http://www.proaxis.com/~johnbell John Bell and Associates Newsletter Latest Articles http://www.proaxis.com/~johnbell/regular/regular_online9.htm When fixed plots were used, they measured (or estimated) all the tree heights. Not a smart idea, just a habit formed over years. As we moved to Variable Plot sampling, the computer programmers tried to shove the VP sampling system into the old computer routines. Having a height was expected, even though VP volume calculations did not require heights on all the trees. People did not think this through very well. http://www.proaxis.com/~johnbell/regular/regular_online8.htm Computer programs were always a problem, and the code never seemed to be checked by the people who actually understood the details. In some cases, they were not allowed to – only the geeks had access. http://www.proaxis.com/~johnbell/regular/regular_online7.htm George Deegan sent along this report of some work that he did with the DNR. He gave us permission to edit it slightly for the newsletter, but is essentially as he sent it to us. It is a wonderful example of the trade-off you get when you try for more data (tree VBARs) by estimating heights vs. carefully measuring a smaller number of tree VBARs that balance the Basal Area estimate. I remember seeing this same affect in cruises done in Michigan. http://www.proaxis.com/~johnbell/regular/regular_online6.htm I suppose all of us, particularly husbands, have a handful of “this is how stupid I once was” stories. Here is one from my professional life.... http://www.proaxis.com/~johnbell/compassman/compassman.htm Read the latest installment from Kim Iles second book.