A PATH TOWARD IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF THE NORTHERN FORESTS OF ALASKA: FOREST INVENTORY, BARK THICKNESS, AND STEM VOLUME

Abstract

This thesis provides three essential forest management tools that resource managers and researchers can use to improve management the northern forests of Alaska. The Cooperative Alaska Forest Inventory (CAFI) is a comprehensive database of northern forest conditions and dynamics. The basis for the CAFI database is a system of permanent sample plots located throughout interior and south-central Alaska. This information can be used to develop forest growth models and track long-term forest changes. The bark thickness model was developed because there was no published white spruce bark thickness model for Alaska. The data used to develop this and volume models were taken from stands located throughout interior and south-central Alaska. Analysis shows that this Alaska statewide bark thickness model accuracy estimates white spruce bark thickness when compared to other bark thickness models. Cubic-foot volume models were developed to estimate total stem and merchantable volume of white spruce in Alaska. These multiple-entry (diameter and height) models estimate volume both outside and inside bark. Analysis shows that these volume models were more accurate for Alaska when compared to published and unpublished white spruce models. These models can be used to estimate individual stem volume, volume per unit area, and to develop biomass models.