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Purpose
This field guide provides an introduction to the basic tools and techniques
used in obtaining ground-based estimates of aboveground forest biomass and
carbon. It was written for a general audience, emphasizing fundamental skills
and real-world examples. A modular approach was taken such that additional
topics (chapters) could be added as desired. Specifically, Version 1.0 of this
field guide:
• Explains the basics of GPS and GPS navigation
• Describes how to establish sample plots used in obtaining forest measurements
• Explains how to take tree diameter measurements used in forest biomass
estimation
• Demonstrates how to compute estimates of forest carbon storage from
sample plot data
• Serves as a reference for both field and office use
• Incorporates graphical illustrations for multi-lingual users
• Is not a substitute for formal instruction and hands-on training
Produced by:
Woods Hole Research Center/Dr. Wayne Walker; Version 1.0, June 2011
Suggested citation:
Walker, W., A. Baccini, M. Nepstad, N. Horning, D. Knight, E. Braun,
and A. Bausch. 2011. Field Guide for Forest Biomass and Carbon
Estimation. Version 1.0. Woods Hole Research Center, Falmouth,
Massachusetts, USA.
Funding provided by:
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Google.org
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation/Forum on Readiness for
REDD
Layout adapted from:
2009 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Erosion and
Sediment Control Field Guide, CNMI Department of Environmental Quality.