Rationale for a National Annual Forest Inventory program

The USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program is changing to an annual inventory system that will operate at reduced intensity simultaneously in all states every year. This system will provide annual inventory updates in all parts of the country every year, and will make it easier for partners (mainly state forestry agencies) to collaborate in program planning and implementation. The change has significant implications for traditional and new users of the national inventory system.