When the percent 

cover for all cover types has been entered, click on the 

Return button to return to the Forest Plant Community 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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screen. Click on the Clear button to clear all entries. 

The Clear button will not delete previously saved 

entries. 

Figure 637-65 Forest Cover and Structure 

Delete – Highlight a row in the Ground Cover and 

Structure table and click on the Delete button at the 

bottom of the table to delete all data for that particular 

row from the database. 

Figure 637-66 Forest Plant Community Screen – 

Overstory/Understory Narrative 

Portion 

The part of the Forest Plant Community screen shown 

in Figure 637-66 is used to record a narrative description 

of the forest overstory and understory composition. It 

contains the following items. 

Narrative Labels – Record a label for the overstory and 

understory narratives. These labels will be used as 

headers for the narratives in the ESD report. 

Forest Overstory Composition Narrative – Record a 

narrative to be used as an introduction to the percent 

overstory composition table in the ESD report. 

Forest Understory Composition Narrative – Record a 

narrative to be used as an introduction to the percent 

understory composition table in the ESD report. By 

default, the narrative “The typical annual production of 

the historic climax community understory species to a 

height of 4.5 feet (excluding boles of trees) under low, 

high, and representative canopy covers” will be 

displayed. 

Save – Click on this button to save the information 

entered in the above data fields. 

Delete – Click on this button to delete all entered data in 

the above data fields. 

Figure 637-67 Forest Plant Community Screen – 

Composition and Production 

Table Portion 

 The part of the Forest Plant Community screen shown 

in Figure 637-67 displays the percent composition of the 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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overstory species and the annual production of 

understory species. It contains the following items. 

Add/Modify – Click on the Add or Modify button at the 

bottom of the table to record new or modify existing 

data. For new entries the screen shown in Figure 637-68 

will be displayed. When modifying previously entered 

data, a screen identical to the screen shown in Figure 

637-68 will be displayed, except the screen is titled 

Modify rather than Add. 

Figure 637-68 Forest Overstory/Understory 

For each overstory or understory species to be recorded, 

enter the plant symbol and click on the Validate button. 

If the plant symbol entered is valid, the scientific name 

and common name will be displayed. To look up a plant 

symbol, click on the Find button. The screen shown in 

Figure 637-69 will be displayed. To look up a plant 

symbol, enter a whole or partial plant symbol in the 

Search Pattern field and click on the Find button. For 

example, to search for all plant symbols that begin with 

the letters PI, enter PI%. From the subsequent list, 

highlight the desired plant symbol and click on the 

Select button to automatically populate the appropriate 

fields on the Forest Overstory/Understory screen. 

After selection of a valid plant symbol, enter the 

appropriate data in the Overstory Percent Composition 

by Frequency and/or Annual Production fields. The 

low, representative, and high canopy cover percentages 

displayed are those entered on a previous screen (see 

Figure 637-62) and are not editable on this screen. 

After entering the appropriate data, click on the Save 

button to save the data to the database, then continue 

entering data for other species, if appropriate. When 

data for all species have been entered, click on the 

Return button to return to the Forest Plant Community 

screen. Click on the Clear button to clear all entries. 

The Clear button will not delete previously saved 

entries. 

Figure 637-69 Find Plant Symbol 

Delete – Highlight a row in the Composition and 

Production Table and click on the Delete button at the 

bottom of the table to delete all data for that particular 

row from the database. 

Photo – Click on the Photo button to upload a 

photograph which typifies the vegetative state. Clicking 

on the Photo button will display the screen shown in 

Figure 637-70. To upload an image, click on the Upload 

Image button and complete the information on the 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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subsequent Add An Image dialog box (see Figure 637-

59), and then click on the Add Image button to upload 

the image. To delete a previously uploaded image, click 

on the Delete Image button. Click on the OK button to 

dismiss the screen and return to the Forest Plant 

Community screen. 

NOTE: All image files must be of the file type JPEG

or GIF and cannot be larger than 250KB in size. In 

order to display properly in the ESD report, 

photographic images should not exceed 500 by 500 

pixels in size. 

Figure 637-70 Typical Plant Community Photo 

(vii) Site Interpretations Section 

This section of the ESD application is used to record 

interpretive information pertinent to the use and 

management of the ecological site and its related 

resources. The Ecological Site Interpretations screen 

consists of three main portions. Each of these portions is 

detailed below. 

Figure 637-71 Ecological Site Interpretations 

Screen – Narrative Portion 

The part of the Ecological Site Interpretations screen 

shown in Figure 637-71 is used to record a narrative 

description of the animal community, hydrology 

function, recreational use, wood products, other 

products, and other information pertinent to the site. It 

contains the following items. 

Narrative Text Fields – Enter the pertinent information 

applicable to the site. Refer to the National Forestry 

Manual, Part 537 for details on the type of information 

to record in these narratives. 

Save – Click on this button to save the information 

entered in narrative fields. 

Clear – Click on this button to clear all entered data in 

all the narrative fields. 

Delete – Click on this button to delete the data in all the 

narrative fields. 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-72 Ecological Site Interpretations 

Screen – Plant Preference by 

Animal Kind Portion 

 The part of the Ecological Site Interpretations screen 

shown in Figure 637-72 displays the Plant Preference by 

Animal Kind table that lists forage preference ratings for 

various plant species by plant part and time of year. It 

contains the following items. 

Add/Modify – Click on the Add or Modify button at the 

bottom of the table to record new or modify existing 

data. For new entries, the screen shown in Figure 637-

73 will be displayed. When modifying previously 

entered data, a screen identical to the screen shown in 

Figure 637-73 will be displayed, except the screen is 

titled Modify rather than Add. 

Select the applicable animal kind from the choice list 

and record the forage preference by month for the 

applicable plant parts for each plant species. The animal 

type field is used to further identify animal species. For 

example, if “deer” is selected from the animal kind 

choice list, you could further identify the animal type as 

“mule” in the animal type field. The choice list for the 

plant scientific name field contains a list of all plant 

species previously entered for the site. 

After entering the appropriate data, click on the Save 

button to save the data to the database, then continue 

entering data for other animal types, plant species, and 

plant parts, if appropriate. When all data have been 

entered, click on the Return button to return to the 

Forest Plant Community screen. Click on the Clear 

button to clear all entries. The Clear button will not 

delete previously saved entries. 

Figure 637-73 Animal Plant Preferences Screen 

Delete – Highlight a row in the Plant Preference by 

Animal Kind table and click on the Delete button at the 

bottom of the table to delete all data for that particular 

row from the database. 

Figure 637-74 Ecological Site Interpretations 

Screen – Forest Productivity 

Portion 

The part of the Ecological Site Interpretations screen 

shown in Figure 637-74 displays the Forage Production 

table that lists the site index and annual productivity of 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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the major tree species on the site. It contains the 

following items. 

Add/Modify – Click on the Add or Modify button at the 

bottom of the table to record new or modify existing 

data. For new entries the screen shown in Figure 637-75 

will be displayed. When modifying previously entered 

data, a screen identical to the screen shown in Figure 

637-75 will be displayed, except the screen is titled 

Modify rather than Add. 

Select the applicable plant species from the scientific 

name choice list and enter the appropriate productivity 

data. The choice list for the plant scientific name field 

contains a list of all overstory plant species previously 

entered for the site. In addition to entering annual 

productivity in cubic feet, annual productivity in other 

common units of measurement may also be entered by 

selecting the units from the other productivity choice 

list. 

After entering the appropriate data, click on the Save 

button to save the data to the database, then continue 

entering data for other plant species, if appropriate. 

When all data have been entered, click on the Return 

button to return to the Forest Plant Community screen. 

Click on the Clear button to clear all entries. The Clear 

button will not delete previously saved entries. 

Delete – Highlight a row in the Forest Site Productivity 

table and click on the Delete button at the bottom of the 

table to delete all data for that particular row from the 

database. 

Figure 637-75 Forest Site Productivity Screen 

(viii) Supporting Information Section 

This section of the ESD application is used to record 

information useful in assessing the quality of the site 

description and its relationship to other ecological sites. 

The Supporting Information screen consists of seven 

parts. Each of these is detailed below. 

Figure 637-76 Supporting Information Screen – 

Associated Sites Portion 

The part of the Supporting Information screen shown 

in Figure 637-76 displays the Associated Sites table that 

lists sites that are commonly located in conjunction with 

the site being described. It contains the following items. 

Add/Modify – Click on the Add or Modify button at the 

bottom of the table to record new or modify existing 

data. For new entries, the screen shown in Figure 637-

77 will be displayed. When modifying previously 

entered data, a screen identical to the screen shown in 

Figure 637-77 will be displayed, except the screen is 

titled Modify rather than Add. 

Select an associated site from the Select an Existing Site 

choice list or enter a site by entering the appropriate data 

in the Input a New Site fields. A narrative describing 

similarities to and differences from the site being 

described may also be entered in the narrative field. 

After entering the appropriate data, click on the Save 

button to save the data to the database, then continue 

entering other associated sites, if appropriate. When all 

data have been entered, click on the Return button to 

return to the Supporting Information screen. Click on 

the Clear button to clear all entries. The Clear button 

will not delete previously saved entries. 

Delete – Highlight a row in Associated Sites table and 

click on the Delete button at the bottom of the table to 

delete all data for that particular row from the database. 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-77 Associated Site Screen 

Figure 637-78 Supporting Information Screen – 

Similar Sites Portion 

The part of the Supporting Information screen shown 

in Figure 637-78 displays the Similar Sites table that 

lists sited that resemble or can be confused with the site 

being described. It contains the following items. 

Add/Modify – Click on the Add or Modify button at the 

bottom of the table to record new or modify existing 

data. For new entries, the screen shown in Figure 637-

79 will be displayed. When modifying previously 

entered data, a screen identical to the screen shown in 

Figure 637-79 will be displayed, except the screen is 

titled Modify rather than Add. 

Figure 637-79 Similar Site Screen 

Select a similar site from the Select an Existing Site 

choice list or enter a site by entering the appropriate data 

in the Input a New Site fields. A narrative describing 

similarities to and differences from the site being 

described may also be entered in the narrative field. 

After entering the appropriate data, click on the Save 

button to save the data to the database, then continue 

entering other similar sites, if appropriate. When all data 

have been entered, click on the Return button to return to 

the Supporting Information screen. Click on the Clear 

button to clear all entries. The Clear button will not 

delete previously saved entries. 

Delete – Highlight a row in the Similar Sites table and 

click on the Delete button at the bottom of the table to 

delete all data for that particular row from the database. 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-80 Supporting Information Screen – 

Inventory Data References 

Narrative Portion 

The part of the Supporting Information screen shown 

in Figure 637-80 is used to enter a narrative description 

of the data references supporting the site description. It 

contains the following items. 

Narrative – Enter a narrative description of how the data 

about the interpretive plant community were obtained 

and any other pertinent information relative to site 

inventory plots supporting the site description. 

Clear – Click on the Clear button to clear all entries. 

The Clear button will not delete previously saved 

entries. 

Delete – Click on the Delete button to delete the 

narrative from the database. 

Figure 637-81 Supporting Information Screen – 

Inventory Data References Table 

Portion 

The part of the Supporting Information screen shown 

in Figure 637-81 displays the Inventory Data References 

table that lists the site inventory plots supporting the site 

description. It contains the following items: 

Add/Modify – Click on the Add or Modify button at the 

bottom of the table to record new or modify existing 

data. For new entries, the screen shown in Figure 637-

82 will be displayed. When modifying previously 

entered data, a screen identical to the screen shown in 

Figure 637-82 will be displayed, except the screen is 

titled Modify rather than Add. 

Enter a descriptive identifier for the source of the plot 

data in the Data Source field. For example, site data 

recorded in the NRCS forest site inventory database 

should be referenced as ESI–Forestland. In the Number, 

Year, State, and County fields, enter the data that 

corresponds to the plot ID recorded in the ESI–

Forestland database. The state and county are selected 

from the choice list provided. 

After entering the appropriate data, click on the Save 

button to save the data to the database, then continue 

entering other data references, if appropriate. When all 

data have been entered, click on the Return button to 

return to the Supporting Information screen. Click on 

the Clear button to clear all entries. The Clear button 

will not delete previously saved entries. 

Figure 637-82 Forest Data References Screen 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-83 Supporting Information Screen – 

State Correlation Portion 

The part of the Supporting Information screen shown 

in Figure 637-83 is used to list other states using the site 

description of the site being described. It contains the 

following items: 

Available States – For each state that uses the site being 

described, click on the state name in the choice list and 

then click on the > button to add that state to the selected 

states list. To remove a state from the selected states list, 

click on the < button. 

Figure 637-84 Supporting Information Screen – 

Type Locality Portion 

The part of the Supporting Information screen part 

shown in see Figure 637-84 displays the Type Locality 

table that lists the physical location of sites that typify 

the site being described. It contains the following items: 

Add/Modify – Click on the Add or Modify button at the 

bottom of the table to record new or modify existing 

data. For new entries, the screen shown in Figure 637-

85 will be displayed. When modifying previously 

entered data, a screen identical to the screen shown in 

Figure 637-85 will be displayed, except the screen is 

titled Modify rather than Add. 

Figure 637-85 Type Localities Screen 

Enter the latitude and longitude of each typifying site. 

The township, range, section, and a general description 

of the location may also be recorded. If entered, the 

state and county are selected from the choice list 

provided. 

After entering the appropriate data, click on the Save 

button to save the data to the database, then continue 

entering type localities, if appropriate. When all data 

have been entered, click on the Return button to return to 

the Supporting Information screen. Click on the Clear 

button to clear all entries. The Clear button will not 

delete previously saved entries. 

Delete – Highlight a row in the Type Locality table and 

click on the Delete button at the bottom of the table to 

delete all data for that particular row from the database. 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-86 Supporting Information Screen –

References Portion 

The part of the Supporting Information screen shown 

in Figure 637-86 is used to enter references used in the 

development of the site being described. It contains the 

following items. 

 Relationship to Other Established Classifications – List 

those references that describe classification systems 

similar to the site being described. 

Other References – List those references used in the 

development of the site, or references that aid in 

understanding the ecological dynamics of the site being 

described. 

(3) Producing Ecological Site Description 

Reports 

 Ecological Site Descriptions stored in the database are 

available for viewing through pre-formatted reports. 

These reports are formatted to resemble the sample 

report shown in the National Forestry Manual, exhibit 

537-16. The user has the option of producing a 

complete Ecological Site Description report or an 

individual report of any one of the eight sections 

described above. Ecological Site Description reports are 

available to anyone with access to the Internet. A 

password or user name is not required to produce ESD 

reports. 

To produce an ESD report, complete the following on 

the ESD homepage (see Figure 637-40): 

1. Select a State – From the choice list, select the 

appropriate state. You must select a state to produce 

an ESD report. 

2. Select an MLRA – You may choose to select an 

appropriate MLRA from the choice list, but it is not 

required. Selecting an MLRA serves to reduce the 

number of ESD’s from which to choose, if the 

MLRA covers only a portion of the state selected. 

3. Select a Function – Click on the Reports radio 

button. You do not need to enter a username or 

password. 

4. Access the System – Click on the Access the ESD 

System button. The Ecological Site Description 

Selection screen shown in Figure 637-45 will be 

displayed. Select an ESD by clicking on the ID 

number. A screen similar to the one shown in 

Figure 637-87 will be displayed. 

5. Select Report – The Report screen (see Figure 637-

87) lists the report options in the left frame of the 

screen. Upon initial display of the Report screen, 

the General section of the report is displayed in the 

right-hand frame. To view other sections of the 

report, click on the section name in the left-hand 

frame. To view the entire ESD report, click on the 

Complete Report option. 

6. Print Report – To print the report displayed in the 

right frame, use the browser’s print function. 

NOTE: Due to current limitations in the 

technology for printing html documents from the 

Internet, the report may not print with the 

desired pagination. 

Figure 637-87 ESD Report Screen 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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637.32 Ecological Site Inventory 

An inventory is defined as the collection, assemblage, 

interpretation, and analysis of natural resource data. The 

data are used to monitor ecological change, develop 

ecological site descriptions, determine soil productivity 

and species adaptability, and predict height growth and 

species survival rates. 

In the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 

ecological site inventories are always correlated to a 

specific soil component. In NRCS, the work of 

correlating site inventories to the soil began in the 

middle 1940’s and thousands of site inventories have 

been made since that time. Early inventories were 

primarily concerned with relating soils to forest 

productivity (site index). NRCS now recognizes the 

need for a more comprehensive inventory of the 

resources in order to document the relationship between 

the soil and plant composition, in both the overstory and 

understory. 

The National Forestry Manual, Part 537 defines policies 

and standards for collection of the data associated with 

forest ecological site inventories. This subpart provides 

detailed instructions on the collection of forest plot data 

and the use of the Ecological Site Inventory-Forestland 

application to enter, edit, and report out the data 

associated with forest inventories. 

(a) Forest Plot Inventory Operations 

The National Forest Manual, Part 537 details the 

standards to be followed in the collection of ecological 

site inventory data. This subpart details the procedures 

used in the collection of forest plot inventory data. 

(1) Site Selection 

The quality of the inventory is dependent upon the 

quality of the site where the data are collected. Plot 

selection involves team work, usually consisting of a 

forester and a soil scientist. Both members of the team 

must be satisfied that the plot is satisfactory before any 

data are collected. Consider the following when 

selecting sites. 

• Stand to be inventoried need not cover a large 

area. 

• Trees should be in good health and have the 

appearance of having grown under normal 

conditions. 

• Stands that appear stagnated should not be 

sampled, nor should open-grown, scattered trees. 

• The trees measured should be growing under 

soil conditions that appear the same for all trees 

measured in a particular plot. 

• A tree should not be used if the examination of 

the increment core reveals one or more periods 

of suppression, or if the tree shows evidence of 

ice breakage or other damage to the terminal 

during the life of the tree. 

• Stands less than 30 years of age do not 

ordinarily give accurate site index values 

• The soil must be modal for the taxonomic unit. 

• All trees to be measured must be on the selected 

soil and on the same soil conditions – within ±

3% of the same slope and within ± 15 degrees 

of the same aspect. 

(2) Site Documentation 

The soil scientist describes the soil profile using standard 

terms and abbreviations as detailed in Chapters 3 and 5 

in Agriculture Handbook 18, Soil Survey Manual, 

October 1993. Attach a copy of the profile description 

to the ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet. 

The forester records field data on the ESI Forest Plot 

Field Worksheet. These worksheets should be filed for 

safekeeping and future reference. 

All ESI–Forestland field data are to be entered into the 

ESI–Forestland database. Instructions and procedures 

for entering the field data using the ESI–Forestland 

application are contained in this subpart. 

(3) ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet 

The ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet is used to record 

field data. The worksheet is designed to closely match 

the data entry screens in the ESI–Forestland application. 

Exhibit 637-55 shows an example of a completed 

worksheet. 

A blank copy of the ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet 

(including instructions and codes) that can be printed and

 reproduced for use in the field is available on the NFH 

Web site at http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nfhandbook. 

To obtain these documents, click on Exhibit 637-55, 

Exhibit 637-56, and Exhibit 637-57 in Part 637 of the 

NFH Web site. Use the print function of your Internet 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-42 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

browser to print the documents. The documents can also 

be saved to your local computer for subsequent printing. 

The following are detailed instructions for recording plot 

data on the ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet. 

(i) Forest Site Plot Number 

The plot number has four parts: 

ID – Enter a number from 1 to 999. It is suggested that 

numbers be used in chronological order, by year, in each 

county. 

Year – Enter the last two digits of the year. 

State and County – Enter the FIPS 2-digit numerical 

code for the state and the FIPS 3-digit code for the 

county. 

(ii) Location Data 

Location Description – Describe the location by entering 

the approximate distance the plot is from the closest 

section corner: (e.g., the plot is 650 feet west and 1,500 

feet north of the southeast corner of Section 12, T25N, 

Rl2W) or by entering the distance and direction from a 

reasonably permanent local landmark, if the area is not 

sectionalized). 

Cover Type – Enter the appropriate forest cover type 

code. See Exhibit 637-59 for a list of forest cover type 

codes. A full description of each forest cover type and 

its components is found in the source manual: Forest 

Cover Types of the United States and Canada (F.H. 

Eyre, Society of American Foresters. 1980). 

MLRA Number – Enter the major land resource area 

number according to the map and descriptions in 

Agriculture Handbook 296. 

State Plane Coordinates – 

• Zone – In Alaska (zones 1-10), California (zones 1-

7), and Hawaii (zones 1-5) zones are numbered and 

the number is the code for the zone. The 10th zone 

of Alaska is coded 0. In Connecticut, Delaware, 

Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North 

Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont, 

the entire state is one zone: code 0. For all other 

zone codes, refer to Exhibit 637 - 58. 

• East and North – Enter the East (x) and North (y) 

coordinates. Many county highway maps and later 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quad sheets have 

state plane coordinate tick marks along the edges. 

Use USGS quad sheets whenever possible. When 

tick marks are present, the coordinates can be 

determined by use of an appropriate scale. 

Transparent cross-sectional scales for the 7-1/2 

minute and 15-minute quad sheets may be ordered 

from commercial forestry supply catalogs. If the 

county highway map has lines of latitude and 

longitude, these may be used to determine 

coordinates. The U.S. Department of Commerce 

Coast and Geodetic Survey has published "Plane 

Coordinate Intersection Tables" for each state. 

These publications are available from the 

Government Printing Office at a nominal cost. For 

each 2-1/2 minute intersection of longitude and 

latitude, the x and y coordinates are given. An 

intersection may be used as a base point from which 

coordinates can be measured using a suitable scale. 

Coordinates should be rounded to show the probable 

accuracy. 

Section/Range/Township – 

• Section – Enter the number of the section in which 

the plot is located.

• Range – Enter the range designation in the manner: 

R4E or R4W. Use no other abbreviations.

• Township – Enter the township designation in the 

manner: T7N or T6S. Use no other abbreviations.

Elevation – Enter the elevation in feet. Elevation may 

be read from a contour map, obtained by use of a 

barometer, or estimated from known reference points. 

Where there is little variation is elevation, as in the 

coastal plain and piedmont sections of the southeast, 

only the general elevation of the area is needed. Do not 

take extra time to obtain accuracy closer than 100 feet in 

mountainous country. 

(iii) Physical Data 

Precipitation – Enter the annual precipitation and 

summer (warm season) precipitation, each to the nearest 

whole inch. The VegSpec application provides a 

convenient source for obtaining precipitation data. The 

VegSpec database contains climate data provided by the 

NRCS National Water and Climate Center in Portland, 

Oregon for hundreds of climate stations. Access the 

VegSpec application by clicking on the VegSpec link on 

the Plants homepage at http://plants.usda.gov. To view 

the climate data, start the VegSpec application, select a 

state and a climate station on the Site Description screen, 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-43 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

and then click on the “climate attributes sub-option” 

hyperlink. 

Landform – Enter one of the following codes. 

Landform Code Landform Code

Swamp SM Level and Undulating Plains/Plateaus LP 

Basins, Playas, Lakebeds B Rolling and Hilly Plains/Plateaus RP 

Flood Plains, Bottoms FP Mountains, Steep Hills, Dissected Plateaus M 

Stream Terraces ST Sand Dunes, Sand Hills SD 

Fans, Alluvial, Colluvial F Flatwoods FL 

Slope – 

• Percent – Enter percent of slope in whole numbers, 

0 to 99. Use 99 for slopes steeper than 99. 

• Kind – Enter one of the following codes. 

Slope Kind Code

Plane, Single, or Simple P 

Irregular or Complex I 

• Shape – Leave blank if kind of slope is coded "P." 

Use one of the following codes if kind of slope is 

coded "I" 

Slope Shape Code Slope Shape Code

Concave Horizontally 1 Convex Vertically 4 

Concave Vertically 2 Concave 5 

Convex Horizontally 3 Convex 6 

• Microrelief – Enter one of the following codes, or 

leave blank if none apply. 

Microrelief Code Microrelief Code

Cradle Knoll C Tree Mounds T 

Gilgai G Mounded M 

Frost Polygons F . . 

• Aspect – Enter the direction the slope faces in 

degrees of azimuth, clockwise from true north. 

• Length – Enter the approximate length of slope in 

even feet. Round to indicate probable accuracy. 

• Position on Slope – Enter one of the following 

codes. 

Slope Position Code Slope Position Code

Lower Slope L Middle Slope M 

Upper Slope U Noninfluencing X 

(iv) Soil Data 

Detailed Profile– Enter Y if a complete and suitable soil 

description has been made. If not, enter N. The value of 

the work may be discredited if there is not a complete 

and suitable description meeting modern standards. 

Detailed Understory – If detailed understory information 

has been recorded for some related purpose, enter Y. If 

not, enter N. 

Mensurational Information – If detailed mensurational 

information has been recorded for the trees in the plot, 

enter Y. If not, enter N. Some soil-site work is 

conducted in cooperation with other agencies or 

companies that carry on complete mensurational studies. 

If this is the case, reference should be recorded in 

Remarks, e.g., U. of N.C. plot 7-w. 

Soil Series Name – Enter the full series name. If a series 

name has not been established for the soil, enter the 

series name of the family to which the soil belongs, 

followed by the letter (F). Example: Holden (F). 

Texture – 

• Modifier – Enter one of the following codes, or 

leave blank if none apply. 

Texture Modifier Code Texture Modifier Code

Ashy ASHY Herbaceous HB 

Bouldery BY Hydrous HYDR 

Boulderymucky BYMK Medial MEDL 

Very bouldery BYV Mucky MK 

Very boulderymucky BYVMK Marly MR 

Extremely bouldery BYX Mossy MS 

Extremely boulderymucky BYXMK Parabouldery PBY 

Cobbly CB Very parabouldery PBYV 

Cobblymucky CBMK Extremely parabouldery PBYX 

Very cobbly CBV Paracobbly PCB 

Very cobblymucky CBVMK Very paracobbly PCBV 

Extremely cobbly CBX Extremely paracobbly PCBX 

Extremely cobblymucky CBXMK Parachannery PCN 

Channery CN Very parachannery PCNV 

Very channery CNV Extremely parachannery PCNX 

Extremely channery CNX Permanently frozen PF 

Coprogenous COP Paraflaggy PFL 

Diatomaceous DIA Very paraflaggy PFLV 

Flaggy FL Extremely paraflaggy PFLX 

Very flaggy FLV Paragravelly PGR 

Extremely flaggy FLX Very paragravelly PGRV 

Gravelly GR Extremely paragravelly PGRX 

Coarse gravelly GRC Parastony PST 

Fine gravelly GRF Very parastony PSTV 

Coarse gravellymucky GRCMK Extremely parastony PSTX 

Fine gravellymucky GRFMK Peaty PT 

Medium gravelly GRM Stratified SR 

Gravellymucky GRMK Stony ST 

Very gravelly GRV Stonymucky STMK 

Very gravellymucky GRVMK Very stony STV 

Extremely gravelly GRX Very stonymucky STVMK

Extremely gravellymucky GRXMK Extremely stony STX 

Grassy GS Extremely stonymucky STXMK
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-44 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Texture Modifier Code Texture Modifier Code

Gypsiferous GYP Water W 

• Type – Enter one of the following codes, or leave 

blank if none apply. 

Texture Type Code Texture Type Code

Clay C Sand S 

Clay loam CL Sandy clay SC 

Coarse sand COS Sandy clay loam SCL 

Coarse sandy loam COSL Silt SI 

Fine sand FS Silty clay SIC 

Fine sandy loam FSL Silty clay loam SICL 

Loam L Silt loam SIL 

Loamy coarse sand LCOS Sandy loam SL 

Loamy fine sand LFS Very fine sand VFS 

Loamy sand LS Very fine sandy loam VFSL 

Loamy very fine sand LVFS 

• Terms In Lieu of Texture – Enter one of the 

following codes, or leave blank if none apply. 

Terms In Lieu 

of Texture

Code Terms In Lieu 

of Texture

Code

Bedrock BR Petrocalcic PC 

Boulders BY Paracobbles PCB 

Cobbles CB Parachanners PCN

Channers CN Peat PEAT

Duripan DUR Petroferric PF 

Flagstones FL Paraflagstones PFL 

Gravel G Paragravel PG 

Highly decomposed plant material HPM Petrogypsic PGP 

Material MAT Placic PL 

Moderately decomposed plant 

material 

MPM Parastones PST 

Mucky peat MPT Slightly decomposed 

plant material 

SPM

Muck MUCK Stones ST 

Ortstein OR Water W 

Paraboulders PBY 

Past Erosion – Enter one of the following codes, or leave 

blank if none apply. 

Past Erosion Class Code

Moderate (Classes 1 and 2) 1 

Severe (Classes 3 and over) 2 

Drainage Class – Enter one of the following codes, or 

leave blank if none apply. 

Drainage Class Code Drainage Class Code

Very Poorly Drained 1 Well Drained 5 

Poorly Drained 2 Somewhat Excessively Drained 6 

Somewhat Poorly Drained 3 Excessively Drained 7 

Moderately Well Drained 4 

Altered Water Relations – Enter one of the following 

codes, or leave blank if there has been no change in the 

water regime. 

Altered Condition Code

Wetted W 

Drained D 

(v) Density Data 

Understory Abundance – Rate each item (Reproduction, 

All Woody Plants, Grasses and Forbs, Mosses and 

Lichens) according to their relative abundance. Enter 

one of the following codes. 

Abundance Code

None 1 

Sparse 2 

Moderately Abundant 3 

Abundant 4 

Very Abundant 5 

Stand Density (Canopy) – 

• M. or E. – Enter a code that indicates if the crown 

canopy closure was measured (M) or estimated (E). 

• Percent – Enter the percent of crown canopy closure 

in whole numbers. 

Basal Area – 

• M. or E. – Enter the code that indicates if the basal 

area was measured (M) or estimated (E). 

• Sq. Ft. – Enter basal area in square feet. 

Crown Competition Factor – Enter the CFC number. 

This data element applies only to lodgepole pine. See 

Exhibit 637-59 for instructions on determining site index 

for lodgepole pine. 

(vi) Tree Data 

Ordinarily five to six trees of a single species are 

measured to determine site index. The information for 

one tree is placed on one line. If more than one species 

is measured, it is helpful to group the trees by species. If 

more trees are measured than the space will 

accommodate, use a second worksheet. Fill in the plot 

number for identification and continue measurements on 

the second worksheet. 

NSPNS – Enter the scientific plant name symbol as 

listed in the Plants database (http://plants.usda.gov). 

Crown Class – Enter the following crown class code for 

each measured tree. 

Crown Class Code

Dominant D 

Codominant C 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-45 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Tree Origin – Enter the following tree origin code of 

each measured tree. 

Tree Origin Code 

Naturally 

Seeded 

S 

Planted P 

Coppice C 

Direct Seeded D 

Tree Diameter – Enter the diameter at breast height of 

each measured tree to the nearest 0.1 inch. 

Inches Radius Last 10 Years – Enter the radius of the 

last 10 rings of each measured tree to the nearest 0.1 

inch. 

Age Estimation – 

• Ht. Ring Count. – Enter the height, in feet, of each 

measured tree, at which the growth rings were 

counted. For standing trees this is normally at 4.5 

feet above normal ground level. If ring count is 

from stumps, the center pith of the tree should be 

clearly discernable in the core sample to insure an 

accurate age count. 

• No. of Rings – Enter the number of growth rings 

counted. When an increment borer is being used to 

determine age, certain precautions are important. 

Most trees are elliptical, with the pith displaced from 

the center along the long axis and away from the 

direction of lean. Size the tree up carefully, aim the 

borer with care, and bore in the direction of the long 

axis to ensure reaching the pith. If the borer misses 

the pith, a second boring is preferable to estimating 

the number of rings to pith. Care in selecting the 

point to bore can eliminate most errors. 

• Mea. Pt. Age – Enter the number of years it took for 

the measured tree to reach the height at which the 

ring count is made. To determine age with an 

increment borer, bore all trees at breast height and 

add standard age correction factors. This reduces 

some of the errors caused by variations in growth 

rate during the regeneration period. An approximate 

correction factor is added to the increment core age 

and this total together with tree height is used to 

determine approximate site index. Using the 

approximate site index, the true age correction factor 

is obtained. This factor added to increment core age 

gives true total age. Use only the age correction 

factors contained in the National Forestry Manual, 

Exhibit 537-1. Do not use correction factors for 

sprouts. If only a breast height age curve is used to 

determine site index for a species, leave this entry 

blank. 

• Total Age – Enter the total age. The total age is the 

sum of the number of rings plus the age correction 

factor. When site index is determined by using a 

breast height age curve, make no entry in the total 

age data field. If both total age and breast height age 

curves are used for a species, enter total age. 

• Total Height – Enter the total height of the tree to 

the nearest foot. Care is essential to obtain accurate 

height measurements. Any of several instruments 

may be used (Abney level, Haga altimeter, 

clinometer, etc). Refer to Part 636.3 for information 

on measuring instruments. It is good practice to 

locate a point from which the top and base of the 

tree can be seen clearly. Take readings from this 

point, then measure back to the tree to get the 

distance. This procedure is more accurate and less 

time consuming than measuring a set distance out 

from the tree often to find that the point does not 

provide an unobstructed view. The measuring point 

should be at least as far from the tree as the tree is 

tall. 

(vii) Site Index Data 

This section is used to record the site index for the 

species measured. 

NSPNS – Enter the scientific plant name symbol as 

listed in the Plants database (http://plants.usda.gov). 

Number of Trees – Enter the number of trees used to 

calculate the site index. 

Site Index Curve Number – Select the code number for 

the site index curve used to derive the site index. For a 

list of site index curve numbers, refer to the National 

Forestry Manual, Exhibit 537-1. 

Average Site Index – Enter the site index for each 

species measured. From the Tree Data Section, calculate 

average total age and average total height. Use the 

appropriate site index curves in the standard manner to 

obtain site index. Since the age correction factor 

depends on the site index, a two-step process is 

necessary: (1) average the number of rings and add an 

estimated age with which to calculate an approximate 

site index, then (2) use the true age correction factor to 

obtain total age and true site index. 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-46 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

(viii) Canopy Cover Data 

NSPNS – Enter the scientific plant name symbol as 

listed in the Plants database (http://plants.usda.gov). If 

there are more than twelve species, combine the least 

important species using the code "OTHER". 

Percent – Enter the percent, in whole numbers, that each 

species occupies of the total canopy. The percentages 

must total 100. Use the code "OTHER" (see "NSPNS", 

above) if more than 12 species occur in the canopy, then 

record the percentage needed to sum to 100. Refer to 

Part 636.3 for information on various instruments used 

to measure canopy cover. 

(ix) Ground Cover Data 

NSPNS – Enter the scientific plant name symbol as 

listed in the Plants database (http://plants.usda.gov) for 

the species that make up the ground cover below the 

canopy (mostly under 15 feet). 

Rating – Enter the following code that represents the 

relative abundance of each listed species. 

Abundance Rating Code 

An Occasional Plant Present 1 

Sparse 2 

Moderately Abundant 3 

Abundant 4 

Very Abundant (at least 30 percent of ground cover) 5 

(xi) Remarks 

Enter any pertinent information about the site. 

(4) Statistical Analysis 

Statistical analysis of forest plot site index data is useful 

in determining the reliability of the estimate of site 

index. Common measures of reliability for site index 

estimates are range, mean, standard deviation, and 

coefficient of variation. For plot data entered into the 

ESI–Forestland database, the range, mean, and standard 

deviation are available through the standard report 

option of the ESI–Forestland application. 

 When plot data have not been entered into the ESI–

Forestland database or it is desired to determine standard 

deviation for finer divisions of populations than is 

possible through the ESI–Forestland standard report 

option, the following procedures may be used. 

(i) Standard Deviation 

To determine the standard deviation of site index, group 

the forest plot site index data by soil series and tree 

species. If desired, the data may be further divided by 

state, county, MLRA, precipitation zones, latitudinal 

belts, etc. If the forest plot data have been entered in the 

ESI–Forestland database, the custom report option of the 

ESI–Forestland application is a convenient method to 

obtain site index data for various divisions. 

To calculate standard deviation manually, use the 

formula: 

Standard Deviation = 

Where: 

I = site index for a plot 

n = number of plots 

The following table illustrates the use of the above 

formula to calculate site index for a population of 15 

forest site plots in two counties. 

Number County Year 

Plant 

Symbol 

Site Index 

(I) 

Site Index 

Squared 

(I

2

) 

1 67 55 PIEC2 77 5929

4 67 55 PIEC2 60 3600

5 67 55 PIEC2 66 4356

6 67 55 PIEC2 61 3721

1 37 76 PIEC2 73 5329

18 37 75 PIEC2 69 4761

20 37 75 PIEC2 62 3844

20 37 76 PIEC2 68 4624

21 37 75 PIEC2 73 5329

21 37 76 PIEC2 70 4900

23 37 76 PIEC2 75 5625

26 37 75 PIEC2 74 5476

29 37 75 PIEC2 72 5184

30 37 76 PIEC2 69 4761

31 37 76 PIEC2 64 4096

n=15 1033 71535

( 1)

( )

2

2

−

∑ ∑ −

n

n

I I

5.3

14

15

1033x1033 71535

Standard Deviation = ±

−

=
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-47 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Another convenient and simple method of calculating 

standard deviation is to enter the forest plot site data into 

an electronic spreadsheet, such as Microsoft® Excel, 

then use the built-in statistical function to calculate 

standard deviation. If the plot data have been generated 

through the custom report option of the ESI–Forestland 

application, this data may be pasted directly into an 

electronic spreadsheet, eliminating the need to manually 

enter the data. Once the data are pasted into the 

worksheet, the standard deviation can be easily 

calculated for the whole population or any desired 

subset. Figure 637-88 shows an example of calculating 

standard deviation using an electronic spreadsheet. 

Notice that the built-in function, "STDEV(E2:E16)", is 

used to calculate the standard deviation. 

Figure 637-88 Calculating Standard Deviation 

using Electronic Spreadsheet 

It would be ideal if sufficient numbers of plots could be 

taken in every working area to establish the relationship 

of site index for each of the various tree species to each 

soil component. Since that is not normally possible, site 

index data taken on the same soil component in different 

work areas are used to derive site index. Each block of 

plots needs to be scrutinized carefully to see if the plots 

represent reasonably homogeneous conditions of 

elevation, precipitation, aspect, and latitude. 

It might be reasoned that the plot data shown in Figure 

637-88 are quite homogeneous since the standard 

deviation is well below 10 percent. Closer scrutiny, 

however, shows that most of the plots from County 67 

have site indexes lower than the mean for the combined 

counties, whereas those from County 37 have site 

indexes above the mean for the combined counties. An 

analysis of each county is shown in the following tables. 

Number County Year Plant Symbol Site Index

1 67 55 PIEC2 77

4 67 55 PIEC2 60

5 67 55 PIEC2 66

6 67 55 PIEC2 61

Standard Deviation 7.8

Mean 66

Number County Year Plant Symbol Site Index

1 37 76 PIEC2 73

18 37 75 PIEC2 69

20 37 75 PIEC2 62

20 37 76 PIEC2 68

21 37 75 PIEC2 73

21 37 76 PIEC2 70

23 37 76 PIEC2 75

26 37 75 PIEC2 74

29 37 75 PIEC2 72

30 37 76 PIEC2 69

31 37 76 PIEC2 64

Standard Deviation 4.1

Mean 70

Separating the plots on a county basis seems to be 

desirable in this case, because the standard deviation is 

lowered by doing so. Climatic differences may occur. 

The person doing the work should be satisfied that the 

separation is a reasonable one and not the product of 

some other unmentioned factor. 

The standard deviation can be used to check the validity 

of any plot in a population. Any plot with a site index 

more than two and one-half standard deviations from the 

mean of the population is likely not in the same universe 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-48 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

or population and can justifiably be excluded from the 

population. 

Where few data exist, plots with fewer than the 

minimum number of trees (5-6) may need to be included 

in the population for determination of site index. 

Although the site index and standard deviation may be 

determined in the normal manner, it may be desirable to 

determine the site index and standard deviation by 

weighting the plots according to the number of trees 

measured for each plot, rather than the number of plots. 

The following is an example of the procedure. Note that 

n is now the number of trees rather than the number of 

plots. 

Number County Year 

Plant 

Symbol 

Site 

Index 

(I) 

Trees 

Measured

 (n) I x n

1 67 55 PIEC2 77 1 385

4 67 55 PIEC2 60 5 300

5 67 55 PIEC2 66 5 330

6 67 55 PIEC2 61 3 183

1 37 76 PIEC2 73 1 73

18 37 75 PIEC2 69 2 138

Totals 406 17 1101

Average site index on 

plot basis: 

Average site index on 

individual tree basis: 

In calculating the standard deviation, the weighting 

principle is continued as demonstrated in the following 

example. 

Site 

Index 

(I) 

Trees 

Measured 

 (n) I x n (I x n)2

77 1 385 5929 

60 5 300 18000 

66 5 330 21780 

61 3 183 11163 

73 1 73 5329 

69 2 138 9522 

406 17 1101 71723 

(ii) Coefficient of Variation 

Another statistical measure commonly used is coefficient 

of variation. Coefficient of variation is the standard 

deviation expressed as a percentage of the mean: 

Coefficient of Variation = 

Ordinarily, in forestland inventory work, a coefficient of 

variation below 8 percent is satisfactory. 

 (b) Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot 

Inventory Operations 

NRCS documentation of conservation tree/shrub species 

performance began in the l950's. Procedures were 

developed and improved during the l960's when a great 

number of evaluation plots were established in the Great 

Plains States. The objective of the inventories is to 

study and record the relations between the kinds of soil 

and the performance of individual tree and shrub species. 

The information is used in selecting species best suited 

for different kinds of soil; predicting longevity, 

effectiveness, and height growth; and improving 

spacing, design, and renovation. 

Soil, climate, and physiographic site factors are studied 

and recorded by commonly accepted techniques. 

Determination of the influence of site factors is one of 

the most important and difficult aspects of the study. 

Performance is determined insofar as possible under the 

"standard" conditions of management and species 

competition that have resulted from particular spacings 

and arrangements. It is not intended to study the 

conservation effectiveness of windbreaks. With accurate 

information about individual species performance under 

specified conditions of soil, climate, physiography, and 

management, including species, spacing, and 

arrangement, the relative potential effectiveness of 

different kinds of windbreaks can be inferred. 

68

6

406 =

65

21

1101 =

5.1

16

17

1101x1101 71723

Standard Deviation = ±

−

=

x100

Mean

Standard Deviation ⎟

⎠

⎞ ⎜

⎝

⎛

( 1)

( x )

x

Standard Deviation

2

2

−

∑ ∑ −

= n

n

I n I n
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-49 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

(1) Site Selection 

Sites are tentatively selected for study on the basis of 

age, soil on which they are growing, management, and 

prospects of providing valid information on species 

performance. The plantings may be of any age and 

should show evidence of reasonably good management. 

Species should be measured at 5-year intervals until they 

reach their average mature height. 

Plot selection involves teamwork, usually consisting of a 

plant scientist and a soil scientist. Both members of the 

team must be satisfied that the plot is satisfactory before 

any data are collected. 

A soil scientist makes certain that each sampled area 

(plot) is representative of a soil taxonomic unit. Each 

soil taxonomic unit sampled is to be within the range of 

characteristics of each described and named soil studied. 

Concentrating studies on "benchmark" soils, where this 

is possible, is one way the soil scientist can project 

known information to similar soils. 

A plant scientist makes certain that each row segment 

selected for study provides accurate and useful 

information on individual species performance under the 

conditions to be recorded. 

Plots need not be permanently marked, but the 

description should permit the precise identification of 

each plot. Periodic measurement of some plantings 

provides valuable information on the development of 

specific trees under identical circumstances over a period 

of time. 

For windbreaks, a plot consists of a series of segments of 

the rows of individual species on a single kind of soil. 

The row segments of the different species are usually 

adjacent across the planting. For each row segment 

studied, conditions within the row and in adjacent rows 

must be such that performance to be recorded will 

accurately reflect conditions of competition, species, 

spacing, and arrangement. 

A given row segment may not provide valid information 

when plants are missing in the row or in adjacent rows 

because competition is reduced within the row or 

between rows; thus, these segments are not indicative of 

species performance. If trees are missing and suspected 

never to have been established, some offsetting of row 

segments to be measured may be needed. The offsetting 

is to be limited to a minor portion of the planting, and 

the different row segments are to be approximately 

adjacent within the windbreak. 

Confine observations and measurements on each row to 

a row segment of 10 to 25 original plant spaces. 

(2) Site Documentation 

The soil scientist describes the soil profile using standard 

terms and abbreviations as detailed in Chapters 3 and 5 

in Agriculture Handbook 18, Soil Survey Manual, 

October 1993. Attach a copy of the profile description 

to the ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet. 

The plant scientist records field data on the ESI 

Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet. These worksheets 

should be filed for safekeeping and future reference. 

All plot field data are to be entered into the ESI–

Forestland database. Instructions and procedures for 

entering the field data using the ESI–Forestland 

application are contained in this subpart. 

(3) ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet 

The ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet is used to 

record field data. The worksheet is designed to closely 

match the data entry screens in the ESI–Forestland 

application. Exhibit 637 - 58 shows an example of a 

completed worksheet. 

A blank copy of the ESI Windbreak Plot Field 

Worksheet (including instructions and codes) that can be 

printed and reproduced for use in the field is available on 

the NFH Web site at 

http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nfhandbook. To obtain these 

documents, click on Exhibit 637-60, Exhibit 637-61, and 

Exhibit 637-62 in Part 637 of the NFH Web site. Use 

the print function of your Internet browser to print the 

documents. The documents can also be saved to your 

local computer for subsequent printing. 

The following are detailed instructions for recording plot 

data on the ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet. 

(i) General Data 

The plot number has four parts: ID, year, state and 

county. 

ID – Enter a number from 1 to 999. It is suggested that 

numbers be used in chronological order, by year, in each 

county. 

Year – Enter the last two digits of the year. 

State and County – Enter the FIPS 2-digit numerical 

code for the state and the FIPS 3-digit code for the 

county. 
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P-E Index – Enter the P-E index (precipitationevaporation index). Great Plains states use drawing 

number 5S-16, 270 to determine index. Other states can 

leave this field blank. 

Precipitation – Enter the total annual precipitation and 

summer (warm season) precipitation, each to the nearest 

whole inch. The VegSpec application provides a 

convenient source for obtaining precipitation data. The 

VegSpec database contains climate data provided by the 

NRCS National Water and Climate Center in Portland, 

Oregon for hundreds of climate stations. Access the 

VegSpec application by clicking on the VegSpec link on 

the Plants homepage at http://plants.usda.gov/. To view 

the climate data, start the VegSpec application, select a 

state and a climate station on the Site Description screen, 

and then click on the climate attributes sub-option 

hyperlink. 

Extra Moisture – Enter the following applicable 

moisture source code. 

Moisture Source Code 

None N 

Irrigation I 

Water Table W 

Contour Planting C 

Position P 

In Vital Notes, record the following relative to the 

moisture source code entered: 

Code I - how long the planting was irrigated, if irrigation 

has been provided for less than the life of the planting. 

Code W - indicate depth in inches to permanent water 

table. 

Code C or P - indicate foot slope, drain bank, etc. 

Elevation – Enter the elevation in feet. Elevation may 

be read from a contour map, obtained by use of a 

barometer, or estimated from known reference points. 

Where there is little variation in elevation, as in the 

Coastal Plain and Piedmont sections of the Southeast, 

only the general elevation of the area is needed. Do not 

take extra time to obtain accuracy closer than 100 feet in 

mountainous country. 

MLRA Number – Enter the major land resource area 

number according to the map and descriptions in 

Agriculture Handbook 296. 

Direction Row 1 Faces – Enter the following applicable 

code. 

Row 1 Direction Code 

North N 

South S 

East E 

West W 

Northwest NW

Southwest SW 

Southeast SE 

Northeast NE 

State Plane Coordinates – 

• Zone – In Alaska (zones 1–10), California (zones 1–

7), and Hawaii (zones 1–5) zones are numbered and 

the number is the code for the zone. The 10th zone 

of Alaska is coded 0. In Connecticut, Delaware, 

Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North 

Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont, 

the entire state is one zone: code 0. For all other 

zone codes, refer to Exhibit 637 - 58. 

• East and North – Enter the East (x) and North (y) 

coordinates. Many county highway maps and later 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quad sheets have 

state plane coordinate tick marks along the edges. 

Use USGS quad sheets whenever possible. When 

tick marks are present, the coordinates can be 

determined by use of an appropriate scale. 

Transparent cross-sectional scales for the 7-1/2 

minute and 15-minute quad sheets may be ordered 

from commercial forestry supply catalogs. If the 

county highway map has lines of latitude and 

longitude, these may be used to determine 

coordinates. The U.S. Department of Commerce's 

Coast and Geodetic Survey has published "Plane 

Coordinate Intersection Tables" for each state. 

These publications are available from the 

Government Printing Office at a nominal cost. For 

each 2-1/2 minute intersection of longitude and 

latitude, the x and y coordinates are given. An 

intersection may be used as a base point from which 

coordinates can be measured using a suitable scale. 

Coordinates should be rounded to show the probable 

accuracy. 

Section/Range/Township – 

• Section – Enter the number of the section in which 

the plot is located.

• Range – Enter the range designation in the manner: 

R4E or R4W. Use no other abbreviations.

• Township – Enter the township designation in the 

manner: T7N or T6S. Use no other abbreviations.

(ii) Soil Information 
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Series Name – Enter the full soil series name. If a soil 

series name has not been established for the soil, enter 

the series name of the family to which the soil belongs, 

followed by the letter (F). Example: Holden (F). 

Type – Select the following appropriate texture type 

code, or leave blank if none apply. 

Texture Type Code Texture Type Code

Sand S Silt SI 

Coarse Sand COS Sandy Clay Loam SCL 

Fine Sand FS Clay Loam CL 

Very Fine Sand VFS Silty Clay Loam SICL 

Loamy Coarse Sand LCOS Sandy Clay SC 

Loamy Sand LS Clay C 

Loamy Fine Sand LFS Silty Clay SIC 

Loamy Very Fine Sand LVFS Fibric Materials FB 

Coarse Sandy Loam COSL Hemic Materials HM 

Sandy Loam SL Marl MARL 

Fine Sandy Loam FSL Mucky Peat MPT 

Very Fine Sandy Loam VFSL Muck MUCK 

Loam L Peat PEAT 

Silt Loam SIL Cinders CIND 

Phase – Enter an abbreviation for the phase, modifier, or 

variant of the soil series and describe in the Soil 

Information Phase Notes section. 

Soil Description – Enter Y if a complete and suitable soil 

description has been made, otherwise enter N. 

Slope Percent – Enter percent of slope in whole 

numbers, 0 to 99. Use 99 for slopes steeper than 99. 

Slope Shape – Select the following appropriate code to 

indicate the slope shape: 

Slope Shape Code

Plane P 

Concave CV 

Convex CX 

Slope Aspect – Select the following appropriate code to 

indicate the direction the slope faces, to the nearest 45 

degrees azimuth. 

Direction Code

North N 

Northeast NE 

East E 

Southeast SE 

South S 

Southwest SW 

West W 

Northwest NW 

Soil Trapped by Windbreak – Indicate in Vital Notes 

the row or rows affected. 

• Depth – Enter the inches of soil material trapped by 

the windbreak at the point of deepest deposition, to 

the nearest whole inch. 

• Texture – Select the following appropriate code to 

indicate the texture of the soil material trapped by 

the windbreak. 

Texture Type Code Texture Type Code

Sand S Silt SI 

Coarse Sand COS Sandy Clay Loam SCL 

Fine Sand FS .Clay Loam CL 

Very Fine Sand VFS Silty Clay Loam SICL 

Loamy Coarse Sand LCOS Sandy Clay SC 

Loamy Sand LS Clay C 

Loamy Fine Sand LFS Silty Clay SIC 

Loamy Very Fine Sand LVFS Fibric Materials FB 

Coarse Sandy Loam COSL Hemic Materials HM 

Sandy Loam SL Marl MARL

Fine Sandy Loam FSL Mucky Peat MPT 

Very Fine Sandy Loam VFSL Muck MUCK

Loam L Peat PEAT

Silt Loam SIL Cinders CIND

Depth of A Horizon – Enter the depth of the A-Horizon, 

to the nearest whole inch. The depth should match that 

shown in the profile description. 

Restrictive Layer – Enter the depth to a major change in 

soil texture, permanent water table, rock, etc., to the 

nearest whole inch. 

Alkaline or Saline – 

• Kind – Select the appropriate code from the 

following table: 

Kind Code

None N 

Alkaline A 

Saline S 

• Degree – Select the following appropriate code. 

Degree Code

Alkalinity in the soil does not affect windbreak 

species N 

Alkalinity in the soil affects windbreak species Y 

Salinity <2 mmhos/cm 1 

Salinity 2-4 mmhos/cm 2 

Salinity 4-8 mmhos/cm 3 

Salinity 8-16 mmhos/cm 4 

Salinity >16 mmhos/cm 5 

(iii) Maintenance and Response 

Row Number – Enter the number of the row. Number 

the rows consecutively from the north or west edge of 

the windbreak, beginning with the number 1. Where 

more than one species occurs in a row, add a letter 
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starting with A for the first species, B for the second 

species, etc. 

Cultivation – In the Past and Now fields, select the 

following code that most nearly indicates the kind of 

cultivation. 

Kind of Cultivation Code

Excellent - Clean Tilled each Year E 

Good - Clean Tilled Frequently or Partially G 

Fair - Clean Tilled Infrequently or Outside Rows 

Only F 

Poor - No Cultivation for 3 Years or More P 

Ground Cover – Select the following appropriate code. 

Ground Cover Code

Dense - Heavy Sod D 

Light - Patch Sod or Weeds L 

Sparse - Scattered Grass and Weeds or Clean Tilled S 

Row to Row Spacing (Feet) – Enter the distance between 

rows of trees or shrubs, to the nearest whole foot. 

Tree to Tree Spacing (Feet) – Enter the average distance 

between individual trees or shrubs within a row, to the 

nearest whole foot. 

Reproduction – Select the following appropriate code 

that best represents the reproduction of species in the 

windbreak, either by seed or by vegetative means. 

Reproduction Code

None N 

Light - An Occasional Sprout or Seedling L 

Medium - 6 to 20 Feet Apart M 

Heavy - 5 Feet or Less Apart H 

Damage – 

• Kind – Select the following appropriate code to 

indicate the kind of damage to the planting from 

Insects, Disease, and/or Injury. Describe the 

damage in the Maintenance and Response Damage 

Notes section. 

Code Kind of Damage Insect Disease Injury

None NE NE NE 

Other OT OT OT 

Borer BR -- -- 

Grasshopper GH -- -- 

Oyster Scale OS -- -- 

Tip Moth TM -- -- 

Webworm WE -- -- 

Spruce Mite (Red Spider) SM -- -- 

Elm Leaf Beetle EB -- -- 

Canker -- CA -- 

Cedar Apple Rust -- CR -- 

Fire Blight -- FR -- 

Fungus -- FN -- 

Kind of Damage Code

Insect Disease Injury

Needle Rust -- NR -- 

Virus -- VR -- 

X Disease -- XC -- 

Animal (other) -- -- AL 

Chemical -- -- CM 

Deer -- -- DR 

Dieback -- -- DB 

Fire -- -- FR 

Flooding -- -- FL 

Frost Crack -- -- FC 

Grazing -- -- GR 

Hail -- -- HL 

Ice -- -- IC 

Implement -- -- IP 

Rabbit -- -- RT 

Snow -- -- SN 

Sunscald -- -- SS 

Wind -- -- WN 

Winter Kill -- -- WK 

• Degree – Select the following appropriate code to 

indicate the degree of damage to the planting from 

Insects, Disease, and/or Injury.

Degree of Damage Code

Slight - No Appreciable Damage is Apparent 1 

Moderate - Apparent Loss of Foliage, Vigor, 

and Top Growth or General Overall Decline of

Species in the Row 

2 

Severe - Apparent Loss of Species in the Row 3 

Rooting Depth – Enter the depth to which the roots of 

the windbreak species occur in the classes Many, 

Common, and Few. See Agriculture Handbook 18, Soil 

Survey Manual, October 1993. Describe any conditions 

that may influence root development in the soil profile 

description section. 

Vital Notes (Y or N) – Enter a Y (yes) or N (no) to 

indicate there are additional data in Vital Notes. 

(iv) Species Performance 

Year Planted – Determine month (if known) and year of 

the initial windbreak planting. If planting records are 

not available, bore plants in each row 12 inches (30.5 

cm) above the ground. Count the number of annual 

rings. For deciduous tree and shrub species, the ring 

count should be subtracted from the year the data were 

collected to obtain the year the planting was established. 

For Juniperus, Pinus, Thuja, and Picea species, add 

three years to the ring count to obtain the age of the 

planting. 

Row Number – Enter the number of the row. Number 

the rows consecutively from the north or west edge of 

the windbreak, beginning with the number 1. Where 

more than one species occurs in a row, add a letter 

starting with A for the first species, B for the second 
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species, etc. The row numbers should coincide with the 

row numbers entered in the Maintenance and Response 

section. 

NSPNS – Enter the national scientific plant name 

symbol as listed in the Plants database 

(http://plants.usda.gov). 

Age in Years – Enter the number of growing seasons 

since trees and shrubs were planted. If planting records 

are not available, bore plants in each row 12 inches 

above the ground and count the number of annual rings. 

For deciduous tree and shrub species, the ring count 

should be subtracted from the year the data were 

collected to obtain the year the planting was established. 

For Juniperus, Pinus, Picea, and Thuja species, add 3 

years to the ring count to obtain the age of the planting. 

In Vital Notes, record the approximate age of the nursery 

stock when it was planted. 

Height in Feet – 

• Average of all Trees – Enter the average height of 

the trees recorded in the Tree Measurements section 

• Average of Two Tallest – Enter the average height of 

the two tallest trees recorded in the Tree 

Measurements section, to the nearest whole foot. 

Diameter to Whole Inch – Enter the average DBH 

(diameter at breast height) of the trees recorded in the 

Tree Measurements section, to the nearest whole inch. 

Condition – Select the following appropriate code. 

Condition Code

Good 

• Leaves (or needles) are normal in color and growth 

• Small amounts of dead wood (top, branches, and twigs) occur 

within the live crowns 

• Evidence of disease, insect, and climatic damage is limited 

• Little or no evidence of suppression or stagnation 

G 

Fair 

• Leaves (or needles) are normal in color and growth 

• Substantial amounts of dead wood (top, branches, and twigs) occur 

within the live crowns 

• Evidence of disease, insect, and climatic damage is obvious 

• Evidence of suppression or stagnation. Current-year growth 

obviously less than normal. 

F 

Poor 

• Leaves (or needles) are very abnormal in color and growth 

• Very large amounts of dead wood (top, branches, and twigs) occur 

within the live crowns 

• Evidence of extensive disease, insect, and climatic damage is 

obvious 

• Evidence of severe suppression, stagnation, or decadence. Currentyear growth negligible. 

P 

Suppression – 

• Left and Right – Enter the row number of the trees to 

the left and right that are suppressing trees in the 

current row. 

• Degree – Select the appropriate code from the 

following table to indicate the degree to which the 

trees in the rows to the left and right of the current 

row are being suppressed. 

Degree Code

None - Crown is completely free to develop 0 

Slight - Competition for light from the side has caused crown to develop 

abnormally 1 

Moderate - Side competition and/or overtopping has caused abnormal 

top development and some apparent height loss (up to one-third of total 

height) 

2 

Severe - Overtopping has resulted in a serious reduction in height 

growth (more than one-third of total height) 3 

Crown Spread – Enter the average distance that the 

crown of the species extends to the left and right of the 

current row, to the nearest whole foot. Left is always the 

side nearest row 1. 

Height to Live Crown – Enter the average height that the 

species supports live crown to the left and right of the 

current row, to the nearest whole foot. Left is always the 

side nearest row 1. If management practices, such as 

pruning or cultivation, have influenced the crown height, 

leave these fields blank and explain in the Species 

Performance Comments section. 

Present Survival in Percent – Enter the survival 

percentage of the species in the row, to the nearest whole 

percent. 

Soil Within Series Range – Enter a Y (yes) or N (no) to 

indicate if the soil series is within the range of the soil 

taxonomic unit described for the site. 

Tree Measurements – Record measurements for tree 

species only. Measure six or more trees within the 25-

plant segment. 

Measured (x) to (x) – Enter the direction in which the 

trees are numbered, i.e. left to right. 

Row/NSPNS – Enter the appropriate row number and 

the national scientific plant name symbol as listed in the 

Plants database (http://plants.usda.gov). 

Plant Point – The place where trees were originally 

planted. Begin numbering points as indicated in the 

“Measured (x) to (x)“ field. 
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• Number – Enter the appropriate number of each tree 

measured. 

• Height – Record total height to the nearest foot. 

• Diameter – Measure the diameter of each singlestemmed tree at breast height (4-1/2 feet) to the 

nearest inch. For multiple-stemmed trees that 

branch below the 4-1/2 foot level, measure the 

diameter of only the largest stem. Show the total 

number of stems for each multiple-stemmed tree in a 

small circle immediately above and to the right of 

the recorded diameter of the largest stem. Measure 

trees consecutively in the row except those with 

broken tops, severe diseases, etc. 

(c) ESI-Forestland Application 

The Ecological Site Inventory application is accessed via 

the Internet through the ESIS link on the Plants 

homepage at http://plants.usda.gov. Clicking on the 

ESIS link (see Figure 637-39) will take you to the ESIS 

homepage (see Figure 637-40). From the ESIS 

homepage you can access the Ecological Site InventoryForestland application. 

(1) Conventions for Using the ESI–Forestland 

Application 

The following conventions are used throughout the ESI–

Forestland application: 

• Text Boxes – A text box requires that you type in 

data. The "Soil Series Name" field shown in Figure 

637-89 is an example of a text box. 

Figure 637-89 Text Box 

• Choice List Fields – A choice list field contains a list 

of appropriate items from which to make a selection. 

Normally, the only data that can be entered in a 

choice list field are data contained in the choice list. 

The list of items is viewed from a drop-down choice 

list. 

To select an entry from a drop-down choice list, 

click on the "down arrow" located on the right edge 

of the choice list field, then highlight and click on 

the desired item in the drop-down choice list. 

Some choice lists contain more items than can be 

displayed in the drop-down choice list. To see all of 

the items, use the scroll bar on the right side of the 

box to scroll through the items. Figure 637-90 

shows an example of a drop-down list of items in a 

choice list field. 

As an alternative to selecting from the drop-down 

choice list with the mouse, you can also select a 

choice by placing the cursor in the choice list field 

and typing the first letter of the first word of your 

desired choice. 

Figure 637-90 Choice List Field 

• Hypertext Help – The labels identifying the various 

tables in the application are also hyperlinks that 

provide access to help and instructions. To view 

help and instructions for any table, click on the table 

label. In most cases these hyperlinks are 

recognizable as blue, underlined text. When the 

cursor is placed over the text, the cursor changes to a 

hand with a pointing finger. The label Location 

Data in Figure 637-91 is an example of a hypertext 

help link. 

Figure 637-91 Hypertext Help 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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Action Buttons – The screens used to enter new data or 

edit existing data are identical, except for the “action” 

buttons. 

When adding new plot data, the following “action” 

buttons will appear on the screen (see Figure 637-92). 

Figure 637-92 Forest Plot Data Entry Screen 

• Insert – This button is used to save or insert the data 

entered on the screen into the database. After 

clicking on the Insert button, the “action” buttons 

shown in Figure 637-93 will be displayed. 

• Clear – This button will clear all data entered on the 

screen. It does not delete data that were previously 

saved or inserted. 

• Return/Cancel – This button is used to exit the 

screen without saving the data currently entered on 

the screen. 

When editing existing plot data, the following action 

buttons will appear on the screen (see Figure 637-93). 

Figure 637-93 Forest Plot Data Edit Screen 

• Update – This button is used to replace or update the 

data previously recorded in the database with the 

currently edited data. 

• Delete – This button is used to delete the entire plot 

from the database. When you click on the Delete 

button, the message box shown in Figure 637-94 

will appear to confirm the delete action. Click OK 

to delete the plot. Click Cancel to return to the 

screen without deleting the plot. 

• Reset – This button is similar to the Clear button 

described above. The difference is that when you 

click on this button, all the fields on the screen will 

revert to that data stored in the database, rather than 

to a blank field. 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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Figure 637-94 Delete Confirmation Message 

• Return/Cancel – This button is used to exit the 

screen without saving the current edits. When you 

click on the Return/Cancel button, the message box 

shown in Figure 637-95 is displayed as a warning 

that any unsaved data will be lost. Click OK to 

proceed. Click Cancel to return to the screen 

without losing edits. 

Figure 637-95 Update Reminder 

(2) Adding or Editing ESI–Forestland Data 

The ESI–Forestland application is designed to allow 

intermittent data entry. This allows you to enter as little 

or as much data as is currently available. It is not 

required to supply all the data associated with an 

ecological inventory at any one time. The application 

can be accessed to enter new data or update existing data 

at any time. The following describes the procedures for 

accessing the system to add new ESI–Forestland data or 

edit existing ESI–Forestland data. 

(i) Accessing the System 

To add or edit ESI–Forestland data, click the Entry/Edit 

button on the ESI–Forestland homepage (see Figure 

637-96) and complete the following on the Security 

Login screen (see Figure 637-97). 

Figure 637-96 ESI–Forestland Homepage 

1. Enter Username and Password – Enter your 

username and password. You cannot add or edit 

ESI–Forestland data unless you have an authorized 

username and password. To obtain a username and 

password, or if you are experiencing difficulty with 

an existing username and password, contact the 

individual listed at the bottom of the ESI–Forestland 

homepage. 

Figure 637-97 Security Login Screen 

The ESI–Forestland application also allows 

authorized users to manage their own security 

information. To change a password, name, and/or 

telephone number, enter a valid username and 

password on the Security Login screen, then click 

on the User Profile button . On the subsequent 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

screen (see Figure 637-98) edit the security 

information as appropriate, then click on the 

“Update” button to save the changes or click on the 

“Return” button to leave the screen without saving 

the edits. 

Figure 637-98 User Profile Screen 

2. Select State, County, and Application – After 

entering your username and password on the 

Security Login screen , click on the Login button to 

access the Data Edit/Entry screen, as shown in 

Figure 637-99. Select the desired state from the 

choice list. Only those states for which you have 

authorization will be listed in the choice list. 

After selecting a state, either type in the desired 

county name or click on the Browse button and 

select the desired county from the list of counties in 

the state County Choice List screen (see Figure 

637-100). 

Choose to edit/enter either forest plot data or 

windbreak plot data by selecting the appropriate 

radio button. 

3. After completing the above, click on the Search 

button to display a list of existing forest or 

windbreak plots (see Figure 637-101). Use the First, 

Next, Prev, and Last buttons to navigate through the 

list. 

Figure 637-99 Data Edit/Entry Screen 

Figure 637-100 County Choice List Screen 

Figure 637-101 Site Selection Screen 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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(ii) Forest Plot Data Entry and Edit 

After completing the requirements to access the system, 

you are ready to begin entering data for a new forest plot 

or editing data for an existing forest plot. 

The entry and edit screens are designed to mimic the 

data entry fields used in the ESI–Forestland Inventory 

Forest Plot Worksheet. Refer to Part 637.32(a) for 

instructions and detailed descriptions of the various data 

fields. 

(1) Change Plot ID 

To edit a previously entered Forest Site Plot Number, 

click on the Change Plot ID button (see Figure 637-102) 

and complete the subsequent entry screen. 

(2) Site-Related Data 

To enter or edit site-related data (Location Data, 

Physical Data, Soil Data, and Density Data), simply 

enter the appropriate data in the text boxes or select the 

appropriate data from the choice lists. 

(3) Vegetative-Related Data 

To enter new vegetative-related data (Tree Data, Site 

Index Data, Canopy Data, Ground Cover Data), click on 

the appropriate button, located adjacent to the table label 

(see Figure 637-103) and complete the subsequent 

screen. Note, when entering a new forest plot, the 

vegetative-related data fields (Tree Data, Site Index 

Data, Canopy Data, Ground Cover Data) are not 

displayed until the new forest plot is saved to the 

database by clicking on the Update button. 

To edit existing vegetative-related data (Tree Data, Site 

Index Data, Canopy Data, Ground Cover Data), click on 

the NSPNS for the species you wish to edit (see Figure 

637-103) and complete the subsequent screen. 

Figure 637-102 Change Forest Plot ID 

Figure 637-103 Forest Plot Vegetative Information 

(iii) Windbreak Plot Data Entry and Edit 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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After completing the requirements to access the system, 

you are ready to begin entering data for a new windbreak 

plot or editing data for an existing windbreak plot. 

The entry and edit screens are designed to mimic the 

data entry fields used in the ESI Windbreak Plot Field 

Worksheet (see Exhibit 637 - 58). Refer to Part 

637.32(b) for instructions and detailed descriptions of 

the various data fields. 

(1) Change Windbreak Plot ID 

To edit a previously entered Windbreak Site Plot 

Number, click on the Change Plot ID button (see Figure 

637-104) and complete the subsequent entry screen. 

Figure 637-104 Change Windbreak Plot ID 

(2) Site-Related Data 

To enter or edit site-related data (General Data and Soil 

Data), simply enter the appropriate data in the text boxes 

or select the appropriate data from the choice lists. 

(3) Vegetative-Related Data 

To enter new windbreak row data, click on the Enter 

New Row button, located adjacent to the table label (see 

Figure 637-105) and complete the subsequent screen. 

Note: When entering a new windbreak plot, the 

windbreak row table is not displayed until the new 

windbreak plot is saved to the database by clicking 

on the Update button. 

To edit existing windbreak row data, click on the Row 

Position you wish to edit (see Figure 637-105) and 

complete the subsequent screen. 

Figure 637-105 Windbreak Row Data 

(iv) Producing ESI–Forestland Reports 

ESI–Forestland reports are available to anyone with 

access to the Internet. A password or user name is not 

required to produce ESI–Forestland reports. Access the 

reports by clicking one of the report buttons, located on 

the left side of the ESI–Forestland homepage (see Figure 

637-96). The different report formats are detailed 

below. 

(1) Forest Site Standard Reports 

The standard report for site index displays selected plot 

data by soil series and plant species. For each plant 

species, the report displays the total number of plots, site 

index mean, site index range, and standard deviation. 

The plot data displayed can be limited by state, county, 

MLRA, or soil series. A detailed description of the 

standard reports is available by clicking on the Report 

Help hyperlink at the top of the Standard Report screen 

(see Figure 637-106). 

To produce a site index standard report, click on the 

Forest Site Standard Report button and select Site Index 

on the subsequent screen (see Figure 637-106). 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

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To produce a ground species standard report, click on 

the Forest Site Standard Report button and Ground 

Species on the subsequent screen (see Figure 637-106). 

Figure 637-106 Site Index Standard Report 

The plot data displayed can be limited by state, county, 

MLRA, or soil series. To limit the data displayed to 

certain MLRA’s, states, or counties, select the 

appropriate radio button in the Organize Report By: 

section, click on the Submit button, and then select one 

or more MLRA’s, states, or counties, from the 

subsequent choice lists. 

To limit the data displayed to certain soil series, select 

the Soil Series radio button in the Organize Report By: 

section. On the subsequent screen (see Figure 637-107) 

select the desired constraint. For example, to limit the 

report to only those counties where the desired soil 

series occurs, select County. To display data for the 

desired soil series regardless of where the soil series 

occurs, select No Constraints. 

Figure 637-107 Soil Series Constrains 

Figure 637-108 Soil Series Query 

After selecting the desired constraint, click the Submit 

button. On the subsequent screen (see Figure 637-108), 

type the name or partial name of a soils series and then 

click the Continue button. A query will be performed 

against the database and a list of all soil series matching 

your entry will be displayed. Wild cards are permitted. 

An asterisk (*) is used to represent one to many 

characters, and an underline ( _ ) is used to represent 

one, and only one, character. 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-61 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

From the subsequent list (see Figure 637-109), select 

one or more soil series. To select more than one soil 

series, hold down the shift or control key. 

Figure 637-109 Soil Series List 

(1) Windbreak Standard Reports 

The standard report for windbreaks displays selected 

plot data by soil series and plant species. The plot data 

displayed can be limited by state, county, MLRA, or soil 

series. Refer to the section above on Forest Site 

Standard Reports for instructions on using the limitation 

criteria. 

(2) Forest Site Custom Report 

The forest site custom report function allows users to 

produce custom reports tailored to their particular 

interests. To produce a custom report, the user specifies 

report criteria, selects the columns to be displayed, and 

specifies the way the report is to be sorted. 

First click on the Forest Site Custom Report button 

located on the left side of the ESI–Forestland homepage 

(see Figure 637-96). The following describes the basic 

requirements for producing custom reports. When 

navigating between the various screens described below, 

use the <<Back and Next>> buttons located at the 

bottom of each screen, rather than using the browser’s 

Back and Forward buttons. 

Specify the Report Criteria – Use the screen shown in 

Figure 637-110 to specify the site-related criteria (State, 

County, etc.) and select one of the additional criteria 

buttons (Tree, Site Index, etc.) to specify plant-related 

criteria. This feature allows you to limit the report to 

only the data that match the criteria you specify. 

Figure 637-110 Criteria Screen 

Some fields in the database (Texture Type, Texture 

Modifier, etc.) are stored as codes – FSL is the code for 

a fine sandy loam texture. 

To determine the proper codes, refer to the Help Screen 

Links located in the on-line help documents. Access the 

help document by clicking on the Report Help hyperlink 

at the top of each custom report screen (see Figure 637-

110). 

Do not enter leading zeros (0) when entering the State or 

County FIPS code. For example, if the state FIPS code 

is 005, enter 5. 

Specify Additional Criteria and Select Columns – Use 

the screen shown in Figure 637-111 to select the column 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-62 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

names that correspond to the data you want to view. If 

you selected one of the additional criteria buttons on the 

initial criteria screen, you can specify further criteria 

relative to your selection on this screen. For example, if 

the additional criterion button Site Index was selected on 

the initial criteria screen, the subsequent screen would 

look like the screen shown in Figure 637-111. 

Figure 637-111 Column Select Screen 

Select the Sorting Order – On the screen shown in 

Figure 637-112, select the way you want the data sorted 

in the report. The data in the report may be sorted by up 

to three of the columns previously selected. Unselected 

columns are not available for sorting. On this screen 

you can also select the report format. Select either of the 

delimited formats if you wish to import the data into 

other programs, such as a spreadsheet or database. 

Choose the HTML format to view the data with your 

browser. 

Figure 637-112 Sort Screen 

(3) Windbreak Custom Report 

The windbreak custom report functionality allows users 

to produce custom reports tailored to their particular 

interests. To produce a custom report the user specifies 

report criteria, selects the columns to be displayed, and 

specifies the way the report is to be sorted. 

To produce a windbreak custom report, click on the 

Windbreak Custom Report button, , located on the left 

side of the ESI–Forestland homepage (see Figure 637 - 

96). The following describes the basic requirements for 

producing custom reports. When navigating between 

the various screens described below, use the <<Back and 

Next>> buttons, located at the bottom of each screen 

rather than using the browser’s Back and Forward 

buttons. 

Specify the Report Criteria — Use the screen shown in 

Figure 637-113 to specify the site-related criteria (State, 

County, Texture Type, etc.). This feature allows you to 

limit the report to only that data that matches the criteria 

you specify. 

Some fields in the database, like Texture Type, are 

stored as codes. For example – FSL is the code for a 

fine sandy loam texture type. 

To determine the proper codes, refer to the Help Screen 

Links located in the on-line help documents. Access the 

help document by clicking on the Report Help hyperlink 

at the top of each custom report screen (see Figure 637-

114). 
Part 637.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

637-63 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Do not enter leading zeros (0) when entering the State or 

County FIPS code. For example, if the state FIPS code 

is 005, enter 5. 

Figure 637-113 Windbreak Criteria Screen 

Select Columns — Use the screen shown in Figure 637-

114 to select the column names that correspond to the 

data you want to view. 

Select the Sort Order — On the screen shown in Figure 

637-115, select the way you want the data sorted in the 

report. The data in the report may be sorted by up to 

three of the columns previously selected. Unselected 

columns are not available for sorting. On this screen 

you can also select the report format. Select either of the 

delimited formats if you wish to import the data into 

other programs, such as a spreadsheet or database. 

Chose the HTML format to view the data with your 

browser. 

Figure 637-114 Windbreak Column Select Screen 

Figure 637-15 Windbreak Sort Screen 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-64 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

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30 51 

31 52 

32 54 

33 55 

34 56 

35 57 

36 59 

37 60 

38 61 

39 63 

40 64 

41 67 

42 69 

43 72 

44 75 

45 77 

46 80 

47 83 

48 86 

49 88 

50 91 

51 95 

52 98 

53 102 

54 106 

55 109 

56 113 

57 117 

58 121 

59 124 

60 128 

61 131 

62 135 

63 138 

64 142 

65 145 

66 149 

67 152 

68 156 

69 159 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

70 163 

71 166 

72 170 

73 173 

74 176 

75 179 

76 183 

77 186 

78 189 

79 193 

80 196 

81 198 

82 200 

83 202 

84 204 

85 206 

86 209 

87 211 

88 213 

89 215 

90 217 

Exhibit 637-1 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies concolor (white fir) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-65 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

20 76 

21 79 

22 82 

23 84 

24 87 

25 90 

26 93 

27 96 

28 98 

29 101 

30 104 

31 107 

32 110 

33 113 

34 116 

35 119 

36 123 

37 126 

38 129 

39 132 

40 135 

41 139 

42 142 

43 146 

44 149 

45 153 

46 157 

47 160 

48 164 

49 167 

50 171 

51 175 

52 180 

53 184 

54 188 

55 192 

56 197 

57 201 

58 205 

59 210 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

60 214 

Exhibit 637-2 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies magnifica (California red fir) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-66 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

34 58 

35 60 

36 62 

37 65 

38 67 

39 69 

40 71 

41 74 

42 76 

43 78 

44 80 

45 83 

46 86 

47 88 

48 90 

49 93 

50 96 

51 98 

52 100 

53 102 

54 105 

55 107 

56 109 

57 111 

58 113 

59 116 

60 118 

61 120 

62 122 

63 124 

64 127 

65 129 

66 131 

67 133 

68 135 

69 138 

70 140 

Exhibit 637-3 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies balsamea (balsam fir) 

 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-67 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 28 

41 29 

42 30 

43 59 

44 31 

45 32 

46 33 

47 34 

48 35 

49 36 

50 37 

51 39 

52 40 

53 41 

54 45 

55 43 

56 44 

57 45 

58 46 

59 48 

60 49 

61 50 

62 51 

63 52 

64 53 

65 55 

66 57 

67 59 

68 60 

69 61 

70 63 

71 64 

72 65 

73 66 

74 68 

75 69 

76 70 

77 72 

78 73 

79 74 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

80 76 

81 77 

82 79 

83 80 

84 82 

85 83 

86 85 

87 86 

88 88 

89 89 

90 91 

91 92 

92 94 

93 96 

94 97 

95 99 

96 100 

97 102 

98 104 

99 106 

100 109 

Exhibit 637-4 CMAI Annual Growth - Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-68 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

60 16 

61 17 

62 18 

63 19 

64 20 

65 20 

66 21 

67 22 

68 23 

69 24 

70 25 

71 26 

72 27 

73 28 

74 29 

75 29 

76 30 

77 31 

78 32 

79 33 

80 34 

81 35 

82 36 

83 36 

84 37 

85 38 

86 39 

87 40 

88 40 

89 41 

90 42 

91 43 

92 44 

93 45 

94 46 

95 46 

96 47 

97 48 

98 49 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

99 50 

100 51 

Exhibit 637-5 CMAI Annual Growth - Acer saccharinum (silver maple) 

 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-69 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

60 50 

61 51 

62 53 

63 55 

64 56 

65 58 

66 60 

67 61 

68 53 

69 65 

70 66 

71 58 

72 70 

73 72 

74 73 

75 75 

76 77 

77 79 

78 80 

79 82 

80 84 

81 86 

82 87 

83 89 

84 91 

85 92 

86 94 

87 96 

88 97 

89 99 

90 101 

91 102 

92 104 

93 106 

94 108 

95 109 

96 111 

97 113 

98 115 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

99 116 

100 118 

101 120 

102 121 

103 123 

104 125 

105 127 

106 128 

107 130 

108 132 

109 133 

110 135 

111 137 

112 138 

113 140 

114 142 

115 144 

116 145 

117 147 

118 149 

119 150 

120 152 

Exhibit 637-6 CMAI Annual Growth - Alnus rubra (red alder) 

 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-70 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 35 

41 36 

42 37 

43 37 

44 38 

45 39 

46 40 

47 41 

48 41 

49 42 

50 43 

51 44 

52 45 

53 46 

54 47 

55 48 

56 50 

57 51 

58 52 

59 53 

60 54 

Exhibit 637-7 CMAI Annual Growth - Betula papyrifera (paper birch) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-71 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

35 12 

36 13 

37 14 

38 14 

39 15 

40 16 

41 17 

42 18 

43 18 

44 19 

45 20 

46 21 

47 22 

48 24 

49 25 

50 26 

51 28 

52 29 

53 30 

54 31 

55 32 

56 34 

57 35 

58 37 

59 38 

60 40 

61 41 

62 43 

63 44 

64 46 

65 48 

Exhibit 637-8 CMAI Annual Growth - Betula papyrifera (paper birch) - Alaska 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-72 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

65 25 

66 27 

67 28 

68 30 

69 32 

70 33 

71 35 

72 36 

73 38 

74 40 

75 41 

76 43 

77 44 

78 46 

79 48 

80 49 

81 51 

82 52 

83 54 

84 56 

85 57 

86 59 

87 60 

88 62 

89 64 

90 65 

91 67 

92 69 

93 70 

94 72 

95 74 

96 75 

97 77 

98 79 

99 80 

100 82 

101 84 

102 85 

103 87 

104 89 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

105 91 

106 92 

107 94 

108 96 

109 97 

110 99 

Exhibit 637-9 CMAI Annual Growth - Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-73 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

20 1.3 

25 1.7 

60 2.2 

35 2.7 

40 3.3 

45 3.8 

50 4.6 

55 5.2 

60 6.1 

65 6.7 

70 7.8 

75 8.5 

80 9.8 

85 10.6 

90 12.3 

95 13.1 

100 15.2 

105 16.0 

110 18.3 

115 19.2 

120 22.1 

125 23.3 

130 25.0 

135 26.7 

140 28.4 

145 30.0 

150 31.7 

155 33.4 

160 35.1 

 Exhibit 637-10 CMAI Annual Growth - Juniperus L. (juniper) - Southwest 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-74 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

15-20 ±15 

20-30 ±30 

30-35 ±45 

Exhibit 637-11 CMAI Annual Growth - Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-75 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

30 41 

31 42 

32 43 

33 44 

34 45 

35 46 

36 47 

37 48 

38 49 

39 50 

40 51 

41 52 

42 53 

43 55 

44 57 

45 58 

46 60 

47 61 

48 63 

49 65 

50 67 

51 69 

52 71 

53 73 

54 75 

55 78 

56 80 

57 82 

58 85 

59 87 

60 90 

61 92 

62 94 

63 97 

64 99 

65 102 

66 105 

67 108 

68 110 

69 113 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

70 115 

71 117 

72 120 

73 123 

74 126 

75 129 

76 131 

77 133 

78 136 

79 139 

80 141 

81 144 

82 147 

83 150 

84 153 

85 155 

86 158 

87 160 

88 162 

89 165 

90 168 

Exhibit 637-12 CMAI Annual Growth - Larix occidentalis (western larch) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-76 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

30 18 

31 19 

32 20 

33 21 

34 22 

35 23 

36 23 

37 24 

38 25 

39 26 

40 27 

41 29 

42 30 

43 32 

44 33 

45 35 

46 36 

47 38 

48 39 

49 41 

50 42 

51 44 

52 45 

53 47 

54 49 

55 50 

56 52 

57 54 

58 56 

59 57 

60 59 

61 61 

62 62 

63 64 

64 65 

65 67 

66 69 

67 70 

68 72 

69 73 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

70 75 

Exhibit 637-13 CMAI Annual Growth - Larix laricina (tamarack) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-77 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

70 57 

71 59 

72 61 

73 64 

74 66 

75 68 

76 70 

77 72 

78 75 

79 77 

80 79 

81 82 

82 84 

83 87 

84 90 

85 93 

86 95 

87 98 

88 101 

89 103 

90 106 

91 109 

92 112 

93 116 

94 119 

95 122 

96 125 

97 128 

98 132 

99 135 

100 138 

101 142 

102 145 

103 148 

104 152 

105 156 

106 159 

107 162 

108 166 

109 170 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

110 173 

111 176 

112 180 

113 184 

114 187 

115 190 

116 194 

117 198 

118 201 

119 204 

120 208 

Exhibit 637-14 CMAI Annual Growth - Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-78 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

60 37 

61 39 

62 40 

63 42 

64 44 

65 45 

66 47 

67 49 

68 51 

69 52 

70 54 

71 56 

72 57 

73 59 

74 61 

75 62 

76 64 

77 66 

78 68 

79 69 

80 71 

81 73 

82 75 

83 77 

84 79 

85 81 

86 82 

87 84 

88 86 

89 88 

90 90 

91 92 

92 93 

93 95 

94 97 

95 98 

96 100 

97 102 

98 104 

99 105 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

100 107 

101 109 

102 110 

103 112 

104 114 

105 115 

106 117 

107 119 

108 121 

109 122 

110 124 

111 126 

112 127 

113 128 

114 130 

115 132 

116 133 

117 134 

118 136 

119 138 

120 139 

Exhibit 637-15 CMAI Annual Growth - Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-79 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

50 70 

51 71 

52 72 

53 73 

54 74 

55 76 

56 77 

57 78 

58 79 

59 80 

60 81 

61 82 

62 84 

63 85 

64 87 

65 88 

66 89 

67 91 

68 92 

69 94 

70 95 

71 97 

72 99 

73 101 

74 103 

75 105 

76 106 

77 108 

78 110 

79 112 

80 114 

81 117 

82 119 

83 122 

84 125 

85 128 

86 130 

87 133 

88 136 

89 138 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

90 141 

91 145 

92 148 

93 152 

94 156 

95 160 

96 163 

97 167 

98 171 

99 174 

100 178 

Exhibit 637-16 CMAI Annual Growth - Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-80 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

50 70 

51 71 

52 72 

53 73 

54 74 

55 76 

56 77 

57 78 

58 79 

59 80 

60 81 

61 82 

62 84 

63 85 

64 87 

65 88 

66 89 

67 91 

68 92 

69 94 

70 95 

71 97 

72 99 

73 101 

74 103 

75 105 

76 106 

77 108 

78 110 

79 112 

80 114 

81 117 

82 119 

83 122 

84 125 

85 128 

86 130 

87 133 

88 136 

89 138 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

90 141 

91 145 

92 148 

93 152 

94 156 

95 160 

96 163 

97 167 

98 171 

99 174 

100 178 

Exhibit 637-17 CMAI Annual Growth - Nyssa biflora (swamp tupelo) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-81 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 28 

41 29 

42 30 

43 59 

44 31 

45 32 

46 33 

47 34 

48 35 

49 36 

50 37 

51 39 

52 40 

53 41 

54 45 

55 43 

56 44 

57 45 

58 46 

59 48 

60 49 

61 50 

62 51 

63 52 

64 53 

65 55 

66 57 

67 59 

68 60 

69 61 

70 63 

71 64 

72 65 

73 66 

74 68 

75 69 

76 70 

77 72 

78 73 

79 74 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

80 76 

81 77 

82 79 

83 80 

84 82 

85 83 

86 85 

87 86 

88 88 

89 89 

90 91 

91 92 

92 94 

93 96 

94 97 

95 99 

96 100 

97 102 

98 104 

99 106 

100 109 

Exhibit 637-18 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea engelmannii (Engelmann’s spruce) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-82 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

50 12 

51 12 

52 13 

53 13 

54 14 

55 15 

56 15 

57 16 

58 17 

59 17 

60 18 

61 18 

62 19 

63 20 

64 20 

65 21 

66 22 

67 22 

68 23 

69 24 

70 25 

71 25 

72 26 

73 27 

74 28 

75 28 

76 29 

77 30 

78 31 

79 31 

80 32 

81 32 

82 33 

83 34 

84 35 

85 36 

86 37 

87 38 

88 39 

89 40 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

90 41 

91 42 

92 43 

93 44 

94 45 

95 46 

96 47 

97 48 

98 49 

99 50 

100 51 

Exhibit 637-19 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea glauca (white spruce) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-83 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

15 23.0 

16 24.2 

17 25.4 

18 26.6 

19 27.8 

20 29.0 

21 30.2 

22 31.4 

23 32.6 

24 33.8 

25 35.0 

26 36.1 

27 37.2 

28 38.3 

29 39.4 

30 40.5 

31 41.6 

32 42.7 

33 43.8 

34 44.9 

35 46.0 

Exhibit 637-20 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea pungens (Colorado blue spruce) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-84 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

30 52 

31 56 

32 59 

33 62 

34 66 

35 70 

36 73 

37 76 

38 80 

39 84 

40 87 

41 89 

42 91 

43 94 

44 96 

45 98 

46 100 

47 102 

48 105 

49 107 

50 109 

51 112 

52 115 

53 118 

54 121 

55 123 

56 126 

57 129 

58 132 

59 135 

60 138 

61 141 

62 144 

63 147 

64 150 

65 152 

66 155 

67 158 

68 161 

69 164 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

70 167 

Exhibit 637-21 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea rubens (red spruce) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-85 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

60 66 

61 67 

62 68 

63 69 

64 71 

65 72 

66 72 

67 73 

68 74 

69 75 

70 76 

71 77 

72 78 

73 80 

74 81 

75 82 

76 83 

77 84 

78 86 

79 87 

80 88 

81 89 

82 91 

83 92 

84 93 

85 95 

86 96 

87 98 

88 99 

89 101 

90 102 

91 105 

92 107 

93 108 

94 110 

95 112 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

96 113 

97 115 

98 116 

99 118 

100 120 

101 122 

102 123 

103 125 

104 126 

105 128 

106 130 

107 132 

108 134 

109 136 

110 138 

111 140 

112 142 

113 143 

114 145 

115 147 

116 149 

117 151 

118 153 

119 154 

120 156 

121 158 

122 160 

123 162 

124 164 

125 166 

126 168 

127 170 

128 172 

129 174 

130 176 

131 179 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

132 181 

133 183 

134 185 

135 188 

136 190 

137 193 

138 195 

139 198 

140 200 

141 203 

142 206 

143 208 

144 210 

145 212 

146 214 

147 216 

148 218 

149 220 

150 222 

151 224 

152 226 

153 227 

154 229 

155 231 

156 233 

157 235 

158 237 

159 239 

160 240 

161 242 

162 244 

163 245 

164 247 

165 248 

166 250 

167 252 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

168 253 

169 255 

170 256 

171 258 

172 260 

173 261 

174 262 

175 264 

176 265 

177 267 

178 268 

179 270 

180 271 

181 273 

182 274 

183 276 

184 277 

185 279 

186 280 

187 282 

188 283 

189 285 

190 286 

191 287 

192 289 

193 290 

194 292 

195 293 

196 295 

197 296 

198 297 

199 299 

200 300 

Exhibit 637-22 CMAI Annual Growth - Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-86 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

20 1.3 

25 1.7 

60 2.2 

35 2.7 

40 3.3 

45 3.8 

50 4.6 

55 5.2 

60 6.1 

65 6.7 

70 7.8 

75 8.5 

80 9.8 

85 10.6 

90 12.3 

95 13.1 

100 15.2 

105 16.0 

110 18.3 

115 19.2 

120 22.1 

125 23.3 

130 25.0 

135 26.7 

140 28.4 

145 30.0 

150 31.7 

155 33.4 

160 35.1 

Exhibit 637-23 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus L. (pinyon pine) – Southwest 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-87 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 56 

41 58 

42 59 

43 61 

44 63 

45 64 

46 66 

47 68 

48 70 

49 71 

50 73 

51 75 

52 76 

53 78 

54 80 

55 81 

56 83 

57 84 

58 86 

59 88 

60 89 

61 91 

62 92 

63 94 

64 96 

65 97 

66 99 

Exhibit 637-24 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus banksiana (jack pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-88 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 20 

41 21 

42 22 

43 23 

44 24 

45 25 

46 26 

47 27 

48 28 

49 29 

50 30 

51 31 

52 32 

53 33 

54 34 

55 35 

56 37 

57 38 

58 39 

59 40 

60 42 

61 43 

62 44 

63 46 

64 47 

65 49 

66 50 

67 52 

68 53 

69 54 

70 56 

71 57 

72 59 

73 60 

74 61 

75 63 

76 64 

77 66 

78 67 

79 69 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

80 71 

81 72 

Exhibit 637-25 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus clausa (sand pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-89 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

45 36 

46 37 

47 38 

48 39 

49 40 

50 41 

51 41 

52 45 

53 43 

54 44 

55 45 

56 46 

57 47 

58 48 

59 49 

60 50 

61 50 

62 51 

63 52 

64 53 

65 54 

66 55 

67 56 

68 57 

69 58 

70 59 

71 60 

72 61 

73 65 

74 63 

75 65 

76 65 

77 66 

78 67 

79 68 

80 69 

81 70 

82 71 

83 72 

84 73 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

85 74 

86 75 

87 76 

88 77 

89 78 

90 79 

91 80 

92 81 

93 82 

94 83 

95 84 

96 85 

97 86 

98 87 

99 88 

100 89 

101 90 

102 91 

103 92 

104 93 

105 94 

106 95 

107 96 

108 97 

109 98 

110 99 

111 100 

112 101 

113 102 

114 103 

115 104 

116 105 

117 106 

118 107 

119 108 

120 109 

Exhibit 637-26 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-90 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 47 

41 49 

42 51 

43 53 

44 55 

45 57 

46 60 

47 62 

48 64 

49 66 

50 68 

51 70 

52 72 

53 74 

54 76 

55 78 

56 80 

57 82 

58 84 

59 86 

60 88 

61 90 

62 92 

63 95 

64 97 

65 99 

66 101 

67 103 

68 106 

69 108 

70 110 

71 112 

72 114 

73 116 

74 118 

75 120 

76 122 

77 124 

78 126 

79 128 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

80 130 

81 132 

82 134 

83 136 

84 138 

85 140 

86 142 

87 144 

88 148 

89 150 

90 152 

91 154 

92 157 

93 159 

94 161 

95 162 

96 163 

97 165 

98 168 

99 170 

100 172 

Exhibit 637-27 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-91 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

60 93 

61 96 

62 98 

63 100 

64 104 

65 107 

66 109 

67 112 

68 114 

69 117 

70 120 

71 122 

72 125 

73 127 

74 129 

75 132 

76 134 

77 136 

78 138 

79 141 

80 143 

81 145 

82 147 

83 149 

84 151 

85 153 

86 155 

87 157 

88 159 

89 161 

90 163 

91 165 

92 167 

93 169 

94 171 

95 172 

96 174 

97 177 

98 179 

99 181 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

100 183 

101 185 

102 186 

103 187 

104 189 

105 191 

Exhibit 637-28 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus elliottii (slash pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-92 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

30 41 

31 42 

32 43 

33 44 

34 45 

35 46 

36 47 

37 48 

38 49 

39 50 

40 51 

41 52 

42 54 

43 55 

44 57 

45 59 

46 61 

47 63 

48 64 

49 66 

50 68 

51 71 

52 74 

53 77 

54 80 

55 83 

56 87 

57 91 

58 95 

59 98 

60 102 

61 108 

62 116 

63 125 

64 133 

65 141 

66 149 

67 157 

68 166 

69 174 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

70 182 

Exhibit 637-29 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus elliottii densa (South Florida slash pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-93 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

27 62 

28 64 

29 65 

30 67 

31 69 

32 70 

33 72 

34 74 

35 75 

36 77 

37 79 

38 81 

39 82 

40 84 

41 86 

42 87 

43 89 

44 91 

45 92 

46 94 

47 96 

48 98 

49 99 

50 101 

51 103 

52 104 

53 106 

54 108 

55 110 

56 111 

57 113 

58 115 

59 116 

60 118 

61 120 

62 121 

63 123 

64 125 

65 126 

66 128 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

67 130 

68 132 

69 133 

70 135 

71 137 

72 139 

73 141 

74 146 

75 144 

76 146 

77 148 

78 150 

79 152 

80 154 

81 156 

82 158 

83 160 

84 162 

85 164 

86 165 

87 167 

Exhibit 637-30 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus monticola (western white pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-94 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 19 

41 21 

42 22 

43 24 

44 26 

45 27 

46 29 

47 31 

48 33 

49 34 

50 36 

51 38 

52 40 

53 42 

54 43 

55 45 

56 47 

57 50 

58 52 

59 54 

60 56 

61 57 

62 60 

63 63 

64 65 

65 67 

66 70 

67 72 

68 74 

69 77 

70 79 

71 81 

72 83 

73 86 

74 88 

75 90 

76 92 

77 94 

78 97 

79 99 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

80 100 

81 103 

82 106 

83 107 

84 110 

85 112 

86 114 

87 117 

88 119 

89 122 

90 124 

91 126 

92 127 

93 129 

94 130 

95 133 

96 134 

97 137 

98 139 

99 140 

100 143 

101 144 

102 146 

103 147 

104 149 

105 151 

106 151 

107 153 

108 154 

109 156 

110 157 

Exhibit 637-31 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-95 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 30 

41 31 

42 31 

43 32 

44 33 

45 34 

46 34 

47 35 

48 36 

49 37 

50 38 

51 38 

52 39 

53 40 

54 41 

55 42 

56 42 

57 43 

58 44 

59 45 

60 46 

61 47 

62 48 

63 49 

64 50 

65 50 

66 51 

67 52 

68 53 

69 54 

70 55 

71 56 

72 58 

73 59 

74 60 

75 62 

76 63 

77 64 

78 65 

79 67 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

80 69 

81 70 

82 72 

83 74 

84 75 

85 77 

86 78 

87 80 

88 82 

89 83 

90 85 

91 87 

92 88 

93 90 

94 92 

95 94 

96 96 

97 97 

98 99 

99 101 

100 102 

101 104 

102 106 

103 108 

104 110 

105 112 

106 114 

107 116 

108 118 

109 120 

110 122 

111 124 

112 126 

113 128 

114 130 

115 132 

116 134 

117 136 

118 137 

119 139 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

120 141 

121 144 

122 146 

123 149 

124 151 

125 154 

126 156 

127 159 

128 161 

129 164 

130 166 

131 168 

132 170 

133 173 

134 175 

135 177 

136 179 

137 181 

138 183 

139 185 

140 188 

141 190 

142 192 

143 194 

144 197 

145 199 

146 201 

147 203 

148 205 

149 208 

150 210 

151 212 

152 215 

153 217 

154 220 

155 222 

156 224 

157 227 

158 229 

159 232 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

160 234 

Exhibit 637-32 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-96 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

45 54 

46 56 

47 59 

48 61 

49 63 

50 65 

51 68 

52 70 

53 72 

54 75 

55 77 

56 80 

57 83 

58 86 

59 89 

60 92 

61 95 

62 98 

63 101 

64 104 

65 107 

Exhibit 637-33 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus resinosa (red pine) 

 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-97 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 18 

41 19 

42 20 

43 21 

44 22 

45 23 

46 24 

47 25 

48 26 

49 27 

50 28 

51 29 

52 30 

53 31 

54 32 

55 33 

56 34 

57 35 

58 37 

59 38 

60 39 

61 40 

62 42 

63 43 

64 44 

65 46 

66 47 

67 48 

68 51 

69 52 

70 53 

71 55 

72 56 

73 57 

74 59 

75 61 

76 62 

77 63 

78 65 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

79 66 

80 68 

81 69 

82 71 

83 72 

84 74 

85 75 

86 77 

87 78 

88 80 

89 81 

90 82 

Exhibit 637-34 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus serotina (pond pine) 

 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-98 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

50 72 

51 74 

52 77 

53 80 

54 82 

55 84 

56 87 

57 90 

58 92 

59 94 

60 97 

61 99 

62 102 

63 104 

64 107 

65 109 

66 111 

67 114 

68 116 

69 119 

70 121 

71 123 

72 126 

73 128 

74 130 

75 132 

76 135 

77 137 

78 139 

79 142 

80 144 

81 146 

82 148 

83 151 

84 153 

85 155 

86 157 

87 159 

88 162 

89 164 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

90 166 

91 168 

92 170 

93 172 

94 174 

95 176 

96 178 

97 180 

98 182 

99 184 

100 186 

Exhibit 637-35 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) - WV, MD, DE, VA 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-99 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

45 75 

46 78 

47 81 

48 84 

49 87 

50 90 

51 93 

52 96 

53 99 

54 102 

55 106 

56 109 

57 112 

58 115 

59 118 

60 121 

61 124 

62 127 

63 130 

64 133 

65 136 

66 139 

67 142 

68 145 

69 148 

70 151 

71 154 

72 157 

73 159 

74 162 

75 164 

Exhibit 637-36 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-100 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 62 

41 64 

42 66 

43 68 

44 70 

45 72 

46 73 

47 75 

48 77 

49 79 

50 81 

51 83 

52 85 

53 87 

54 89 

55 92 

56 94 

57 96 

58 98 

59 100 

60 102 

61 104 

62 107 

63 110 

64 112 

65 114 

66 117 

67 120 

68 122 

69 125 

70 127 

71 129 

72 131 

73 133 

74 135 

75 137 

76 139 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

77 141 

78 143 

79 145 

80 147 

Exhibit 637-37 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) - PA, NJ, NY, and New 

England 

Source: Frothingham, E.H. 1914. White pine under forest management. USDA, Forest Service 

Bulletin 13. 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-101 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

60 76 

61 78 

62 79 

63 81 

64 83 

65 85 

66 86 

67 88 

68 90 

69 91 

70 93 

71 95 

72 96 

73 98 

74 100 

75 101 

76 103 

77 105 

78 107 

79 108 

80 110 

81 112 

82 114 

83 116 

84 118 

85 120 

86 123 

87 125 

88 127 

89 129 

90 131 

91 133 

92 136 

93 138 

94 140 

95 142 

96 145 

97 147 

98 149 

99 152 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

100 154 

101 156 

102 159 

103 161 

104 163 

105 166 

106 168 

107 170 

108 172 

109 175 

110 177 

111 180 

112 182 

113 185 

114 188 

115 191 

116 193 

118 199 

119 201 

120 204 

Exhibit 637-38 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-102 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 42 

41 45 

42 47 

43 50 

44 52 

45 55 

46 58 

47 60 

48 63 

49 65 

50 68 

51 70 

52 73 

53 75 

54 77 

55 80 

56 82 

57 84 

58 86 

59 88 

60 91 

61 93 

62 95 

63 96 

64 98 

65 100 

66 102 

67 104 

68 105 

69 107 

70 109 

71 110 

72 112 

73 113 

74 114 

75 115 

76 117 

77 118 

78 119 

79 121 

Exhibit 637-39 CMAI Annual Growth - Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-103 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

60 46 

61 48 

62 49 

63 50 

64 52 

65 53 

66 54 

67 56 

68 57 

69 58 

70 60 

71 62 

72 63 

73 65 

74 67 

75 69 

76 71 

77 73 

78 75 

79 77 

80 78 

81 80 

82 82 

83 84 

84 86 

85 88 

86 90 

87 92 

88 94 

89 96 

90 98 

91 101 

92 103 

93 106 

94 108 

95 111 

96 113 

97 116 

98 118 

99 121 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

100 123 

101 127 

102 130 

103 133 

104 137 

105 140 

106 143 

107 147 

108 150 

109 153 

110 157 

111 162 

112 167 

113 172 

114 177 

115 183 

116 188 

117 193 

118 198 

119 203 

120 208 

Exhibit 637-40 CMAI Annual Growth - Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-104 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

30 8 

31 9 

32 10 

33 11 

34 12 

35 14 

36 14 

37 16 

38 17 

39 18 

40 19 

41 20 

42 21 

43 22 

44 24 

45 25 

46 26 

47 27 

48 28 

49 30 

50 31 

51 32 

52 34 

53 35 

54 36 

55 37 

56 38 

57 40 

58 41 

59 42 

60 44 

61 45 

62 46 

63 48 

64 49 

65 51 

66 52 

67 54 

68 56 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

69 57 

70 58 

71 60 

72 62 

73 64 

74 66 

75 67 

76 70 

77 71 

78 74 

79 76 

80 78 

81 80 

82 83 

83 85 

84 88 

85 91 

86 93 

87 95 

88 98 

89 100 

90 103 

91 105 

92 108 

93 110 

94 113 

95 116 

96 118 

97 120 

98 123 

99 125 

100 128 

101 130 

102 133 

103 135 

104 138 

105 141 

106 144 

107 147 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

108 150 

109 153 

110 156 

111 159 

112 162 

113 165 

114 168 

115 172 

116 174 

117 177 

118 180 

119 183 

120 186 

121 189 

122 193 

123 196 

124 200 

125 204 

126 207 

127 210 

128 213 

129 216 

130 219 

Exhibit 637-41 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus L. (cottonwood) 

 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-105 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 22 

41 24 

42 26 

43 28 

44 30 

45 32 

46 35 

47 37 

48 39 

49 41 

50 43 

51 45 

52 47 

53 49 

54 51 

55 53 

56 56 

57 58 

58 60 

59 62 

60 64 

61 66 

62 68 

63 70 

64 71 

65 73 

66 75 

67 76 

68 78 

69 80 

70 81 

71 82 

72 84 

73 85 

74 86 

75 87 

76 89 

77 90 

78 91 

79 93 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

80 94 

Exhibit 637-42 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) - Lake States 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-106 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 22 

41 24 

42 26 

43 28 

44 30 

45 32 

46 35 

47 37 

48 39 

49 41 

50 43 

51 45 

52 47 

53 49 

54 51 

55 53 

56 56 

57 58 

58 60 

59 62 

60 64 

61 66 

62 68 

63 70 

64 71 

65 73 

66 75 

67 76 

68 78 

69 80 

70 81 

71 82 

72 84 

73 85 

74 86 

75 87 

76 89 

77 90 

78 91 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

79 93 

80 94 

Exhibit 637-43 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) – Lake States Lake 

States 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-107 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 16 

41 17 

42 18 

43 19 

44 20 

45 20 

46 21 

47 22 

48 26 

49 24 

50 25 

51 25 

52 26 

53 27 

54 28 

55 28 

56 29 

57 30 

58 31 

59 31 

60 32 

61 33 

62 34 

63 34 

64 35 

65 36 

66 36 

67 37 

68 38 

69 38 

70 39 

71 40 

72 41 

73 41 

74 42 

75 43 

76 44 

77 45 

78 46 

79 47 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

80 48 

81 49 

82 50 

83 51 

84 52 

85 53 

86 54 

87 55 

88 56 

89 58 

90 59 

Exhibit 637-44 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) - Central Rockies 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-108 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

35 2 

36 7 

37 10 

38 14 

39 17 

40 19 

41 21 

42 22 

43 24 

44 26 

45 28 

46 30 

47 33 

48 35 

49 37 

50 39 

51 41 

52 43 

53 45 

54 47 

55 49 

56 50 

57 52 

58 53 

59 55 

60 56 

61 58 

62 60 

63 61 

64 63 

65 65 

66 66 

67 68 

68 70 

69 71 

70 72 

71 74 

72 76 

73 77 

74 78 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

75 80 

Exhibit 637-45 CMAI Annual Growth - Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) – Alaska 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-109 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

80 58 

81 60 

82 61 

83 62 

84 63 

85 64 

86 66 

87 67 

88 68 

89 69 

90 70 

91 72 

92 73 

93 74 

94 75 

95 77 

96 78 

97 79 

98 81 

99 82 

100 84 

101 85 

102 86 

103 88 

104 89 

105 91 

106 92 

107 94 

108 95 

109 97 

110 98 

111 100 

112 101 

113 103 

114 105 

115 106 

116 108 

117 110 

118 111 

119 113 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

120 115 

121 116 

122 118 

123 119 

124 121 

125 122 

126 124 

127 125 

128 127 

129 128 

130 129 

131 131 

132 133 

133 134 

134 136 

135 138 

136 139 

137 140 

138 142 

139 144 

140 145 

141 146 

142 148 

143 149 

144 150 

145 152 

146 153 

147 154 

148 156 

149 157 

150 158 

151 159 

152 161 

153 162 

154 163 

155 164 

156 165 

157 167 

158 168 

159 169 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

160 170 

161 171 

162 172 

163 173 

164 174 

165 176 

166 177 

167 178 

168 179 

169 180 

170 181 

171 182 

172 183 

173 184 

174 185 

175 186 

176 187 

177 188 

178 189 

179 190 

180 191 

181 192 

182 193 

183 194 

184 194 

185 195 

186 196 

187 197 

188 198 

189 199 

190 200 

191 201 

192 202 

193 202 

194 203 

195 204 

196 205 

197 206 

198 207 

199 208 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

200 208 

201 209 

202 210 

203 211 

204 211 

205 212 

206 213 

207 214 

208 214 

209 215 

210 216 

Exhibit 637-46 CMAI Annual Growth - Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-110 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

40 26 

41 27 

42 28 

43 28 

44 29 

45 30 

46 31 

47 32 

48 32 

49 33 

50 34 

51 35 

52 36 

53 37 

54 38 

55 38 

56 39 

57 40 

58 41 

59 42 

60 43 

61 44 

62 45 

63 46 

64 47 

65 47 

66 48 

67 49 

68 50 

69 51 

70 52 

71 53 

72 54 

73 55 

74 56 

75 57 

76 58 

77 59 

78 60 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

79 61 

80 62 

81 62 

82 64 

83 64 

84 65 

85 67 

86 68 

87 68 

88 70 

89 71 

90 71 

91 72 

92 74 

93 74 

94 75 

95 77 

96 77 

97 78 

98 80 

99 81 

100 81 

Exhibit 637-47 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus L. (upland oaks) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-111 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

45 27 

46 28 

47 29 

48 31 

49 32 

50 33 

51 35 

52 36 

53 37 

54 39 

55 40 

56 41 

57 43 

58 44 

59 45 

60 47 

61 48 

62 50 

63 51 

64 52 

65 54 

66 55 

67 56 

68 58 

69 59 

70 60 

71 62 

72 63 

73 64 

74 66 

75 67 

76 68 

77 70 

78 71 

79 72 

80 74 

81 75 

82 76 

83 77 

84 79 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

85 80 

86 81 

87 82 

88 83 

89 85 

90 86 

91 87 

92 88 

93 89 

94 91 

95 92 

96 93 

97 94 

98 95 

99 97 

100 98 

101 99 

102 100 

103 101 

104 103 

105 104 

106 105 

107 106 

108 107 

109 109 

110 110 

Exhibit 637-48 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus nigra (water oak) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-112 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

70 61 

71 63 

72 66 

73 68 

74 71 

75 73 

76 76 

77 78 

78 81 

79 83 

80 86 

81 89 

82 92 

83 95 

84 98 

85 101 

86 103 

87 106 

88 109 

89 112 

90 115 

91 119 

92 122 

93 126 

94 129 

95 133 

96 137 

97 140 

98 144 

99 147 

100 151 

101 155 

102 159 

103 162 

104 166 

105 170 

106 174 

107 178 

108 181 

109 185 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

110 189 

111 193 

112 197 

113 201 

114 205 

115 209 

116 213 

117 217 

118 221 

119 225 

120 229 

Exhibit 637-49 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus pagoda (cherrybark oak) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-113 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

45 27 

46 28 

47 29 

48 31 

49 32 

50 33 

51 35 

52 36 

53 37 

54 39 

55 40 

56 41 

57 43 

58 44 

59 45 

60 47 

61 48 

62 50 

63 51 

64 52 

65 54 

66 55 

67 56 

68 58 

69 59 

70 60 

71 62 

72 63 

73 64 

74 66 

75 67 

76 68 

77 70 

78 71 

79 72 

80 74 

81 75 

82 76 

83 77 

84 79 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

85 80 

86 81 

87 82 

88 83 

89 85 

90 86 

91 87 

92 88 

93 89 

94 91 

95 92 

96 93 

97 94 

98 95 

99 97 

100 98 

101 99 

102 100 

103 101 

104 103 

105 104 

106 105 

107 106 

108 107 

109 109 

110 110 

Exhibit 637-50 CMAI Annual Growth - Quercus phellos (willow oak) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-114 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

122 151 

123 153 

124 154 

125 155 

126 156 

127 157 

128 159 

129 160 

130 161 

131 164 

132 157 

133 170 

134 173 

135 177 

136 180 

137 183 

138 186 

139 189 

140 192 

141 194 

142 196 

143 199 

144 201 

145 204 

146 206 

147 208 

148 211 

149 213 

150 216 

151 218 

152 220 

153 223 

154 225 

155 228 

156 230 

157 232 

158 235 

159 237 

160 240 

161 243 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

162 246 

163 249 

164 282 

165 288 

166 288 

167 261 

168 264 

169 267 

170 270 

171 273 

172 276 

173 279 

174 282 

175 285 

176 288 

177 291 

178 294 

179 297 

180 300 

181 306 

182 307 

183 311 

184 315 

185 319 

186 323 

187 326 

188 330 

189 334 

190 338 

191 342 

192 346 

193 350 

194 353 

195 357 

196 361 

197 365 

198 369 

199 373 

200 377 

201 381 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

202 385 

203 390 

204 394 

205 398 

206 402 

207 406 

208 410 

209 415 

210 419 

211 423 

212 427 

213 432 

214 436 

215 440 

216 444 

217 448 

218 453 

219 457 

220 461 

221 465 

222 470 

223 475 

224 480 

225 484 

226 489 

227 494 

228 499 

229 503 

230 508 

231 513 

232 518 

233 522 

234 527 

235 532 

236 537 

237 541 

238 546 

239 551 

240 556 

Exhibit 637-51 CMAI Annual Growth - Sequoia sempervirens (redwood) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-115 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

25 36 

26 37 

27 39 

28 40 

29 41 

30 42 

31 44 

32 46 

33 48 

34 49 

35 51 

36 53 

37 55 

38 56 

39 58 

40 59 

41 61 

42 62 

43 64 

44 66 

45 67 

46 69 

47 71 

48 72 

49 74 

50 75 

51 77 

52 79 

53 80 

54 82 

55 83 

Exhibit 637-52 CMAI Annual Growth - Thuja occidentalis (eastern arborvitae) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-116 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

100 142 

101 144 

102 145 

103 147 

104 149 

105 151 

106 153 

107 154 

108 156 

109 158 

110 160 

111 162 

112 164 

113 166 

114 168 

115 170 

116 172 

117 174 

118 176 

119 178 

120 180 

121 182 

122 184 

123 186 

124 188 

125 190 

126 192 

127 194 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

128 196 

129 198 

130 200 

131 202 

132 204 

133 205 

134 207 

135 209 

136 211 

137 213 

138 214 

139 216 

140 218 

141 220 

142 222 

143 224 

144 226 

145 228 

146 230 

147 232 

148 234 

149 236 

150 238 

151 240 

152 241 

153 243 

154 244 

155 246 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

156 248 

157 249 

158 251 

159 252 

160 254 

161 256 

162 258 

163 260 

164 262 

165 264 

166 266 

167 268 

168 270 

169 272 

170 274 

171 276 

172 278 

173 279 

174 281 

175 283 

176 285 

177 287 

178 288 

179 290 

180 292 

181 294 

182 296 

183 297 

Site 

Index Ft3

/Ac 

184 299 

185 301 

186 303 

187 305 

188 306 

189 308 

190 310 

191 312 

192 314 

193 316 

194 318 

195 320 

196 322 

197 324 

198 326 

199 328 

200 330 

201 332 

202 333 

203 335 

204 336 

205 338 

206 340 

207 341 

208 343 

209 344 

210 346 

Exhibit 637-54 CMAI Annual Growth Reference 

Abies balsamea (balsam fir) 

Picea rubens (red spruce) 

Meyer, W.H. 1929. Yields of second-growth spruce and fir in 

the northeast. USDA Technical Bulletin 142. 

Acer saccharinum (silver maple) Brendemuehl, R.H., A.L. McComb, and G.W. Thomson. 1961. 

Stand, yield and growth of silver maple in Iowa. Iowa State 

University Extension Service F-159. 

Betula papyrifera (paper birch) 

Picea pungens (black spruce) 

Pinus resinosa (red pine) 

Plonski, W. L. 1960. Normal yield tables for black spruce, 

jack pine, aspen, white birch, tolerant hardwoods, white pine, 

and red pine for Ontario. Ontario Department of Lands and 

Forests Silvicultural Series Bulleting 2. 

Exhibit 637-53 CMAI Annual Growth - Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock) 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-117 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) Winters, Robert K. and James G. Osborne. 1935. Growth and 

yield of second-growth red gum in fully stocked stands on 

alluvial lands in the south. USDA, Forest Service. Southern 

Forest Experiment Station Occasional Paper 54. 

Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree) McCarthy, E. F. 1933. Yellow poplar characteristics, growth 

and management. USDA Technical Bulletin 356. 

Pinus banksiana (jack pine) 

Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) 

Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) - Lake States 

Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) - Lake States 

Brown, R. M and S.R. Gervorkiantz 1934. Volume, yield, and 

stand tables for tree species in the Lake States. University of 

Minnesota Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 39. 

Pinus clausa (sand pine) Schumacher, F.X. and T.S. Coile. 1960. Growth and yield of 

natural stands of the southern pines. T.S. Coile, Inc., Durham, 

NC. 

Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) 

Pinus elliottii (slash pine) 

Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) 

Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) 

United States Department of Agriculture. 1929. Volume, yield, 

and stand tables for second-growth southern pines. USDA 

Miscellaneous Publication 50. (revised 1976). 

Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) - WV, MD, DE, VA USDA, Forest Service. 1965. The mensurational 

characteristics of eastern white pine. Northeastern Forest 

Experiment Station Research Paper NE-40. 

Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) PA, NJ, NY, and New 

England 

Frothingham, E.H. 1914. White pine under forest 

management. USDA, Forest Service Bulletin 13. 

Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine) Slocum, G. K. and W. D. Miller. 1969. Reproduction, growth 

and management on the Hill Demonstration Forest, Durham 

County, N.C. North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station 

Technical Note 100. 

Quercus L. (upland oaks) Schnur, G. Luther. 1937. Yield, stand, and volume tables for 

even-aged upland oak forests. United States Department of 

Agriculture Technical Bulletin 560. 

Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) Meyer, Walter H. 1938. Yield of even-aged stands of 

ponderosa pine. USDA Technical Bulletin 630. (revised 1961). 

Abies concolor (white fir) Schumacher, Francis X. 1926.Yield, stand, and volume tables 

for white fir in the California pine region. University of 

California Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 407. 

Abies magnifica (California red fir) Schumacher, Francis X. 1928. Yield, stand and volume tables 

for red fir in California. University of California Agricultural 

Experiment Station Bulletin 456. 

Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir) 

Picea engelmannii (Engelmann’s spruce) 

Alexander, Robert R. and Carleton B. Edminster. 1980. 

Management of spruce-fir in even-aged stands in the Central 

Rocky Mountains. USDA, Forest Service. Rocky Mountain 

Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Paper RM-217. 

Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) Dahms, Walter G. 1964. Gross and net yield tables for 

lodgepole pine. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Forest 

and Range Experiment Station Research Paper PNW-8. 

Juniperus L. (juniper) - Southwest 

Pinus L. (pinyon pine) - Southwest 

Howell, Joseph Jr. 1940. Pinon [sic] and juniper, a 

preliminary study of volume, growth and yield. USDA, Soil 

Conservation Service. Region 8 Regional Bulletin 71, Forest 

Series 12. 

Alnus rubra (red alder) Worthington, Norman P., Floyd A. Johnson, George R. Staebler, 

and William J. Lloyd. 1960. Normal yield tables for red alder. 

USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Forest and Range 

Experiment Station Research Paper No 36. 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-118 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Sequoia sempervirens (redwood) Lindquist, James L. and Marshall N. Palley. Empirical yield 

tables for young-growth redwood. University of California, 

Division of Agricultural Sciences. California Agricultural 

Experiment Station Bulletin 796. 

Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) 

Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock) 

Meyer, Walter H. 1937. Yield of even-aged stands of Sitka 

spruce and western hemlock. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific 

Northwest Forest Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 544. 

Larix occidentalis (western larch) Cummings, L.J. 1937. Larch-Douglas-fir board foot yield 

tables. USDA, Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Forest and 

Range Experiment Station Applied Forestry Note 78. 

Meyer, Walter H. 1961. Yield of even-aged stands of 

ponderosa pine. USDA Technical Bulletin 630. (revised 1961). 

Pinus monticola (western white pine) Haig, Irvine T. 1932. Second-growth yield, stand, and volume 

tables for the western white pine type. USDA, Forest Service. 

Northern Rocky Mountain Forest Experiment Station Technical 

Bulletin 323. 

Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) Sauerwein,William J. 1981. Western juniper site index curves. 

USDA, Soil Conservation Service. West Technical Service 

Center Technical Notes Woodland - No. 14. (adapted from 

unpublished data in letter by Barrett, James W. and Patrick H. 

Cochran. USDA, Forest Service Silviculture Lab, August 4, 

1981.) 

Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) - Alaska 

Betula papyrifera (paper birch) - Alaska 

Gregory, Robert A. and Paul M.Krinard. 1965. Growth and 

yield of well-stocked aspen and birch stands in Alaska. 

USDA, Forest Service. Northern Forest Experiment Station 

Research Paper NOR-2. 

Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) - Central Rockies Baker, F.S. 1925. Aspen in the Central Rocky Mountain 

Region. Unites States Department of Agriculture Bulletin 1291. 

Picea glauca (white spruce) Farr, Wilbur A. 1967. Growth and yield of well-stocked white 

spruce stands in Alaska. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific 

Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Note 

PSW-363. 

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) McArdle, Richard E., Walter H. Meyer, and Donald Bruce. 1930. 

The yield of Douglas fir in the Pacific Northwest. United 

States Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin 201 (revised 

1949 and 1961) 

Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo) 

Nyssa biflora (swamp tupelo) 

Applequist, M. B. 1959. Soil-site studies, southern hardwoods. 

In: Southern forest soils 8th annual forestry symposium; Baton 

Rouge, LA: Louisiana State University Press: 49-63. 

Thuja occidentalis (eastern arborvitae) Gevorkiantz, S. R. and William Duerr. 1939. Volume and yield 

of northern white cedar in the Lake States. USDA, Forest 

Service. Lake States Forest Experiment Station. 

Larix laricina (tamarack) USDA Forest Service. Yield data, compartment prescription 

handbook. Forest Service Handbook 2409.2d, Region 9. 

Pinus elliottii densa (South Florida slash pine) Langdon, O. Gordon. 1961. Yield of unmanaged slash pine 

stands in Florida. USDA, Forest Service. Southeastern Forest 

Experiment Station Paper 123. 

Populus L. (cottonwood) 

Quercus nigra (water oak) 

Quercus pagoda (cherrybark oak) 

Quercus phellos (willow oak) 

Baker, James B. and W. M. Broadfoot. 1977. Site evaluation for 

eight important southern hardwoods. USDA, Forest Service. 

Southern Forest Experiment Station General Technical Report 

SO-14. 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-119 

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2001)

Exhibit 637-55 ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet 

Exhibit 637- 56 State Plane Coordinate Zone Codes 

Name North South East West Central North

Central

South

Central

East

Central

West

Central Mainland Island Long Island Offshore

Alabama -- -- 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Arizona -- -- 1 3 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Arkansas 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Colorado 1 3 -- -- 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Florida 3 -- 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Georgia -- -- 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Idaho -- -- 1 3 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Illinois -- -- 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Indiana -- -- 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Iowa 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kentucky 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Louisiana 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 3 

Maine -- -- 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Massachusetts -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 2 -- -- 

Michigan 1 3 -- -- 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Minnesota 1 3 -- -- 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Mississippi -- -- 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Missouri -- -- 1 3 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Montana 1 3 -- -- 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Nebraska 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Nevada -- -- 1 -- 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

New Mexico -- -- 1 3 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

New York -- -- 1 3 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

North Dakota 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Ohio 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Oklahoma 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Oregon 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Pennsylvania 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

South Carolina 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

South Dakota 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Texas 1 5 -- -- 3 2 4 -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Utah 1 3 -- -- 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Virginia 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Washington 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

West Virginia 1 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Wisconsin 1 3 -- -- 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Wyoming -- -- 1 4 -- -- -- 2 3 -- -- -- -- 
 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Exhibit 63-57 Determining Site Index for Lodgepole Pine 

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) commonly grows in overly dense stands, and crowding restricts the rate of height 

growth. Site index must, therefore, be adjusted for stand density, expressed as Crown Competition Factor (CCF). 

The procedure is described in the 3-step process below. 

Step 1 

Determine average height and age of the stand in the conventional manner. 

Step 2 

Determine the CCF of the stand in which the "site trees" developed. Two alternative methods of obtaining CCF are 

described: 

Method 1 – Estimating CCF from Measurements of Stand Diameters at Breast Height 

Establish a density plot for each "site tree." It will be a fixed-radius plot centered on the "site tree" or close enough to 

the "site tree" to accurately estimate the stand density in which the "site tree" developed. Plot sizes are suggested in 

Table 1. Plots for any group of four "site trees" should be the same size. Plots may overlap, so some trees may occur 

in more than one plot and may, therefore, have to be tallied more than once. 

Measure the diameters at breast height of all trees on the density plots, and record by 1-inch classes. It is not 

necessary to keep the data from the four density plots separate, but care must be exercised to locate the "site trees" 

and density plots that make up any sampling group in a part of the stand where density is representative, and where 

average spacing between trees and the average diameter of those trees are similar. 

Multiply the number of trees in each diameter class by the Maximum Crown Area (MCA) for that diameter class. 

MCA constants for each diameter class are given in Table 2. 

Sum the MCA values and convert to an acre basis. The resulting value is the CCF of the stand. See Table 3 for an 

example of CCF computations. 

Table 1 - Sizes of density plots to use for different maximum heights of site trees

 Maximum Height of 

Site Trees (Feet) 

Plot Radius 

(Feet) 

Plot Size 

(Acre) 

Unlimited 52.67 0.2 

75 37.25 0.1 

53 26.33 0.05 

37 18.67 0.025 

24 11.75 0.01 

17 8.33 0.005 

12 5.92 0.0025 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-121 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Table 2 - MCA values for each diameter class. 

 Diameter 

Class 

MCA 

(Per Tree) 

Diameter 

Class 

MCA 

(Per Tree)

1 0.040 11 0.645 

2 0.067 12 0.746 

3 0.102 13 0.854 

4 0.145 14 0.969 

5 0.194 15 1.092 

6 0.251 16 1.222 

7 0.315 17 1.359 

8 0.387 18 1.504 

9 0.466 19 1.655 

10 0.552 20 1.814 

Table 3 - Example of Computations for CCF

Diameter 

Class

MCA 

(Per Tree)

Number of 

Trees

MCA 

(Per Tree)

Sample 

Computations

7 0.315 23 7.245 

8 0.387 41 15.867 

9 0.466 37 17.242 

10 0.552 47 25.944 

11 0.645 50 32.250 

12 0.746 30 22.380 

13 0.854 24 20.496 

14 0.969 12 11.628 

15 1.092 6 6.552 

Total 159.604 

Plot Size = 0.8 

Total MCA = 159.6 

CCF = 159.6/0.8 = 199.5 

Method 2 – Estimating CCF from Measurements of Basal Area and Average Diameter 

Determine average basal area of the stand. 

Select the prism with the appropriate Basal Area Factor (BAF) for the density of the stand to be sampled. 

Count all trees that are "in" at each sample point. Each sample point should be sufficiently close to each "site tree" to 

permit a valid estimate of CCF around the "site tree." 

Total the trees counted at the sample points, and average to determine the average number for the plot. 

Multiply the average per plot by the appropriate BAF. The resulting value is basal area per acre. 

Obtain an estimate of average diameter. There are many methods available for determining average diameter. The 

rule-of-thumb procedure described here is rapid and accurate for the purpose intended. 

Walk through the stand sampled, and select what appears to be a tree of average diameter. 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-122 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Lay out a transect line across the stand that passes close to each "site tree." 

Measure the first 10 trees along this line that appear to the observer to be of average diameter. 

Sum those diameters and obtain an arithmetical average. That value is the estimate of average diameter. 

Determine the BA/AD Factor by dividing the average basal area per acre by the average diameter. 

Determine estimated CCF by substituting the BA/AD Factor in the equation: 

CCF = 50.58 + 5.25 (BA/AD) 

Where: 

CCF =- Crown Competition Factor 

BA = Average basal area per acre 

AD = Average diameter 

Step 3

Select the appropriate site index table from the following list, based on the CCF determined in Step 2. 

Exhibit 637 - 58 ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits

637-123 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Page 2 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

637-124 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

 

Eastern Forest Cover Types 

Code 

Name 

Code 

Name 

Code 

Name 

66 ashe juniper/redberry (Pinchot) 

juniper 

6 jack pine/black spruce2 75 shortleaf pine 

16 aspen 3 jack pine/paper birch2 76 shortleaf pine/oak 

11 aspen/paper birch2 89 live oak 77 shortleaf pine/Virginia pine2

97 Atlantic white-cedar 81 loblolly pine 62 silver maple/American elm 

101 baldcypress 82 loblolly pine/hardwood 84 slash pine 

102 baldcypress/tupelo 80 loblolly pine/shortleaf pine 85 slash pine/hardwood 

5 balsam fir 70 longleaf pine 99 slash pine/swamp tupelo2

43 bear oak 71 longleaf pine/scrub oak 111 south Florida slash pine 

90 beech/southern magnolia2 83 longleaf pine/slash pine 73 southern redcedar 

60 beech/sugar maple 106 mangrove 72 southern scrub oak 

39 black ash/American elm/red maple 68 mesquite 27 sugar maple 

29 black cherry2 67 Mohrs (“shin”) oak 26 sugar maple/basswood 

28 black cherry/maple 14 northern pin oak 25 sugar maple/beech/yellow birch 

50 black locust 55 northern red oak 93 sugarberry/American elm/green ash 

110 black oak 54 northern red 

oak/basswood/white ash2

91 swamp chestnut oak/cherrybark oak 

12 black spruce 56 northern red oak/mockernut 

hickory/sweetgum2

104 sweetbay/swamp tupelo/redbay 

10 black spruce/aspen2 37 northern white/cedar 92 sweetgum/willow oak 

7 black spruce/balsam fir2 96 overcup oak/water hickory 87 sweetgum/yellow-poplar 

13 black spruce/tamarack 18 paper birch 94 sycamore/sweetgum/American elm 

2 black spruce/white spruce2 35 paper birch/red spruce/balsam 

fir 

38 tamarack 

95 black willow 17 pin cherry 105 tropical hardwoods 

42 bur oak 65 pin oak/sweetgurn 79 Virginia pine 

74 cabbage palmetto 45 pitch pine 78 Virginia pine/oak 

86 cabbage palmetto/slash pine2 98 pond pine 103 water tupelo/swamp tupelo 

44 chestnut oak 100 pondcypress 53 white oak 

63 cottonwood 40 post oak/blackjack oak 52 white oak/black oak/northern red oak 

23 eastern hemlock 108 red maple 51 white pine/chestnut oak 

46 eastern redcedar 15 red pine 22 white pine/hemlock 

48 eastern redcedar/hardwoods2 32 red spruce 20 white pine/northern red oak/red 

maple 

47 eastern redcedar/pine2 33 red spruce/balsam fir 107 white spruce 

49 eastern redcedar/pine/hardwoods 34 red spruce/Fraser fir 4 white spruce/balsam fir2

21 eastern white pine 31 red spruce/sugar maple/beech 9 white spruce/balsam fir/aspen2

19 gray birch/red maple 30 red spruce/yellow birch 36 white spruce/balsam fir/paper birch 

109 hawthorn 61 river birch/sycamore 88 willow oak/water oak/diamondleaf 

oak 

24 hemlock/yellow birch 69 sand pine 57 yellow-poplar 

1 jack pine 64 sassafras/persimmon 58 yellow-poplar/eastern hemlock 

8 jack pine/aspen2 41 scarlet oak2 59 yellow-poplar/white oak/northern red 

oak 
Part 637.4 – Exhibits 

Exhibit 637-59 Forest Cover Type Codes 

637-125 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Western Forest Cover Types 

Code Name Code Name Code Name 

240 Arizona cypress 206 Engelmann spruce/subalpine fir 207 red fir 

217 aspen 213 grand fir 232 redwood 

203 balsam poplar 210 interior Douglas-fir 220 Rocky Mountain juniper 

222 black cottonwood/willow 237 interior ponderosa pine 243 Sierra Nevada mixed conifer 

204 black spruce 247 Jeffrey pine 223 Sitka spruce 

254 black spruce/paper birch 248 knobcone pine 224 western hemlock 

253 black spruce/white spruce 219 limber pine 225 western hemlock/Sitka spruce 

250 blue oak/digger pine 218 lodgepole pine 238 western juniper 

216 blue spruce 242 mesquite 212 western larch 

209 bristlecone pine 205 mountain hemlock 241 western live oak 

236 bur oak 233 Oregon white oak 227 western redcedar/western 

hemlock 

246 California black oak 229 Pacific Douglas-fir 228 western redcedar 

255 California coast live oak 245 Pacific ponderosa pine 215 western white pine 

256 California mixed subalpine 244 Pacific ponderosa pine/Douglasfir 211 white fir 

249 Canyon live oak 252 paper birch 201 white spruce 

226 coastal true fir/hemlock 239 pinyon/juniper 251 white spruce/aspen 

235 cottonwood/willow 214 ponderosa pine/larch/Douglas fir2 202 white spruce/paper birch 

234 Douglas-fir/tanoak/Pacific 

madrone 

231 Port Orford-cedar 208 whitebark pine 

230 Douglas-fir/western hemlock 221 red alder 

1

Forest Cover Types of the United States and Canada (F.H. Eyre, Society of American Foresters, 1980)

CONTENTS 

PART PAGE 

Part 638.0 – General .................................................................................................................................638-3 

Part 638.1 – Database Information Systems.............................................................................................638-4 

Part 638.2 – Decision Support Systems....................................................................................................638-5 

Part 638.3 – Utility Software....................................................................................................................638-6 
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)
Part 638.0 – General 

637-3 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2001) 

Refer to the National Forestry Manual for general 

guidance relative to information systems. 
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Refer to the National Forestry Manual for policy and 

guidance relative to database information systems. 
Part 638.1 – Database Information Systems 

637-5 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Refer to the National Forestry Manual for policy and 

guidance relative to decision support systems. 
(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Refer to the National Forestry Manual for policy and 

guidance relative to utility software. 
Part 638.3 – Utility Software 

637-7 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

 

A

Abney Level........................................................................................................................................................See Inventory Tools 

Angle Guage........................................................................................................................................................See Inventory Tools 

C

Clinometer...........................................................................................................................................................See Inventory Tools 

CMAI .......................................................................................................................See Vegetative and Productivity Interpretations 

Compass ..............................................................................................................................................................See Inventory Tools 

Conservation Planning 

Objectives..............................................................................................................................................................................636-1 

Planning Considerations 

Desired Plant Community...............................................................................................................................................636-37 

Ecological Site Dynamics...............................................................................................................................................636-37 

Erosion Control...............................................................................................................................................................636-38 

Grazable Forests .............................................................................................................................................................636-39 

Management Objectives .................................................................................................................................................636-37 

Recreation.......................................................................................................................................................................636-38 

Technical Guide..............................................................................................................................................................636-39 

Vegetative States ............................................................................................................................................................636-37 

Watershed Protection......................................................................................................................................................636-38 

Wildlife...........................................................................................................................................................................636-39 

Planning Procedures..............................................................................................................................................................636-1 

Planning Process 

Analyzing Data .................................................................................................................................................................636-8 

Determining ......................................................................................................................................................................636-6 

Developing Solution Alternatives.....................................................................................................................................636-9 

Evaluating Alternatives ..................................................................................................................................................636-10 

Evaluating Results ..........................................................................................................................................................636-14 

Identifying Problems ........................................................................................................................................................636-5 

Implementing the Plan....................................................................................................................................................636-13 

Inventorying Resources ....................................................................................................................................................636-7 

Preplanning.......................................................................................................................................................................636-3 

Selecting Alternatives.....................................................................................................................................................636-11 

Windbreaks 

Establishment and Management .....................................................................................................................................636-41 

Technical Materials ........................................................................................................................................................636-42 

Tree and Shrub Selection................................................................................................................................................636-42 

Windbreak Design ..........................................................................................................................................................636-40 

Windbreak Types............................................................................................................................................................636-39 

Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot Inventory 

Field Worksheet ................................................................................................................................................................637-131 

General Data........................................................................................................................................................................637-51 

Maintenance and Response .................................................................................................................................................637-53 

Site Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................637-51 

Site Selection.......................................................................................................................................................................637-51 

Soil Information ..................................................................................................................................................................637-53 

Species Performance ...........................................................................................................................................................637-54 

State Plane Coordinate Zone Codes ..................................................................................................................................637-125 
Subject Index 

ii 

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Cover Types Codes................................................................................................................................................................637-133 

Criteria-Based Interpretations........................................................................................................................................... See NASIS 

D

Diameter Tape..................................................................................................................................................... See Inventory Tools 

E

Ecological Site Description (ESD) 

Accesing the Application ....................................................................................................................................................637-21 

Adding a New ESD 

Site Author .....................................................................................................................................................................637-25 

Site Identifier..................................................................................................................................................................637-24 

Site Name .......................................................................................................................................................................637-24 

Adding or Editing ESD Descriptions 

Accesing the System ......................................................................................................................................................637-23 

Climate Features Section 

Climate Station ..........................................................................................................................................................637-28 

Freeze-Free Period.....................................................................................................................................................637-28 

Frost-Free Period.......................................................................................................................................................637-28 

Narrative....................................................................................................................................................................637-28 

Precipitation...............................................................................................................................................................637-28 

Temperature...............................................................................................................................................................637-28 

Wetlands....................................................................................................................................................................637-28 

General Section 

Change ESD ID .........................................................................................................................................................637-26 

Change ESD Name....................................................................................................................................................637-26 

Copy an ESD .............................................................................................................................................................637-26 

Remove an ESD ........................................................................................................................................................637-26 

Revisions ...................................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Site Approval.............................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Site Approval Date ....................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Site Aurthor ...............................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Site Date ....................................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Physiographic Features Section 

Aspect........................................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Elevation....................................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Flooding.....................................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Landform...................................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Narrative....................................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Ponding......................................................................................................................................................................637-28 

Runoff........................................................................................................................................................................637-28 

Slope..........................................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Water Table ...............................................................................................................................................................637-27 

Plant Communities Section 

Add a Plant Community ............................................................................................................................................637-32 

Canopy Composition .................................................................................................................................................637-34 

Canopy Cover............................................................................................................................................................637-32 

Ecological Dynamics.................................................................................................................................................637-31 

Ground Cover............................................................................................................................................................637-33 

Image .........................................................................................................................................................................637-31 

Name .........................................................................................................................................................................637-32 

Narrative....................................................................................................................................................................637-33 

Understory Production...............................................................................................................................................637-34 

Reports ...........................................................................................................................................................................637-42 
Subject Index 

iii 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Site Interpretations Section 

Forage Production......................................................................................................................................................637-37 

Narrative ....................................................................................................................................................................637-36 

Plant Preference .........................................................................................................................................................637-37 

Soil Features Section 

Available Water .........................................................................................................................................................637-30 

Calcium Carbonate.....................................................................................................................................................637-30 

Drainage.....................................................................................................................................................................637-30 

Electical Conductivity................................................................................................................................................637-30 

Fragments...................................................................................................................................................................637-30 

Narrative ....................................................................................................................................................................637-29 

Parent Material...........................................................................................................................................................637-29 

Permeability ...............................................................................................................................................................637-30 

Sodium Adsorption ....................................................................................................................................................637-30 

Soil Depth ..................................................................................................................................................................637-30 

Soil Reaction (pH) .....................................................................................................................................................637-30 

Texture.......................................................................................................................................................................637-29 

Supporting Information Section 

Associated Sites .........................................................................................................................................................637-38 

Inventory Data References.........................................................................................................................................637-40 

Relationship to Other Classifications.........................................................................................................................637-42 

Similar Sites...............................................................................................................................................................637-39 

State Correlation ........................................................................................................................................................637-41 

Type Locality.............................................................................................................................................................637-41 

Conventions for Using Application 

Check Boxes...................................................................................................................................................................637-22 

Choice List Boxes...........................................................................................................................................................637-22 

Choice List Fields...........................................................................................................................................................637-22 

Entry/Edit Tables............................................................................................................................................................637-22 

Radio Buttons .................................................................................................................................................................637-22 

Text Boxes......................................................................................................................................................................637-22 

Username and Password......................................................................................................................................................637-23 

Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) 

Accessing the System..........................................................................................................................................................637-58 

Conventions for Using Application 

Action Buttons................................................................................................................................................................637-57 

Choice List Fields...........................................................................................................................................................637-56 

Text Boxes......................................................................................................................................................................637-56 

Forest Plot Data Entry and Edit 

Change Plot ID ...............................................................................................................................................................637-60 

Site-Related Data............................................................................................................................................................637-60 

Vegetative-Related Data.................................................................................................................................................637-60 

Reports 

Forest Site Custom Reports ............................................................................................................................................637-63 

Forest Site Standard Reports ..........................................................................................................................................637-61 

Windbreak Standard Reports..........................................................................................................................................637-63 

Windbreak Plot Data Entry and Edit 

Change Plot ID ...............................................................................................................................................................637-61 

Site-Related Data............................................................................................................................................................637-61 

Vegetative-Related Data.................................................................................................................................................637-61 

Erosion Control ........................................................................................................................................See Conservation Planning 

Evaluations....................................................................................................................................See Criteria-Based Interpretations 
Subject Index 

iv 

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

F

Forest Plot Inventory 

Canopy Cover Data.............................................................................................................................................................637-48 

Density Data........................................................................................................................................................................637-46 

Determining Lodgepole Pine Site Index ...........................................................................................................................637-127 

Field Worksheet................................................................................................................................................................637-123 

Ground Cover Data.............................................................................................................................................................637-48 

Location Data......................................................................................................................................................................637-44 

Physical Data.......................................................................................................................................................................637-44 

Site Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................637-43 

Site Index Data....................................................................................................................................................................637-47 

Site Selection.......................................................................................................................................................................637-43 

Soil Data..............................................................................................................................................................................637-45 

Standard Deviation..............................................................................................................................................................637-48 

State Plane Coordinate Zone Codes..................................................................................................................................637-125 

Tree Data.............................................................................................................................................................................637-46 

Fuzzy Math ................................................................................................................................... See Criteria-Based Interpretations 

G

Grazable Forests ...................................................................................................................................... See Conservation Planning 

H

Haga Altimeter.................................................................................................................................................... See Inventory Tools 

I

Increment Borer .................................................................................................................................................. See Inventory Tools 

Instruments ......................................................................................................................................................... See Inventory Tools 

Interpretations 

Basic Unit of Interpretation...................................................................................................................................................637-1 

Forms of Display...................................................................................................................................................................637-1 

Inventory 

Methods..................................................................................................................................................... See Inventory Methods 

Riparian Areas ....................................................................................................................................................................636-20 

Strip Sampling........................................................................................................................................... See Inventory Methods 

Understory...........................................................................................................................................................................636-20 

Variable Plot Sampling ............................................................................................................................. See Inventory Methods 

Windbreaks .........................................................................................................................................................................636-21 

Inventory Methods 

Soil Rating ..........................................................................................................................................................................636-21 

Strip Sampling.....................................................................................................................................................................636-19 

Variable Plot Sampling .......................................................................................................................................................636-20 

Zigzag Transect...................................................................................................................................................................636-15 

Inventory Tools 

Age and Growth Measurements 

Increment Borer..............................................................................................................................................................636-23 

Basal Area Measurements 

Angle Guage...................................................................................................................................................................636-33 

Wedge Prism ..................................................................................................................................................................636-32 

Canopy Measurements 

Leaf Tube .......................................................................................................................................................................636-31 

Sperical Densiometer .....................................................................................................................................................636-30 

Comparing Height Measuring Devices...............................................................................................................................636-30 

Compass..............................................................................................................................................................................636-35 

Diameter Measurements 
Subject Index 

v 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Diameter Tape ................................................................................................................................................................636-24 

Relaskop .........................................................................................................................................................................636-25 

Tree Caliper ..............................................................................................................................................................636-24, 25 

Height Measurements 

Abney Level ...................................................................................................................................................................636-28 

Clinometer ......................................................................................................................................................................636-26 

Haga Altimeter................................................................................................................................................................636-28 

Relaskop .........................................................................................................................................................................636-29 

Vertex Hypsometers .......................................................................................................................................................636-29 

Linear Measurements 

Logger’s Tape.................................................................................................................................................................636-34 

Measuring Tape ..............................................................................................................................................................636-35 

Wind Meter.....................................................................................................................................................................636-36 

L

Leaf Tube ............................................................................................................................................................See Inventory Tools 

Logger’s Tape .....................................................................................................................................................See Inventory Tools 

M

Manuscript Reports .......................................................................................................................See Criteria-Based Interpretations 

Measuring Tape................................................................................................................................................. See Measuring Tools 

Mission and Objectives ..............................................................................................................................................................635-1 

N

NASIS 

Criteria-Based Interpretations 

Evaluations .....................................................................................................................................................................637-10 

Fuzzy Math .....................................................................................................................................................................637-13 

Manuscript Reports.........................................................................................................................................................637-18 

Properties..........................................................................................................................................................................637-9 

Rating Classes.................................................................................................................................................................637-12 

Rating Values .................................................................................................................................................................637-11 

Report Manager ..............................................................................................................................................................637-15 

Reporting Levels.............................................................................................................................................................637-13 

Rules ...............................................................................................................................................................................637-11 

Overview ...............................................................................................................................................................................637-5 

Vegetative and Productivity Interpretations 

Annual Growth ................................................................................................................................................See Yield Tables

CMAI................................................................................................................................................................................637-7 

Productivity Units.............................................................................................................................................................637-8 

Site Index..........................................................................................................................................................................637-7 

Site Index Base .................................................................................................................................................................637-7 

Trees to Manage Table .....................................................................................................................................................637-6 

National Forestry Handbook 

Purpose ..................................................................................................................................................................................635-1 

Relationship to National Forestry Manual.............................................................................................................................635-1 

Supplementing.......................................................................................................................................................................635-1 

P

Planning ...................................................................................................................................................See Conservation Planning 

Planning Considerations...........................................................................................................................See Conservation Planning 

Planning Process ......................................................................................................................................See Conservation Planning 

Preplanning ..............................................................................................................................................See Conservation Planning 

Productivity Units ....................................................................................................See Vegetative and Productivity Interpretations 
Subject Index 

vi 

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Properties ...................................................................................................................................... See Criteria-Based Interpretations 

Q

Quality Assurance......................................................................................................................................................................635-1 

R

Rating Classes............................................................................................................................... See Criteria-Based Interpretations 

Rating Values................................................................................................................................ See Criteria-Based Interpretations 

Recreation ................................................................................................................................................ See Conservation Planning 

Relaskop ............................................................................................................................................................. See Inventory Tools 

Report Manager ............................................................................................................................ See Criteria-Based Interpretations 

Reporting Levels........................................................................................................................... See Criteria-Based Interpretations 

Rules ............................................................................................................................................. See Criteria-Based Interpretations 

S

Site Index.................................................................................................................See Vegetative and Productivity Interpretations 

Site Index Base ........................................................................................................See Vegetative and Productivity Interpretations 

Sperical Densiometer.......................................................................................................................................... See Inventory Tools 

Standard Deviation .....................................................................................................................................See Forest Plot Inventory 

Statistical Analysis......................................................................................................................................See Forest Plot Inventory 

T

Technical Guide...............................................................................................................................................................636-1, 3, 39 

Technology Transfer..................................................................................................................................................................635-9 

Disseminating Technical Information.................................................................................................................................635-11 

Training...............................................................................................................................................................................635-11 

Tools ................................................................................................................................................................... See Inventory Tools 

Tree and Shrub Selection......................................................................................................................... See Conservation Planning 

Tree Caliper ........................................................................................................................................................ See Inventory Tools 

V

Vegetative States...................................................................................................................................... See Conservation Planning 

Vertex Hysometers ............................................................................................................................................. See Inventory Tools 

W

Watershed Protection............................................................................................................................... See Conservation Planning 

Wedge Prism....................................................................................................................................................... See Inventory Tools 

Wildlife.................................................................................................................................................... See Conservation Planning 

Wind Meter......................................................................................................................................................... See Inventory Tools 

Windbreak 

Design 

For Beauty......................................................................................................................................................................636-40 

For Crop Protection........................................................................................................................................................636-40 

For Energy Conservation ...............................................................................................................................................636-41 

For Erosion Control........................................................................................................................................................636-40 

For Farmstead Protection ...............................................................................................................................................636-40 

For Livestock Protection ................................................................................................................................................636-40 

For Noise Reduction.......................................................................................................................................................636-40 

For Recreation Values....................................................................................................................................................636-41 

For Screening .................................................................................................................................................................636-41 

For Snow Control...........................................................................................................................................................636-40 

For Wildlife Habitat .......................................................................................................................................................636-40 

Establishment and Maintenance 

Care After Planting.........................................................................................................................................................636-41 
Subject Index 

vii 

(190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004) 

Care of Planting Stock....................................................................................................................................................636-41 

Planting...........................................................................................................................................................................636-41 

Protection........................................................................................................................................................................636-41 

Renovation......................................................................................................................................................................636-41 

Site Preparation...............................................................................................................................................................636-41 

Spacing ...........................................................................................................................................................................636-41 

Plant Selection 

Nursery Production.........................................................................................................................................................636-42 

Plant Materials Program .................................................................................................................................................636-42 

Planting Stock.................................................................................................................................................................636-42 

Research Programs .........................................................................................................................................................636-42 

Seed Orchards.................................................................................................................................................................636-42 

Windbreak Design....................................................................................................................................See Conservation Planning 

Windbreak Establishment ........................................................................................................................See Conservation Planning 

Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet .................................................................................. See Conservaton Tree/Shrub Plot Inventory 

Windbreaks 

Farmstead Windbreak..........................................................................................................................................................636-39 

Feedlot and Animal Shelter Windbreak ..............................................................................................................................636-39 

Field Windbreak..................................................................................................................................................................636-40 

Y

Yield Tables 

Abies balsamea (balsam fir) ................................................................................................................................................637-67 

Abies concolor (white fir)....................................................................................................................................................637-65 

Abies magnifica (California red fir) ....................................................................................................................................637-66 

Acer saccharinum (silver maple).........................................................................................................................................637-69 

Alnus rubra (red alder) ........................................................................................................................................................637-70 

Betula papyrifera (paper birch)...........................................................................................................................................637-71 

Betula papyrifera (paper birch) Alaska...............................................................................................................................637-72 

CMAI Annual Growth - Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir)...................................................................................................637-68 

Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash) ....................................................................................................................................637-73 

Juniperus L. (juniper)..........................................................................................................................................................637-74 

Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper).............................................................................................................................637-75 

Larix laricina (tamarack) ....................................................................................................................................................637-77 

Larix occidentalis (western larch) .......................................................................................................................................637-76 

Liquidambar sttraciflua (sweetgum)...................................................................................................................................637-78 

Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree).......................................................................................................................................637-79 

Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo).............................................................................................................................................637-80 

Nyssa biflora (swamp tupelo)..............................................................................................................................................637-81 

Picea engelmannii (Engelmann’s spruce) ...........................................................................................................................637-82 

Picea glauca (white spruce) ................................................................................................................................................637-83 

Picea pungens (black spruce)..............................................................................................................................................637-84 

Picea rubens (red spruce)....................................................................................................................................................637-85 

Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) ............................................................................................................................................637-86 

Pinus banksiana (jack pine) ................................................................................................................................................637-88 

Pinus clausa (sand pine)......................................................................................................................................................637-89 

Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) ..........................................................................................................................................637-90 

Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine)............................................................................................................................................637-91 

Pinus elliottii densa (South Florida slash pine)...................................................................................................................637-93 

Pinus elliottii (slash pine)....................................................................................................................................................637-92 

Pinus L. (pinyon).................................................................................................................................................................637-87 

Pinus monticola (western white pine) .................................................................................................................................637-94 

Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) ............................................................................................................................................637-95 

Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) ......................................................................................................................................637-96 
Subject Index 

viii 

 (190-V-NFH, Feb. 2004)

Pinus resinosa (red pine) ....................................................................................................................................................637-97 

Pinus serotina (pond pine)..................................................................................................................................................637-98 

Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) ..............................................................................................................................637-99, 100 

Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) ....................................................................................................................................637-101 

Pinus taeda (loblolly pine)................................................................................................................................................637-102 

Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine) .......................................................................................................................................637-103 

Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore).....................................................................................................................637-104 

Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen)...........................................................................................................................637-106 

Populus L. (cottonwood)...................................................................................................................................................637-105 

Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) ...............................................................................................................637-107, 108, 109 

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) ................................................................................................................................637-110 

Quercus nigra (water oak) ................................................................................................................................................637-112 

Quercus pagoda (cherrybark oak) ....................................................................................................................................637-113 

Quercus phellos (willow oak)...........................................................................................................................................637-114 

References.........................................................................................................................................................................637-119 

Sequoia sempervirens (redwood)......................................................................................................................................637-115 

Thuja occidentalis (eastern arborvitae).............................................................................................................................637-116 

Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock).............................................................................................................................637-117 

Z

Zigzag Transect 

Analyzing Species Composition .........................................................................................................................................636-19 

Analyzing Stand Condition.................................................................................................................................................636-19 

Calculating Stand Diameter ................................................................................................................................................636-18 

Calculating Tree Spacing ....................................................................................................................................................636-19 

Choosing Direction of Travel .............................................................................................................................................636-17 

Choosing Route...................................................................................................................................................................636-15 

Clumps and Open Areas .....................................................................................................................................................636-17 

Determining Distance, Species, and Diameter....................................................................................................................636-17 

Determining Thinning Requirements..................................................................................................................................636-19 

Locating Closest Tree .........................................................................................................................................................636-17 

Plantations...........................................................................................................................................................................636-18 

Selecting Eligible Trees ......................................................................................................................................................636-18 

Selecting Stand....................................................................................................................................................................636-15 

Selecting Starter Tree..........................................................................................................................................................636-15 

Tree Per Acre by Spacing and Diameter.............................................................................................................................636-43