Methods for monitoring forest regeneration results

Photo: source: U.S. Geological Survey, EROS Data Center, SiouxFalls, SD./ A satellite image showing forests in the area of Pielavesi-Maaninka; Kuopio at right.

The aim of the project was to develop methods for delineation of new regeneration cutting areas and classify them on the basis of regeneration procedures using multitemporal remote sensing images of the same area. Panchromatic high altitude aerial images produced fairly reliable results for identifying the regeneration areas. It was not possible to identify soil treatment from gray aerial images whereas infrared aerial images with visual interpretation gave reliable results.

A method for forest regeneration quality control in private forestry was developed to provide feedback to operational staff about their work and to facilitate further development. Feedback was obtained in the form of regeneration results inventoried on young stands. Forest management associations and forest centres compile the information into a user-friendly database that helps to develop daily operations. The quality control tool was tested for three years in twenty forest management associations located in the areas of five regional forest centres.

Additional information on the project: www.metla.fi/hanke/3256/index-en.htm.