PARTNERS: USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station (NRS) Climate, Fire, and Carbon Cycle Sciences

SUMMARY: The USDA Global Climate Change Program has recently funded several pilot projects to examine the potential of sites with intensive ground-based measurements to aid in the development of landscape level carbon flux estimates. The sites, termed “Tier 3” sites in the North American Carbon Program, are intended to tie the spatially extensive, but coarsely resolved, measurements made through remote sensing and forest inventory to the spatially intensive and highly resolved measurements made at AmeriFlux sites. Eddy-flux measurements from two North Carolina loblolly pine plantations are part of the Tier III network and a separate study by Rich Birdsey (NRS) to more fully develop the potential for connecting intensive and extensive monitoring and increase the ability to develop accurate terrestrial carbon budgets for various forest management and disturbance scenarios. This research will extend ground-based measurements across additional levels of forest management intensity by adding LiDAR measurements, developing ecosystem process models at two distinct scales, and linking landscape monitoring to carbon management at a scale relevant to land managers. The duration for this research study is estimated at five to ten years. The main products of this research include precise statistical estimates and maps of carbon stocks and productivity for a variety of forest landscape conditions; improved process models at ecoregion and stand scales; and decision-support tools for land managers interested in carbon management. 

EFETAC's ROLE: The project is being led by EFETAC scientists and supported with EFETAC funding.

STATUS: Ongoing

PROGRESS: The project is scheduled for completion in 2011. Researchers are currently wrapping up data analysis and collection, and will begin writing compilation papers in early 2011. Data are being submitted to the North American Eddy Flux Network, of which this project is a partner. Additional data are being compiled on woody debris for use in fire risk research. Other aspects of the study are continuing with North Carolina State University collaborators John King, Asko Noormets, and J.-C. Domec. Extrapolation of this work continues to progress through the Water Supply Stress Index-Carbon and Biodiversity (WaSSI-CB) model, led by EFETAC research hydrologist Ge Sun.  

Birdsey, R. 2004. Data gaps for monitoring forest carbon in the United States: an inventory perspective. Environmental Management 33:S1-8.

LINKS: USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station Climate, Fire, and Carbon Cycle Sciences

CONTACT: Steve McNulty, EFETAC Ecologist, steve_mcnulty@ncsu.edu or 919-515-9489

Updated May 2010