Forest Inventory & Analysis

 

• Ph.D Quantitative Range Science, Colorado State University, 1974-1986
• M.S. Systems Ecology, University of Wyoming, 1970-1972
• B.S. Biology, Northwestern University, 1966 - 1970

I develop data-synthesis methods for the USDA National Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program. These multivariate statistical methods combine time-series of sample-surveys with field plots (annual FIA panels) and samples of high-resolution aerial imagery (NPIP); full-coverage satellite data (Landsat, MODIS); and simple deterministic demographic-models. These methods are based on the digital Kalman filter, which has a rich history in navigation, econometrics, and weather forecasting. I develop statistical software that implements these methods with numerically-robust algorithms. These multivariate techniques reliably accommodate thousands of estimates (statistical tables) across a small number of annual time-steps.

 

I developed methods in mathematical statistics that combine multivariate time-series of sample-survey estimates from field plots, remotely sensed data (full-coverage Landsat), and predictions from deterministic (demographic) models. These same methods served as basis for multivariate estimates of accuracy assessment statistics ("error matrix"), which help evaluate success of thematic maps developed with remotely sensed data. I helped design monitoring systems for global deforestation, regional mitigation monitoring (President's Northwest Forest Plan), and wildlife populations. I developed stem profiles models used for timber-sale appraisals, and successfully defended them during adjudication.

 

My research helps improve relevancy, timeliness and efficiency of the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program as articulated its 2007 Strategic Plan. It has played an important role in successful monitoring of tropical deforestation at the global scale by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. It has served as the first successful application of stem-profile models in multi-product timber-sales by the US Forest Service. It has advanced the state-of-the-art in assessments of classification accuracy of land-cover thematic maps produced with remotely sensed data.

 

• Blackard, J. A.; Finco, M. V.; Helmer, E. H.; Holden, G. R.; Hoppus, M. L.; Jacobs, D.M.; Lister, A. J.; Moisen, G. G.; Nelson, M. D.; Reimann, R.; Ruefenacht, B.; Salajanu, D.; Weyermann, D. L.; Winterberger, K. C.; Brandeis, T. J.; Czaplewski, R. L.; McRoberts, R. E.; Patterson, P. L.; Tymcio, R. P. 2008. Global information on tropical forests. Science 277:883-887.
• Czaplewski, R. L. and Thompson, M. T. in press. Model-Based Time-Series analysis of FIA panel data absent Re-Measurements. In Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Symposium, October, 5-7, 2010, Proc. SRS-P-xx, Asheville, NC. Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station.
• Czaplewski, Raymond L. 2010. Complex sample survey estimation in static state-space. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-239. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 124 p
• Czaplewski, Raymond L. 2010. Application of Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data to estimate the amount of old growth forest and snag density in the Northern Region of the National Forest System.Unpublished paper on file at: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO. 13 p.
• Czaplewski, R.L. 2003. Can a sample of Landsat sensor scenes reliably estimate the global extent of tropical deforestation? International Journal of Remote Sensing. 24(6):1409-1412.
• Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Patterson, Paul L. 2003. Classification accuracy for stratification with remotely sensed data.Forest Science. 49(3): 402-408.
• Czaplewski, Raymond L. 1999. Multistage remote sensing: toward an annual national inventory. Journal of Forestry. 97(12): 44-48
• Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Reich, Robin M.; Bechtold, William A. 1994. Spatial autocorrelation in growth of undisturbed natural pine stands across Georgia. For. Sci., Vol. 40(2): 314-328.
• Czaplewski, Raymond L. 1992. Misclassification bias in areal estimates. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing. 58(2): 189-192.
• Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Catts, Glenn P. 1992. Calibration of remotely sensed proportion or area estimates for misclassification error. Remote Sensing of Environment. 39(1): 29-43.
• Czaplewski, Raymond L. 1991. Kalman filter for statistical monitoring of forest cover across sub-continental regions. Biometric Bulletin. 8(4): 6016.
• Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Bruce, David 1990. Retransformation bias in a stem profile model. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 20(10): 1623-1630.
• Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Brown, Amy S.; Walker, Raymond C. 1989. Profile models for estimating log end diameters in the Rocky Mountain Region. Res. Pap. RM-RP-284. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 7 p.
• Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Mcclure, Joe P. 1988. Conditioning a segmented stem profile model for two diameter measurements. Forest Science. 34(2): 512-522
• Czaplewski, Raymond L. 1973. A methodology for evaluation of parent-mutant competition using a generalized non-linear ecosystem model. Journal of Theoretical Biology. 40(3): 429-439.
• Holthausen, Richard; Czaplewski, Raymond L.; DeLorenzo, Don; Hayward, Greg; Kessler, Winifred B.; Manley, Pat; McKelvey, Kevin S.; Powell, Douglas S.; Ruggiero, Leonard F.; Schwartz, Michael K.; Van Horne, Bea; Vojta, Christina D. 2005. Strategies for monitoring terrestrial animals and habitats. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-161. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 34 p.
• Johnson, Devin S.; Williams, Michael S.; Czaplewski, Raymond L. 2003. Comparison of estimators for rolling samples using Forest Inventory and Analysis data. Forest Science. 49(1): 50-63.
• Kalkhan, M. A., Reich, R. M., and Czaplewski, R. L. 1997. Variance estimates and confidence intervals for the kappa measure of classification accuracy. Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing 23:210-216.
• McClure, J. P.; Czaplewski, R. L. 1986. Compatible taper equation for loblolly pine. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 16(6): 1272-1277.
• Ringold, Paul L.; Mulder, Barry; Alegria, Jim; Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Tolle, Tim; Burnett, Kelly 1999. Establishing a regional monitoring strategy: The Pacific Northwest Forest Plan. Environmental Management. 23(2): 179-192.
• Ringold, Paul L.; Alegria, Jim; Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Mulder, Barry S.; Tolle, Tim; Burnett, Kelly 1996. Adaptive monitoring design for ecosystem management. Ecological App lications. 6:745-747.
• Ringold, Paul L.; Alegria, Jim; Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Mulder, Barry S.; Tolle, Tim; Burnett, Kelly 1996. Adaptive monitoring design for ecosystem management. Ecological Applications. 6:745-747.
• Schreuder, H. T.; Czaplewski, R.; Bailey, R. G. 1999. Combining mapped and statistical data in forest ecological inventory and monitoring - supplementing an existing system. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 56: 269-291.
• Schreuder, Hans T.; Czaplewski, Raymond L. 1993. Long-term strategy for the statistical design of a forest health monitoring system. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 27: 81-94.
• Stehman, Stephen V.; Czaplewski, Raymond L.; Nusser, Sarah M.; Yang, Limin; Zhu, Zhiliang 2000. Combining accuracy assessment of land-cover maps with environmental monitoring programs. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 64: 115-126.
• Stehman, Stephen V.; Czaplewski, Raymond L. 1998. Design and analysis for thematic map accuracy assessment: Fundamental principles. Remote Sensing of Environment. 64:331-344.
• Stehman, Stephen V.; Czaplewski, Raymond L. 1998. Design and analysis for thematic map accuracy assessment: Fundamental principles. Remote Sensing of Environment. 64:331-344.
• Williams, Michael S.; Schreuder, Hans T.; Czaplewski, Raymond L. 2001. Accuracy and efficiency of area classifications based on tree tally. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 31: 556-560
• Zhu, Zhiliang; Yang, Limin; Stehman, Stephen V.; Czaplewski, Raymond L. 2000. Accuracy assessment for the U.S. Geological Survey Regional Land-Cover Mapping Program: New York and New Jersey Region. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing. 66: 1425-1438..