This manual contains the design and specifications for the revised plot layout, measurements, data formats, maintenance, and quality control required for ongoing growth monitoring of the trial. A measurement schedule for the period 2022 to 2026 is appended to the manual.
Introduction
This document is intended for use by contractors engaged in periodic re-measurement of the Regenerated Lodgepole Pine (RLP) trial. The data required for ongoing monitoring of stand development differ from those used previously to model regeneration and juvenile stand dynamics during the first 20 years of the trial. Re-measurement standards and procedures have been revised accordingly.
The new standards and procedures for the most part comply with those of the Provincial Growth and Yield Initiative (PGYI).1 A significant exception is the continued measurement of top height. Top height has been, and is likely to continue to be, important in analysis and modelling of the RLP trial data. The measurement of top height, as distinct from tree height, is not required under the PGYI standard applicable to new plots, where all trees are measured for height. Sub-sampling of tree height is permitted in the RLP trial (because of the high tree densities encountered); but measurement of all top height trees is required for all species. The procedure described in this manual for top height assessment accommodates both of these requirements, with minimal departure from PGYI standards.
The trial consists of 102 installations, each consisting of 4 treatment plots. General installation and plot information, that has already been recorded during trial establishment and the regeneration phase, does not need to be re-entered by contractors undertaking maintenance and measurements.
Version 7.3 updated February 20, 2023
