Forest Disturbance and Forest Sustainability Reporting at the National Scale
Forest disturbance processes are increasing in both frequency and severity, and they have emerged as a primary determinant of forest conditions, and thereby forest sustainability, in many areas of the United States. Following a brief discussion of sustainability criteria and indicators (C&I) and related concepts underlying the Forest Service’s sustainability reporting efforts, we present recent aggregate data on biotic and abiotic disturbance processes reported at the national level using the relevant indicators in the Montréal Process C&I. Next we consider the relationship between these aggregate data and data available at finer spatial scales or for specific disturbance agents. The aim of this presentation is to provide a national context for the western regional focus and detailed consideration of specific disturbances that characterize the project presented in this session. Presented by Guy Robertson, USDA Forest Service, at the SAF National Convention, Portland, OR