Down Woody Materials TrainingAudit Tips

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Down Woody MaterialsTraining/Audit Tips
Lecture 4 of Training Series
Chris Woodall DWM Indicator Advisor April, 2003
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Outline

• QA/QC and the Processing of Data
• Problem Areas
• Organizing Training Sessions

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What Customers Want
A uniform DWM sample design applied across the
entire United States producing per acre estimates
of fuels, carbon, and wildlife habitat
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Measurement Error Propagation
Database Processing Algorithms
Measurement errors of certain variables are
multiplied
Core Table
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Measurement Error Simulation
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Simulation ? QA/QC
CWD Diameters
Duff Depth
Tolerance lt 20 dia. /- 3.0 20 dia /-
20 MQO At least 90 of the time
Tolerance /- 0.5 in MQO None
20 measurement error could equal 9 error
in plot estimate for typical plot
15 measurement error could equal 7 error in
plot estimate for typical plot
FWD 1-hr Counts
20 measurement error could equal 0.5 error
in plot estimate for typical plot
Tolerance /- 20 count MQO None
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Simulation Conclusions
Measurement variables whose errors most affect
core table outputs duff depths, CWD diameters,
and slash pile densities
Measurement variables whose errors least affect
core table outputs CWD decay, classes/transect
lengths, litter depth, and FWD counts
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Measurement Problem Areas

• Duff depth
• Water obstructions
• Fuelbed depth
• Slash pile density
• Microplot heights

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Duff Depths

• Need to Train to
• Identify duff from mineral soil
• Dont include moss or litter material
• What to do with deep duff
• Anything over 1 foot ? be absolutely sure

See Duff Depth Clarification
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Water Obstructions
If CWD piece ends in water, treat as if
underground, measure piece to water edge
For FWD, if transect under water try to enter
null values and indicate in plot notes
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Fuelbed Depth

• Measure from top of duff to top of fuel complex
• Fuel complex composed of dead FWD, CWD, shrubs,
  and litter
• Gaps allowed in fuel complex where one would
  reasonably expect flame lengths to connect
• Plum-bob not required, ocular estimate around
  sample point
• 15-second ruleDont over analyze height of
  fuelbedUse your experience and logic

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Slash Pile Density
Only estimate density of CWD within pile
Density should rarely exceed 40
30
10
70
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Microplot Heights

• Train with idea of imaginary 6.8 foot radius
  cylinder
• Make sure crews know what herbs and shrubs
  include
• Gaps allowed in fuel complex as long as
  reasonable
• Branches from shrubs rooted outside microplot
  allowed
• Train about vines and canopy herbaceous plants

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Microplot Heights
Only include epiphytes or hanging moss up to 6
feet in height
Include vines that are within microplot
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Organizing Training Sessions

• Introduction to DWM
• DWM Sample Design (not required)
• DWM Field Methods
• DWM Training Tips (emphasis on problem areas and
  QA/QC)
• Certification Test

Classroom

• Stations (test optional)
• Go over one subplot together as group
• Trainees do at least one subplot on their own
  hot audit and/or compare results

Field
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Bringing it all Together

• Pick training location where many conditions
  classes and sampling scenarios exist (see word
  file)
• Use powerpoint files to sculpt training session
  so trainees have understanding of why we need
  quality DWM data, what we use it for, the theory
  behind the sampling design, field methods, and
  problem areas
• Setting up a quality station course can reduce
  questions during actual field season may
  conduct test

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Dont Like the Sample Design??
You can change it!
At close of 2003 field season field manual
editorial changes, MQO changes, clarifications,
and sample design change proposals will be
organized
Submit your suggestions
cwoodall_at_fs.fed.us