Improving forest sampling strategies for assessment of fuel reduction burning

We then tested the hypothesis that site stratification can reduce variability between sampling plots and as a consequence will reduce the required number of sampling plots. To test this hypothesis we used Landsat Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) across areas treated with FRB and compared the number of sampling plots required to estimate mean fuel biomass with and without stratification. Stratification of burnt areas using remotely sensed vegetation indices reduced the number of sampling plots required. We provide a model of green biomass from Landsat NDVI and make recommendations on how sampling schemes can be improved for assessment of fuel reduction burning.