1. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Applications of Regional Forest Monitoring Data Jim Comiskey, Mid-Atlantic Network John Paul Schmit, National Capital Network Kate Miller, Northeast Temperate Network Pete Sharpe, Northeast Region Stephanie Perles, Eastern Rivers and Mountains Network Suzanne Sanders, Great Lakes Network George Wright Society Meeting March 2011 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Inventory and Monitoring Program

2. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Forest Health Vital Sign E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

3. Regional Collaboration

4. Forest Monitoring in the Eastern US 2004 Protocol development began (NCRN, NETN) 2005 Inter-network collaboration began 2006 Monitoring began in NCRN and NETN 2007 Monitoring began in MIDN, NCBN, ERMN, GLKN 2010 Pool data to conduct regional analyses

5. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

6. Sampling Design Permanent Plots Permanent Plots 4 - 6 year Panel Designs 4 - 6 year Panel Designs GRTS = generalized random- tessellation stratified design GRTS = generalized random- tessellation stratified design

7. Forest Monitoring Goals Forest structure, composition, and dynamics. Forest structure, composition, and dynamics. Invasive exotic plants, diseases and pathogens, and native forest pests. Invasive exotic plants, diseases and pathogens, and native forest pests. Diversity and nativity of herbaceous layer. Diversity and nativity of herbaceous layer. Changes in soil chemistry. Changes in soil chemistry. Interpret and report condition of forested systems to multiple audiences.

8. Panel Discussion Trees Trees Regeneration Regeneration Forest pests Forest pests Invasive exotic plants Invasive exotic plants