State crews are surveying trees, forest health

What type of forests or woodlands are present in Oklahoma? What tree species are in the state’s counties? Are our forests healthy?

These and many other questions will be answered as a Forest Inventory and Analysis crew from Oklahoma Forestry Services begins collecting data on plots in Caddo, Canadian, Grady, Oklahoma, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Noble and Payne counties.

Foresters began such data collection in 2009. Every year, they continue gathering information about the amount of land under forest cover, the type of forests and tree species that are present, tree size, invasive species and forest health issues, according to a news release.

“Healthy forests and woodlands provide Oklahoma with many valuable goods and services,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma Forestry Services director and state forester. “We are collecting information about our forests in all 77 counties, which will improve our planning and management strategies and ensure our citizens receive the greatest benefit possible.”

The analysis is conducted on randomly located plots across private, industrial, and public lands and includes forested and non-forested areas. Private landowners are contacted by mail if a plot falls on their land. The information gathered from the analysis determines the status of the local forest resource and shows trends in the forests of Oklahoma. The data contributes to similar nationwide efforts of the USDA Forest Service.

“The information we collect is added to the national database to give policymakers the data they need to make informed decisions for the future of our forest resources,” FIA Coordinator Carri Abner said. “We appreciate landowners allowing us access to their land so we will have an accurate assessment of Oklahoma’s trees and forests.”

Crews will be traveling in marked state Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry vehicles and will be carrying proper identification. Landowners and lessees can assist in the endeavor by granting crews access to property if an FIA plot falls on their land, as well as telling others about the program. They are welcome to be present when the crew is conducting the measurements on their property.

For more information, contact Abner at 918-290-9208 or carri. abner@ag.ok.gov.