National Resource Use Monitoring

The Family Forest Research Center implements National Resource Use Monitoring in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service’s Northern Research Station. This study, as well as the National Woodland Owner Survey, is part of the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis program. National Resource Use Monitoring helps track how forest products are used, where they are distributed, and how efficiently they are processed. We support the USDA Forest Service by collecting data across the Northern Region. The program has two components: Timber Product Outputs and Harvest Utilization.

Timber Product Outputs

Our team collects information from primary wood-processing mills across the Northern Region of the United States. We gather data on mill locations, types and volumes of roundwood received, tree species, and where the wood originates. We also document how mills manage by-products such as bark and sawdust. All this information is compiled and summarized at the state or county level to better understand regional trends in wood processing.

You can view and download the survey here.

Harvest Utilization

To assess how harvested trees are used, we visit active logging sites and take detailed measurements. We document tree species, stump heights, and diameters at various points along each log. Each section of the tree is evaluated for whether it was used or left behind, and for what purpose—such as sawlogs, pulpwood, or other products. These data help estimate how efficiently trees are utilized and how much residue remains after harvest.

For more information on National Resource Use Monitoring, visit the USDA Forest Service website.