In order to obtain a representative sample of New Brunswick’s forest, ground plot measurements are carried out under the Continuous Landscape Inventory (CLI) program.
On-the-Ground Forest Measurements
What Is the purpose?
The Province of New Brunswick, through the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development (DNRED), monitors the quantity, condition, and development of the province’s forest resources on all land ownerships (Crown, Industrial and Private Woodlots) via the Continuous Landscape Inventory (CLI) Program.
What we do
Started in 2016, the CLI Program consists of approximately 16,000 ground plots on a 2km-by-2km grid province wide. Two-thirds of these plots are temporary, and the remaining are permanent. Plots are re-visited on a five or 10-year rotation depending on the plot type and land ownership, capturing the change and development of the forest. Data collected includes tree diameter, height, species, health, canopy position, coarse woody debris, and several other metrics.
When does it take place?
Plots are measured by trained DNRED Forest Service Officers appointed by the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development under the Crown Lands and Forests Act. Approximately 1,600 plots are measured annually, mostly between May and November.
Plot types
Temporary plots are established with the intention of minimal impact to the forest where staff ensure nothing is left behind except an orange-painted wooden cedar stake in the ground at plot center and lumber crayon markings on each stem (this washes off overtime).
Permanent plots are the same as temporary plots except that trees are nailed at the base with numbered aluminum tags and nails. Smaller trees have tags attached with aluminum wires on a branch. If a landowner is uninterested in permanent sample tags on their property, the plot can be converted into a temporary plot-type.
There is no obligation whatsoever for a landowner to keep a plot intact for any amount of time nor is there any evaluation being made on any individual property.
How is the data used?
The CLI Program provides reliable basic information on the current state of forests in New Brunswick to DNRED forest managers, scientific researchers, woodlot management organizations, and the forest industry. By measuring characteristics such as tree sizes, density, and the presence of new saplings, we can determine how forests are likely to contribute to a wide range of subjects including habitat for wildlife, climate change mitigation, sustainable harvest rates, and wildland fire spread potential. CLI Program data is also leveraged with LiDAR data to create enhanced forest inventory attributes.
