Comparing line-intersect, fixed-area, and point relascope sampling for dead and downed coarse woody material in a managed northern hardwood forest

We present the results of a timed field trial comparing the bias characteristics and relative sampling efficiency of line-intersect, fixed-area, and point relascope sampling for downed coarse woody material. Seven stands in a managed northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire were inventoried. Significant differences were found among estimates in some stands, indicating a potential for difference in bias in field implementation of the methods. In terms of relative sampling efficiency, results for each method varied among stand. However, point relascope sampling had comparable or better time efficiency than the other methods in most stands.