Rapid Upland Forest Assessment (RUFA)

The Rapid Upland Forest Assessment is a quick way to assess midwestern hardwood forest health.

Assessment Basics

Create grid cells across forest area.
Walk a one-minute transect, each time scoring for a forest health metric.
Metrics defined by features typically present in healthy, old-growth forests.
Perform between May and September.
Can be completed in ~45 minutes per cell by two trained professionals

How RUFA Measures Forest Features

Want to use RUFA to assess your own forests?

RUFA Full Field Manual RUFA Abbreviated Field Manual RUFA Field Sheet

Want to learn more?

Rapid Upland Forest Assessment (RUFA)

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