The SIBEC database requires more data. There are many site series/species combinations that do not have enough samples to meet the target precision for the site index estimate. The SIBEC database contains the site index information used to generate site index estimates for the OASIS project. Where there is not enough data for a site series/species combination, you may want to have the field crews collect SIBEC data while they are sampling OASIS plots. Alternatively, SIBEC plots could be established independently of the OASIS plots. In order to collect SIBEC information, the OASIS plot must be ecologically homogeneous (i.e., the plot must be 100% of the target site series). A 0.01 ha (5.64 m radius) site index plot is established at the centre of the OASIS plot, and a suitable site tree of the target species must be available for sampling in the site index plot.

Details about collecting SIBEC data can be found in SIBEC Sampling and Data Standards, available at the following web site:

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/research/spwg/sibec/sibecV5-1/STD51final.pdf

These standards provide all the information required to establish a SIBEC plot, including quality assurance standards and data entry protocol. The SIBEC data is submitted to the SIBEC administrator for entry into the SIBEC data warehouse.

Continue to Chapter 8.
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