Thursday, March 16, 2017

A Brief On Forest Health Monitoring Program

By Martha Allen


Healthy forests are vital for the existence of the humanity and other animals in the world. This is why Forest Health Monitoring or FHM program was established. The specific mandate was to keep tract of extent, severity and causes of changes in the conditions of forests around US. The program employs Detection Monitoring signals that give early signs of changes so that fast action can be taken.

The mandate of FHM is long term. It uses such short term tenets as insect infestation and disturbance to forecast and mitigate long term damage. This program also focuses on the widespread damages on forested areas and their ecosystems as well as those damages that are unexpected. The program also monitors and follows up changes with the aim of predicting future occurrences.

There are forested areas under states while others lie under the federal government. FHM coordinates the activities of governments at these two levels. The idea is to provide a comprehensive approach to protection of forests in US. The use of both biotic and abiotic data ensures that models developed make it easier to understand forests and thus keep them healthy.

Behind all the activities carried out through FHM program is a desire to protect the ecosystem from damage. Some of the tools used include ground and aerial surveys covering all or specific areas in forests. Whenever abnormal changes are detected or the status of a certain area is discovered to have changed, action can be taken early. The process is taxing and requires both predictive and retrospective approach. Data captured in the past is compared to better understand different phenomenon.

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.

Environmental changes demand sharpening of monitoring tools and techniques. With better techniques and tools, future incidences are easier to deal with. Prediction also becomes easier, faster and more precise. For example, it becomes easier to detect an invasive species or introduce and manage it. The use of spatial data enables more predictable and concrete management of different environments. Data in combination with better and sharper monitoring tools and techniques make it easy to understand different occurrences.

It is impossible for Forest Service to collect all information required for protection or better understanding of these areas. In collaboration with other bodies working in forests or natural environments, FHM comes up with reports that guide management of forests. When multi-level government institutions and experts combine forces, they make forests easier to manage.

Reports produced by FHM also aid in dealing with emerging issues. In this way, forests receive an all rounded approach in management, making them healthier. This is the way to guarantee their survival throughout the US. With expertise drawn from all bodies involved in management of forests, their health is secured.




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