Monday, 20 March 2017

A Summary Of The Forest Health Monitoring Program

By Martha Allen


The health of forests is crucial for the general well-being of all creatures in the universe. This is why the Forest Health Monitoring program was established. Its mandate was to establish how severe, the extent and cause of any degradation or change in forests or forested area. Detection monitoring indicators raise an alarm when there are significant changes in the well-being of forests under watch.

Though FHM has a long term responsibility, there are short term indicators like infestation by insects or disturbances that they monitor on short term basis. In case damage on some sections is wide spread or the ecosystem has experienced drastic change, it is the responsibility of FHM to follow up and institute restorative action. The data collected in all these occurrences is used to predict and take greater charge of the future.

Protecting forests requires and involves a combination of both state and federal agencies. All the data available is used to develop a comprehensive view of how healthy forests are across US. This is the best way to capture early signs and take action before further damage can befall this ecosystem. Both biotic and abiotic data is used in developing models that help to understand forests and how to keep them healthy.

All activities performed under FHM program focus on protecting forests and the entire ecosystem as well as prevent future damage. This is possible through the use of both ground and aerial survey tools to cover all forests or specific areas. In case an abnormality is detected, early action can be taken. Data is collected used both for prediction and review of occurrences in different forests. Through comparison, it is easier to control and even manage future situations in forests.

There are areas that call for special and intense attention. This causes experts to monitor the sites with special interest and greater intensity. For instance, a study may be commissioned to assess the effects of calcium depletion on one or more areas. The program produces reports and data that can be used to predict the future conditions of such environments.

Monitoring tools need to be advanced as the environment changes. Sharpening these tools and developing others makes detection of future indicators of trouble more precise, easier and faster. For instance, if an invasive species is introduced or detected, action can be taken before it becomes a catastrophe. Spatial data is also used to administer a section or compare it with others for better management. New techniques also help in understanding past occurrences with certainty.

The program synthesizes information obtained from different sources and centers regarding forests. It collaborates with external sources and organizations to generate reports that are guided by issues. The reports focus on changes in forests and how to enhance the status of species or the entire ecosystem. By bringing together multi-level government agencies, forests can be protected through an all rounded approach.

FHM produces reports on forests focusing of emerging issues from time to time. This is their way of ensuring comprehensive, data based and informed way of guaranteeing the well being of forests throughout US. When all stake holders bring their expertise to the table, forests become healthier and easier to manage.




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