so some yearly change is natural. Unexpected 

 and large changes, though, would be cause for 

 concern and lead to further investigations. 



Detecting trends in forest condition and pre- 

 dicting long-term consequences of significant 

 changes are the two cornerstones of monitor- 

 ing activities. By knowing how and when for- 

 est conditions will change and what the ulti- 



mate consequence of these changes might be, 

 scientists, managers, and citizens can work to- 

 gether to plan alternative solutions and ac- 

 tions. 



federal smd state agencies and private orga- 

 nizations in Oregon and Washington monitor 

 forest health by using a variety of surveys and 

 inventories. 



■ Doagtas-6r 



H Hcmlock-Silkaspnioe 



M Poodcroa pioc 



H Wesleniwlutcpiac 



I I Lodgepok pine 



■ Latch 



H Hl-sprace 



D Redwood 



j I Pinyon-junipcr 



H Western hardwoods 



n Nocifbrest 



■ Water 



Distribution of forest types in Oregon andWasliington. 



Source: Southern Forest Research Experimental Station, USDA Forest Service. 



Changes in Forested Land 



and Population in 

 Oregon and Washington 



1952 1995 



▲▲AAA ▲▲▲▲▲ A 



TTTTT TTTTT T 



. 5 million 





f_ I million 

 " people 



Source: USDA Foreit Service, Was Kington Department of Natural Rejoi 

 US Census Bureau 



Over the past 45 years, the popul- 

 ation of Oregon andWasliington lias 

 more than doubled (a 1 17% 

 increase); forest land in the two 

 states has shrunk only 16%. 



Overview — 3 



