Every effort should be made to use existing sample plots, such as the permanent sample plots from the Ontario Hardwood Health Survey, discussed in more detail in Pilot Study 1. New sample plots will have to be established where there are no existing plots. All remeasurements of established plots are new observations. The distribution of sample plots is described in Section 10. Most field work and measurement costs occur during Stage 3.
Field work involves forestry professionals and technicians.
The logistics are described in Section 7.2. Remote sensing expertise and specialized interpretation equipment is required for remote sensing observations. Forest decline is a major concern, especially in Europe. Extensive literature is available and contacts exist in all major remote sensing organizations. This will ensure compatibility with OMNR's GIS and with most airborne and satellite remote sensing data.