Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

This site is currently in beta, and your feedback is helping shape its ongoing development.

NETN Forest Monitoring 2006-2025 Data Package

Published by National Park Service | Department of the Interior | Metadata Last Checked: January 25, 2026 | Last Modified: 2025-09-25T00:00:00Z
The Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division's Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) has identified forest vegetation, and several associated vital signs, as high priority for long-term monitoring. The NETN long-term forest monitoring protocol was adapted from methods developed by the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program and was developed in collaboration with other eastern forest I&M networks. The NETN forest monitoring protocol assesses the status and trends in structure, function, and composition of forested ecosystems, along with the impacts of stressors such as white-tailed deer, invasive exotic plants, exotic pests and pathogens, and effects of acid deposition on forest soils. A set of Standard Operating Procedures are shared with the Mid-Atlantic Network's forest vegetation monitoring protocol. The current protocol has been designed to sample 350 plots in forested areas of NETN parks. Plot locations are randomly chosen using a spatially balanced design (generalized random-tessellation stratified). Each plot consists of a 20 x 20 m square (15 x 15 m square in Acadia National Park) where all stems with a diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥10 cm are identified, measured, tagged, marked, mapped, and their condition assessed. Stems with a dbh ≥1 cm are identified and measured in each of three microplots. Number of tree seedlings by height class and percent cover of shrubs ≥30 cm tall are also recorded in each of three microplots. Percent cover of all vascular plant species is estimated by species in eight 1 m2 quadrats. Coarse woody debris is measured along three 15 m transects. Data collected by the NETN forest monitoring protocol are used to inform management decisions affecting forested systems in NETN parks. To view all protocol documents, please visit: https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2189099 This data package contains a cumulative record of all forest monitoring data collected at National Park units in the Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) through the most recent field season and is organized into twenty-six (26) datasets: AdditionalSpecies_NETN.csv contains data captured during a 15-minute search for species not observed during other protocol activities on the plot. CWD_NETN.csv contains data captured from Line intercept sampling of coarse woody debris (CWD) along three 15-m transects. EventObservers_NETN.csv contains a list of all observers for each sampling event. Events_NETN.csv contains a list of all sampling events. MicroplotSaplings_NETN.csv contains data for all saplings measured in microplots. MicroplotSaplingsCount_NETN.csv contains data for all saplings that required a count. MicroplotSeedlings_NETN.csv contains counts of tree seedlings by species and height category collected in microplots. MicroplotShrubs_NETN.csv contains data for all shrubs measured in microplots. Plots_NETN.csv contains data regarding forest sampling plots. QuadCharacter_NETN.csv contains data characterizing the substrate of 1-m2 quadrats using standard cover classes. QuadNotes_NETN.csv contains a list of annotations relating to the sampling of quadrats. QuadSpecies_NETN.csv contains data for groundstory vascular plant species collected in 1-m2 quadrats using standard cover classes. SoilHeader_NETN.csv contains event data for soil sampling. SoilLab_NETN.csv contains soil lab results for all soil samples collected. SoilSample_NETN.csv contains sample details for soil sampling. StandDisturbances_NETN.csv contains plot disturbance data for each sampling event. StandForestFloor_NETN.csv contains plot forest floor cover for each sampling event. StandInfoPhotos_NETN.csv contains various plot level metrics for each sampling event. StandPlantCoverStrata_NETN.csv contains plot level plant cover strata for each sampling event. StandSlopes_NETN.csv contains stand slope measurements for each sampling event. StandTreeHeights_NETN.csv contains tree height measurements for each sampling event. Taxa_NETN.csv contains master taxa list and taxa details. TreesByEvent_NETN.csv contains various tree level metrics for each sampling event. TreesConditions_NETN.csv contains tree level tree conditions for each sampling event. TreesFoliageCond_NETN.csv contains tree level foliage conditions for each sampling event. TreesVine_NETN.csv contains tree level vines present for each sampling event.

Find Related Datasets

Click any tag below to search for similar datasets

Complete Metadata
accessLevel public
bureauCode 
                                            [
  "010:24"
]
contactPoint 
                                            {
  "fn": "NPS IRMA Help",
  "@type": "vcard:Contact",
  "hasEmail": "mailto:NRSS_DataStore@nps.gov"
}
description The Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division's Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) has identified forest vegetation, and several associated vital signs, as high priority for long-term monitoring. The NETN long-term forest monitoring protocol was adapted from methods developed by the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program and was developed in collaboration with other eastern forest I&M networks. The NETN forest monitoring protocol assesses the status and trends in structure, function, and composition of forested ecosystems, along with the impacts of stressors such as white-tailed deer, invasive exotic plants, exotic pests and pathogens, and effects of acid deposition on forest soils. A set of Standard Operating Procedures are shared with the Mid-Atlantic Network's forest vegetation monitoring protocol. The current protocol has been designed to sample 350 plots in forested areas of NETN parks. Plot locations are randomly chosen using a spatially balanced design (generalized random-tessellation stratified). Each plot consists of a 20 x 20 m square (15 x 15 m square in Acadia National Park) where all stems with a diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥10 cm are identified, measured, tagged, marked, mapped, and their condition assessed. Stems with a dbh ≥1 cm are identified and measured in each of three microplots. Number of tree seedlings by height class and percent cover of shrubs ≥30 cm tall are also recorded in each of three microplots. Percent cover of all vascular plant species is estimated by species in eight 1 m2 quadrats. Coarse woody debris is measured along three 15 m transects. Data collected by the NETN forest monitoring protocol are used to inform management decisions affecting forested systems in NETN parks. To view all protocol documents, please visit: https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2189099 This data package contains a cumulative record of all forest monitoring data collected at National Park units in the Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) through the most recent field season and is organized into twenty-six (26) datasets: AdditionalSpecies_NETN.csv contains data captured during a 15-minute search for species not observed during other protocol activities on the plot. CWD_NETN.csv contains data captured from Line intercept sampling of coarse woody debris (CWD) along three 15-m transects. EventObservers_NETN.csv contains a list of all observers for each sampling event. Events_NETN.csv contains a list of all sampling events. MicroplotSaplings_NETN.csv contains data for all saplings measured in microplots. MicroplotSaplingsCount_NETN.csv contains data for all saplings that required a count. MicroplotSeedlings_NETN.csv contains counts of tree seedlings by species and height category collected in microplots. MicroplotShrubs_NETN.csv contains data for all shrubs measured in microplots. Plots_NETN.csv contains data regarding forest sampling plots. QuadCharacter_NETN.csv contains data characterizing the substrate of 1-m2 quadrats using standard cover classes. QuadNotes_NETN.csv contains a list of annotations relating to the sampling of quadrats. QuadSpecies_NETN.csv contains data for groundstory vascular plant species collected in 1-m2 quadrats using standard cover classes. SoilHeader_NETN.csv contains event data for soil sampling. SoilLab_NETN.csv contains soil lab results for all soil samples collected. SoilSample_NETN.csv contains sample details for soil sampling. StandDisturbances_NETN.csv contains plot disturbance data for each sampling event. StandForestFloor_NETN.csv contains plot forest floor cover for each sampling event. StandInfoPhotos_NETN.csv contains various plot level metrics for each sampling event. StandPlantCoverStrata_NETN.csv contains plot level plant cover strata for each sampling event. StandSlopes_NETN.csv contains stand slope measurements for each sampling event. StandTreeHeights_NETN.csv contains tree height measurements for each sampling event. Taxa_NETN.csv contains master taxa list and taxa details. TreesByEvent_NETN.csv contains various tree level metrics for each sampling event. TreesConditions_NETN.csv contains tree level tree conditions for each sampling event. TreesFoliageCond_NETN.csv contains tree level foliage conditions for each sampling event. TreesVine_NETN.csv contains tree level vines present for each sampling event.
distribution 
                                            [
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "AdditionalSpecies_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "AdditionalSpecies_NETN.csv contains data captured during a 15-minute search for species not observed during other protocol activities on the plot",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746657?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "CWD_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "CWD_NETN.csv contains data captured from Line intercept sampling of coarse woody debris (CWD) along three 15-m transects",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746658?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "NETN_FHM_2006_2025_metadata.xml",
    "format": "xml",
    "mediaType": "application/xml",
    "description": "EML Metadata",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746683?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "EventObservers_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "EventObservers_NETN.csv contains a list of all observers for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746659?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "Events_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "Events_NETN.csv contains a list of all sampling events",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746660?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "MicroplotSaplingsCount_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "MicroplotSaplingsCount_NETN.csv contains data for all saplings that required a count",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746662?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "MicroplotSaplings_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "MicroplotSaplings_NETN.csv contains data for all saplings measured in microplots",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746661?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "MicroplotSeedlings_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "MicroplotSeedlings_NETN.csv contains counts of tree seedlings by species and height category collected in microplots",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746663?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "MicroplotShrubs_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "MicroplotShrubs_NETN.csv contains data for all shrubs measured in microplots",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746664?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "Plots_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "Plots_NETN.csv contains all data regarding forest sampling plots",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746665?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "QuadCharacter_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "QuadCharacter_NETN.csv contains data characterizing the substrate of 1-m2 quadrats using standard cover classes",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746666?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "QuadNotes_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "QuadNotes_NETN.csv contains a list of annotations relating to the sampling of quadrats",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746667?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "QuadSpecies_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "QuadSpecies_NETN.csv contains data for groundstory vascular plant species collected in 1-m2 quadrats using standard cover classes",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746668?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "SoilHeader_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "SoilHeader_NETN.csv contains event data for soil sampling",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746669?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "SoilLab_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "SoilLab_NETN.csv contains soil lab results for all soil samples collected",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746670?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "SoilSample_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "SoilSample_NETN.csv contains sample details for soil sampling",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746671?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "StandDisturbances_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "StandDisturbances_NETN.csv contains plot disturbance data for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746672?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "StandForestFloor_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "StandForestFloor_NETN.csv contains plot forest floor cover for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746673?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "StandInfoPhotos_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "StandInfoPhotos_NETN.csv contains various plot level metrics for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746674?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "StandPlantCoverStrata_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "StandPlantCoverStrata_NETN.csv contains plot level plant cover strata for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746675?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "StandSlopes_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "StandSlopes_NETN.csv contains stand slope measurements for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746676?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "StandTreeHeights_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "StandTreeHeights_NETN.csv contains tree height measurements for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746677?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "Taxa_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "Taxa_NETN.csv contains master taxa list and taxa details",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746678?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "TreesByEvent_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "TreesByEvent_NETN.csv contains various tree level metrics for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746679?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "TreesConditions_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "TreesConditions_NETN.csv contains tree level tree conditions for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746680?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "TreesFoliageCond_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "TreesFoliageCond_NETN.csv contains tree level foliage conditions for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746681?Reference=2315599"
  },
  {
    "@type": "dcat:Distribution",
    "title": "TreesVine_NETN.csv",
    "format": "csv",
    "mediaType": "text/csv",
    "description": "TreesVine_NETN.csv contains tree level vines present for each sampling event",
    "downloadURL": "https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/746682?Reference=2315599"
  }
]
identifier http://datainventory.doi.gov/id/dataset/NPS_DataStore_2315599
issued 2025-09-25T00:00:00Z
keyword 
                                            [
  "ACAD",
  "Acadia National Park",
  "Forest Disturbance",
  "Forests",
  "MABI",
  "MIMA",
  "MORR",
  "Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park",
  "Minute Man National Historical Park",
  "Morristown National Historical Park",
  "ROVA",
  "Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historical Sites",
  "SAGA",
  "SARA",
  "Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park",
  "Saratoga National Historical Park",
  "WEFA",
  "Weir Farm National Historical Park",
  "browsing",
  "forest data package",
  "forest dynamics",
  "forest ecology",
  "forest ecosystems",
  "forest floor",
  "invasive species",
  "monitoring",
  "regeneration",
  "soil",
  "species diversity",
  "species richness",
  "tree growth",
  "tree mortality",
  "tree seedlings",
  "vegetation",
  "vital signs"
]
landingPage https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2315599
license http://www.usa.gov/publicdomain/label/1.0/
modified 2025-09-25T00:00:00Z
programCode 
                                            [
  "010:118",
  "010:119"
]
publisher 
                                            {
  "name": "National Park Service",
  "@type": "org:Organization"
}
spatial -74.5657,40.7397,-68.0299,44.4298
temporal 2006-06-06/2025-07-15
theme 
                                            [
  "Data Package"
]
title NETN Forest Monitoring 2006-2025 Data Package

data.gov

An official website of the GSA's Technology Transformation Services

Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov