Tongass National Forest

Forest inventory involves the measuring of trees, stands and other vegetation in the reconnaissance phase of a project in order develop stand statistics for timber sale planning purposes. Individual trees are sample measured by contractors or by seasonal crews. Data is run through a program to project stand volumes. These are used to provide estimates for decision makers in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents.

More accurate volume estimates are achieved later in the timber preparation process through the cruising of trees. Certified cruisers measure trees more precisely for timber sale contract packages after NEPA clearance has occurred.