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Sixty years of research, 60 years of data: long-term US Forest Service data management on the Penobscot Experimental Forest

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service silvicultural experiment on the Penobscot Experimental Forest (PEF) in Maine represents 60 years of research in the northern conifer and mixedwood forests of the Acadian Forest Region. The objective of this data management effort, which began in 2008, was to compile, organize, and archive research data collected in the U.S. Forest Service silvicultural experiment and several auxiliary studies. Due to the hierarchical nature of these data, a relational database management system (RDMS) was used (Microsoft Office Access). The resulting data management system affords new opportunities for novel research through data mining and increased collaboration among researchers; many of the data have since been published online (Brissette et al. 2012a, 2012b). Data management efforts such as these bridge data collection and data analysis, and play an important role in preserving the integrity of long-term studies. The RDMS used in this project is contemporary and widely used, but data storage systems will continue to evolve. It is important that U.S. Forest Service data management efforts continue and that new systems are adopted as needed.

Parent Publication

Keywords

relational database management system, forest inventory, silviculture, metadata, Acadian Region, Maine

Citation

Russell, Matthew B.; Meyer, Spencer R.; Brissette, John C.; Kenefic Laura S. 2014. Sixty years of research, 60 years of data: long-term US Forest Service data management on the Penobscot Experimental Forest. In: Kenefic, Laura S.; Brissette, John C., comps. Penobscot Experimental Forest: 60 years of research and demonstration in Maine, 1950-2010. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-123. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 62-70.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/45579