Course Description

Participants successfully completing this course will receive 9 CFE Category 1 credits as authorized by the Society of American Foresters. 

Point sampling is the most cost effective method of estimating forest volume.  The purpose of this course is to provide participants with the knowledge to design, conduct, and analyze point samples.  No prior knowledge of point sampling is needed, but participants should be familiar with basic forestry terms and plot sampling.  This on-line course is based on the popular Point Sampling shortcourse the instructor has taught for many years for continuing education organizations, universities, and forest products companies.

The course consists of six units as outlined below.  Each unit has a brief explanation of narrated PowerPoint slides and a practice problem set.  Participants should read the text then view the slides dealing with the text topic.  The practice problems are an important part of the course.  Completion time is expected to be total of 9 hours, based on similar content, explanation, and practice in on-site Point Sampling course.

Participants must pass an exam with 70% correct to receive CFE credit.  The exam may be repeated with a new exam for each attempt.  Contact the instructor by email to receive an exam.

Participants may contact instructor by email during the course. All queries will be answered within 24 hours.

Participants may begin the course at any time but must complete the course within 30 days of beginning to receive credit.  Refunds will not be given for those failing to complete the course.

The text, explanations, and practice problems will be available on the web site.  This course requires Microsoft PowerPoint.

Unit 1:  Introduction
         Origin Of Point Sampling
         Characteristics
         Points Vs. Plots
         Plot Size Per Tree
         Basal Area Factor And Plot Radius Factor
         Practice Problems

Unit 2:  Selecting The Sample
         Measuring Plot Radius
         Angle Gauges
         Borderline Trees
         Complications
                Slope Correction
                Hidden Trees
                Leaning Trees
                “Borderline” Trees
                Boundary Overlap
         Practice Problems

Unit 3:  Basal Area Per Acre
         Basic Calculation
         Basal Area By Tree Category: Size, Grade, Species
         Example Calculations
         Practice Problems

Unit 4:  Volume Per Acre
         Volume With One Point
         Volume With Multiple Points
         VBAR Tables
         Shortcuts
                Volume By Height
                Volume By Sum Of Heights
                Volume By Single VBAR
         Practice Problems

Unit 5:  Number Of Trees Per Acre
         Number-Basal Area Ratio, NBAR
         Number Of Trees Per Acre Calculation
         Practice Problems

Unit 6:  Volume Per Acre From Number Of Trees Per Acre
         Stand Tables
         Stock Tables
         Practice Problems

Cost- $225
Call (540) 951-8870 to enroll