VRI Overview
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 provide a level of certainty regarding means and totals for key attributes for the population.
How do I initiate a
VRI?
All VRI projects are initiated through the Forest
Analysis Inventory Branch.
Coordination and prioritization of projects is lead by FAIB.
If there is interest in a VRI in your area, contact Gary
Johansen, Inventory Investment Coordinator at Forest Analysis and
Inventory Branch. Phone number: (250) 356-0633, email at
Gary.Johansen@gov.bc.ca
MFLNRO staff are now responsible for the preparation of the
Inventory plans. Phase
II will only be required where confirmation of volumes is required
or where the Chief Forester explicitly deems it necessary in the
rationale.
How do I find out more?
Further information on the Vegetation Resources Inventory program
can be obtained by contacting Albert
Nussbaum Director, Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch at 250-356
5958 or
Albert.Nussbaum@gov.bc.ca