National Resource Use Monitoring
The National Resource Use Monitoring program includes Timber Products Output and harvest utilization data collection efforts.
Through timber product output mill surveys, we gather information from active primary wood processing mills on location of mill, volume received by roundwood product, species, and geographic origin, as well as mill residue by-product generation and use. These data are aggregated and reported at the county and state level.
Through harvest utilization studies, we gather information on harvested trees at active logging sites, with field crews recording various tree measurements (e.g., tree species, stump height, lower and upper diameters for each tree section that is created once the tree is cut). Crews also record the utilization status (utilized or not utilized) as well as the intended use (roundwood product) for each tree section that is utilized rather than left as residue. Tree utilization data are aggregated and used to calculate state level utilization factors, and to report logging residue estimates for those portions of the trees that are not utilized.
The National Resource Use Monitoring program generates information to further classify the Nationwide Forest Inventory tree removal estimates, expanding the understanding of current utilization of industrial roundwood supporting wood product markets. Timber products output data estimate industrial and non-industrial roundwood uses, while harvest utilization studies provide vital information to quantify the logging residue component of harvest operations.
Data Collection Methods
We collect nationwide timber products output mill surveys annually with a modified stratified random sample of active primary wood processing facilities (see Coulston et al. 2018 for details).
Mill surveys determine the amount of harvest removals that are processed into primary wood products. To this effect, our mill questionnaires gather information on quantity of roundwood received, by primary roundwood product type (e.g., saw-logs, veneer/ply-logs, etc.), tree species and geographic origin, as well as mill residue by-product generation and use.
We perform nationwide harvest utilization studies at varying schedules. Data collection involves visiting a cross-section of active logging operations in a state to characterize the sites logged, trees harvested, volume utilized per tree, primary products taken, and residues left behind.
What is Timber Products Output?
- Timber Products Output is a survey of United States primary wood processing mills, carried out by the Forest Inventory and Analysis program working with state and university partners. This data collection effort is part of the National Resource Use Monitoring work, where we estimate and track timber removals and their impact on forests and economies.
How often do we conduct the Timber Products Output survey?
- We conduct the mill survey annually, a frequency that started in 2019. Previously, frequency varied across regions.
How do we use mill survey data?
- We aggregate data collected and use it to generate reports on roundwood products, species utilized, county where harvests occurred, and mill residues. The information aids policymakers, forest managers, forest industry, and others who evaluate trends in forest product removals to make informed decisions about available forest resources and harvest intensity.
Do we share mill data?
- No. Individual mill information is strictly confidential. By law, we do not release mill-identifying information to anyone, be they another government agency or a private citizen. We aggregate data at county and state levels and only report by specific roundwood (mill) type when that mill type is represented by at least three processing facilities in the state.
How does the timber products output information help forest industry?
- Estimates from the survey provide the foundation for nation and state-level timber market analyses and projections, sustainability analyses, policy analysis, and state availability of wood resources as it pertains to potential market expansion.
Where can I get a copy of the Timber Products Output mill survey?
- For a copy of the mill survey, please contact our team.
What is a harvest utilization study?
- A harvest utilization study is a data collection effort that characterizes trees harvested during active logging operations. It provides information needed to characterize harvest operations in terms of volume used (portions of logs used) and volume left on site as logging residue.
Why do we do harvest utilization studies?
- We carry out these studies to estimate logging residues which, combined with our mill survey data, allow us to generate a full accounting of a state’s harvested volume. By visiting a cross-section of logging operations in a state we can quantify the timber volume that is cut and used, and that which is left in the forest.
What data are collected at harvest utilization sites?
- At each active logging operation, crews collect information from each felled tree that is sampled, including roundwood product utilized, specific diameters and log lengths the receiving mills will accept, along with minimum diameters at the cutoff points for specific products. The studies also provide information to classify timber volumes by source (i.e., sawtimber growing stock, poletimber growing stock, and non-growing stock).
How do we use harvest utilization data?
- Estimates from harvest utilization studies provide essential information about how much woody material remains in the forest after commercial logging operations, the characteristics of harvested trees, harvesting methods used, and types of logging residues. Data collected on active logging sites are used to develop utilization factors, which quantify the amount of woody material from a logging operation that is left on site and allow us to generate estimates of logging residue. These data are key components for understanding logging residuals, carbon accounting, business development purposes, and forest planning.
How do I find out more about these programs?
- For more information about either the Timber Products Output or harvest utilization studies, please contact our team.
| Data/Tool Name | Description |
|---|---|
| National Resource Use Monitoring - Data Downloads | These data downloads allow users to access files that contain data from both the Timber Products Output and harvest utilization studies, combined with inventory data and residential firewood estimates derived from the U.S. Department of Energy residential energy consumption survey. |
| Timber Products Output Interactive Reporting Tool | This tool includes estimates of timber products, logging residue, mill residue, residential fuelwood, and other removals based on the selected area. |
| Timber Products One Click Factsheets | Data include state-wide production, products, number of primary mills and types, roundwood exports and imports, and retained production. |
| Wood Movement Factsheets | Data include state-wide retained, exported and imported volumes by product and by state exported to or imported from. |
Key Personnel
General and Technical Questions - Project Lead
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Person
Consuelo Brandeis, PhD
Research Forester
To learn about NRUM efforts in your area, contact a regional team member
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Person
James Bentley
Supervisory Forester, Resource Use Team Lead -
Person
Glenn Christensen
Forester -
Person
Brett J. Butler, PhD
Research Forester -
Person
John D. Shaw, PhD
Biological Scientist
