Vegetation Resources Inventory


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	Vegetation Resource Inventory
	National Forest Inventory
	Vegetation Cover Update
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	Variable Density Yield Prediction
	Forest Inventory Audit Program
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	Ministry of Forests and Range



	Vegetation Resources Inventory

Introduction and Overview

Background Information [here]
What is the Vegetation Resource Inventory designed to do? [here]
What are the processes of a VRI? [here]
Who will conduct the VRI? [here]
How do I find out more? [here]

Background Information
The Forest Resources Commission recommended a review of the provincial resource inventory process in its report The Future of our Forests. The Resources Inventory Standards Committee (RISC) was established with the objective of achieving common standards and procedures.
The Vegetation Resources Inventory is a photo-based, two-phased vegetation inventory program consisting of:

Phase I: Photo Interpretation
Phase II: Ground Sampling

Within the ground sampling phase, Net Volume Adjustment Factor (NVAF) sampling is a mandatory component that is integral in the calculation of inventory adjustment factors.
The Ministry of Forests and Range and forest licensees, is implementing the components of the Vegetation Resources Inventory.

What is the Vegetation Resource Inventory designed to do?
The Vegetation Resources Inventory is designed to answer two questions:

Where is the resource located?
How much of a given vegetation resource (for example, timber or coarse woody debris) is within an inventory unit?

What are the processes of a VRI?
The Vegetation Resources Inventory is carried out in two phases. The photo interpretation (Phase I) involves estimating vegetation polygon characteristics, from existing information, aerial photography, or other sources. No sampling is done in Phase I.

The ground sampling phase (Phase II) provides the information necessary to determine how much of a given characteristic is within the inventory area. Ground samples alone cannot be collected in sufficient numbers to provide the specific locations of the land cover characteristics being inventoried.

Net Volume Adjustment Factor (NVAF) sampling collects data on a number of selected trees to account for errors in the estimates of net tree volume. The NVAF is calculated from the ratio of actual to estimates of sample tree volumes and is applied as a correction to VRI ground sample volumes. This data, used in conjunction with the original ground sampling data, provides an unbiased estimate of the net volume in the project area.

The ground measurements are used to estimate the proper total for the population. The relationship between the polygon estimates and ground samples is used to adjust the photo-interpreted polygon estimate. The total for the population is then distributed into the adjusted description for each polygon.

Who will conduct the VRI?
The private forest industry and forestry consultants will be conducting (on private and crown land) the VRI. Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch will provide standards, procedures and audit functions.

How do I find out more?
Further information on the Vegetation Resources Inventory program can be obtained by contacting Jon Vivian, Vegetation Resources Inventory Manager at (250) 356-7185.