Introduction to FPS Workshop
May 6-7, 2025
DoubleTree Hotel | 1000 NE Multnomah St | Portland, OR 97232
The 2025 Introduction to FPS Workshop presented by the Forest Biometrics Research Institute (FBRI) will be held May 6-7, in Portland, OR. This workshop will focus on utilizing FPS in the management of forestlands. Participants must bring their computers with FPS software installed so that they can follow the topics and use FPS in a hands-on environment (FBRI is unable to provide computers to attendees). For those of you who would like to attend but do not have FPS on your computer, please contact Brock Purvis before April 28, 2025, at (406) 541-0054 or by email for assistance. Please note that administrator privileges are required for software installation.
The registration fee is $675 for FBRI members and $850 for non-members.
The workshop will cover these topics:
May 6, 2025
9:00am – 5:00pm
Fundamentals of Cruise Design
An overview of FBRI’s standard procedures for conducting a timber cruise will be provided which will discuss plot intensity, trees per plot, subsampling, the relevance of specific measurements, and the differences between cruising for inventory versus cruising for a timber sale.
FPS File Structure
Discuss standard operating procedures for managing the FPS file structure. This will include how to determine what version you have, best practices on how to install a “new” version, how to switch between versions, how to update with a new Activation Key, and what the FPS Start button really does.
FPS Table Review
Participants will be provided with an overview of the required table structures for compiling, expanding, and growing stands in FPS. This will include a review of the ADMIN, CRUISE, and PLOTS tables.
Compiling,
Using a standardized database (to be provided), attendees will run the cruise compiler and review the associated output tables. In addition, the Cruise Report will be introduced, and the outputs discussed. Additional reports with emphasis on the Standard Error reports will be reviewed and discussed.
What the Log Size and Log Rules Mean for You
FPS will be used to provide examples regarding the differences in reportable volume based on how the SPECIES and SORTS tables are set up. Additionally, the relationship between these tables and the DIBCLS table will be reviewed.
Growing Stand(s) to Current Year
Using the compiled database FBRI will provide step-by-step instructions for growing all stands to a common report year.
Site Index – Methods to Calculate and its Importance
An overview of FBRI’s recommended procedures for estimating Site Index will be provided which will cover the FPS SiteGrid, FPS compiler supplied site index, and optional integration of Jim King’s / Robert Monserud site index into FPS. Additionally, Lidar derived site index methods will be discussed.
Expanding
A discussion of the cruise expansion process including the significance of vegetation labels and the role they play in FPS and using FPS to expand cruised stands into uncruised stands for a working forest inventory.
Selecting Stands for Annual Inventory
Using FPS, FBRI will provide step-by-step instructions to select stands for future inventory.
Best Management Practices for updating Old Cruises with New Cruises
Strategies for bringing “new” cruises into FPS will be discussed. In addition, examples on how to maintain old cruise data along with new cruise data in FPS will be provided.
May 7, 2025
8:00am – 3:00pm
Using FPS to Compile Census Level Data
FBRI will provide an overview for using census level inventory data in FPS. This discussion will include recommendations on how to set up an FPS database to properly process the data as well as address some of the challenges we have seen, including steps to take and steps to avoid.
Top Tips for Managing Dead Trees and Snags
FBRI will review how FPS currently handles dead trees and snags and demonstrate some alternatives in the way these trees can be managed.
How to implement a plantation in FPS when no cruise data is available
Using FPS, FBRI will provide step-by-step instructions on how to input a planted stand without cruise data.
The SILVICS, SCHEDULE, and STAND Tables
FBRI will lead a discussion on the relationship between these tables and what role each plays when implementing silviculture prescriptions over time. In addition, early stand development will be reviewed to see what effect the Origin column in conjunction with the SILVICS table has on initial tree growth and mortality.
Treatments vs Regimes
The difference between treatments and regimes when planning silviculture prescriptions, and why it is an important distinction. Utilizing the SILVICS table to define treatments and regimes within FPS. Using FPS to analyze the effect of different silviculture treatments. This will include discussion on what to consider when timing silviculture activity and how it can influence the future of a stand.
Site Index Again
A case study highlights the difference between the compiler supplied site index and Monserud site index on future growth.
A Beginners Guide to Harvest Scheduling
FBRI will lead a discussion on even-aged silviculture regimes for long-term forest planning and harvest scheduling. The YLDSPP and YIELD tables will be discussed and populated for use with even-aged regimes. Additionally, the PLANCUT and PLANRES tables will be reviewed and discussed as part of understanding future harvest planning.