The Forestry Division Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) crew collects data from permanent plots established in the 1950s. These plots were established on three-mile by three-mile grids across the state. This grid pattern matches the grid used in the rest of the United States.

From the 1950s until 1995, the United States Forest Service Southern Research Station collected data from these plots. FIA crews surveyed each southern state about every ten years. In 1995, the southern states in a meeting with the Southern Research Station decided to shorten the survey cycle as much as possible due to the need for fresh and reliable data. Data collected under this system was less reliable after three to four years, and data on damage from tornadoes and other natural disturbances was needed as the events occurred. During the 1995 meeting, it was decided to collect 20 percent of the data from all the plots per year. A survey of the entire state would be completed in approximately five years. After the fifth year, the first set of plots would be surveyed again, and the new data would replace the old data. The information collected after the fifth year would be more reliable.

In the summer of 1999, the Forestry Division began the Arkansas Forest Inventory and Analysis survey. The Forestry Division hired a Forest Inventory Coordinator and six forest inventory specialists to collect data throughout the state. All forest inventory specialists take six months of training before they are certified to collect FIA data. Each summer, the forest inventory specialists have to be recertified to collect forest health monitoring data.

It takes a crew of two inventory specialists four to six hours to complete one permanent FIA plot. The data collected must meet the accuracy requirements established by the Southern Research Station. Representatives from the Southern Research Station regularly check each Arkansas crew to ensure accuracy is maintained.

Arkansas Forest Fact Sheets

• AR Forest Inventory Fact Sheet 2022 (544 KB)
• AR Forest Inventory Fact Sheet 2021 (552 KB)
• AR Forest Inventory Fact Sheet, 2020 (512 KB)
• AR Forest Inventory Fact Sheet, 2019 (510 KB)
• AR Forest Inventory Fact Sheet, 2018 (1.04 MB)
• AR Forest Inventory Fact Sheet, 2017 (3.63 MB)
• AR Forest Inventory Fact Sheet, 2016 (1.05 MB)
• AR Forest Inventory Fact Sheet, 2015 (883.48 KB)
• Arkansas Forest Inventory Reports from the USFS Southern Research Station, 2010-2015
• Timber Products Survey Fact Sheet, 2015 (742.66 KB)

5 Year Reports from the USFS Southern Research Station

• 2005
• 1995
• 1993
• 1979
• 1970

This research was funded by a grant from the USDA Forest Service.