Introduction to FPS Workshop
March 17-18, 2026
Best Western Plus University Inn* | 1516 Pullman Rd | Moscow, ID 83843
The 2026 Introduction to FPS Workshop presented by the Forest Biometrics Research Institute (FBRI) will be held on March 17-18, in Moscow, ID. This workshop will focus on utilizing FPS in the management of forestlands with an emphasis on the FPS database structure, cruise design, compiling, growing, expanding, merchandizing, the importance of site index, and invoking silviculture treatments.
This workshop is designed to be hands-on, with participants following along with the course material (to be provided). Participants must bring their own computer with FPS software installed. FBRI will not be providing computers for attendees at this workshop. The workshop will be conducted by Brock Purvis, FBRI’s Vice President and Technical Support Manager, and Dan Opalach, FBRI’s Senior Forest Biometrician.
For those of you who would like to attend but do not have FPS on your computer, please contact Brock Purvis before March 10, 2026, 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.
For Payment By Credit Card
Members Click Here to Register with a Credit Card
Non-Members Click Here to Register with a Credit Card
For Payment By Check*
Make Checks Payable to: Forest Biometrics Research Institute & Remit to:
For Other Payment Methods Such as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Contact Brock Purvis at (406) 541-0054 or by email for assistance.
Hotel Reservations
*A guest room block and special rates are being held at the Best Western Plus University Inn.
Prior to February 16th, 2026, please visit Reservations or call 208-882-0550 x 0 and mention Forest Biometrics Research Institute. When using the link, please confirm your arrival and departure dates at the top of the first page.
Workshop Agenda
March 17, 2026
9:00am – 5:00pm
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.
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 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, Growing, and Expanding
Using a standardized database (to be provided), participants will run the cruise compiler and review the associated output tables.
Using the compiled database FBRI will provide step-by-step instructions for growing all stands to a common report year.
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 uncrusied stands for a working forest inventory.
FPS Tree Defect – Thirds of a Tree
Participants will be lead through an exercise demonstrating how FPS allocates defect by thirds of a tree and also by individual log lengths (PLOGS Table).
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.
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.
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.
March 18, 2026
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 Beginner’s 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.