IDNR Division of Forestry

The Forest inventory and Analysis program, initially known as the Forest Survey, began over 80 years ago when the U.S. Congress acknowledged the need for information about the condition of the nations' forests. Indiana's forest resources are inventoried, by legislative mandate, on a periodic basis; currently, Indiana is on an 11-year cycle. The first forest inventory was completed in 1950, and updated in 1967 and 1986. This periodic survey of Indiana's forest resources gathers information to help natural resource managers better determine the condition and extent of the forest. The availability of up-to-date inventory information is important:

• to support rural forest-based economic development
• to provide information to address issues associated with water quality, wetlands, wildlife habitats and other environmental concerns
• to monitor the effects of insects, disease and pollution on forest health
• to serve as an information base to develop forest resource
  policy alternatives.

The continuing expansion of Indiana s forest-based economy is a key illustration of the importance of this information. Over 45,000 Hoosiers, earning in excess of $1 billion, owe their livelihoods to Indiana's forest products industry and to the forests which supply the necessary raw materials. Consumption of forest products also continues to increase. Indiana is currently growing 1.14 times more wood fiber than is being harvested. Unfortunately, this positive growth figure is declining. Increasing demand for wood products, combined with lessening availability of commercial forestlands, will ultimately stress this positive ratio. In addition, demands beyond traditional uses will be placed upon Indiana's forest resources in the near future. Recreational uses, wildlife habitat, watershed enhancement and residential settings frame the importance of Indiana's forest resources. The USDA Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station located in St. Paul, Minn, provides a field crew to determine the physical characteristics of Indiana forests. A resource enhancement team from the Indiana DNR Division of Forestry will cross train with the USFS, to further enhance the effectiveness of data collection.

Forest Soils

An enhancement feature of the 1996 Indiana Forest Resource Inventory is the inclusion of critical information not readily available in the past. A computer database of statewide forest soil types will offer insight for potential forest growth across the state, and will be available for detailed analysis and subsequent planning for Indiana's forest resources.

Timber Product Output Survey

The Timber Product Output Survey is conducted in 5-year intervals. The Indiana Division of Forestry collects data from virtually all forest product industries that utilize raw materials from the forests of Indiana. Data to be collected is kept confidential, and includes utilization of species, grades, region of procurement, imports and exports of raw materials, and by-product production and use. This detailed information provides a picture of output and use of forest resources. Such detailed information is necessary for planning and decision making in wood procurement, forest resource management, and forest industry development.

Residential Fuelwood Consumption and Production Study
Indiana has initiated a study of Residential Fuelwood Consumption and Production in cooperation with the Indiana Dept. of Commerce Energy Policy Division, USDA Forest Service and Purdue University. This study will determine the quantity of fuelwood produced and consumed during the 1995-96 heating season. Factors in the study include: species, source, geographic location, and wood burning facility used. The study will provide information on the extent of woody biomass harvesting on designated forestlands and non-forest lands under all ownerships.

Forest Health Monitoring Survey

The Forest Health Monitoring Survey is gradually being installed across the nation. First implemented in the 1990s as a result of concern of the effects of air pollution on the nation's forests; the survey now includes data from the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, southeastern, and Lake states. This survey provides information and an annual report to Congress on the health of our nation's forests. In conjunction with the statewide Forest Inventory, FHM plots will be installed in Indiana this year. The plots will be surveyed annually to measure the condition of the trees' crowns and other factors to assess the trees' health. Comparison of this data from year to year will help define the forests' health, provide an annual, report of Indiana's forest health, and identify problems that may need further investigation. In addition, the survey will help guide research to develop the management strategies needed to maintain a healthy forest.