Air quality across the state is being affected by wildfire smoke. Before heading outdoors, get information on current conditions and alerts at Michigan.gov/MiAir.
Timber cruise program
DNR timber cruising methods
The DNR implemented new cruising methods for timber sale preparation and contracting in 2020. A timber cruise is a forest survey conducted to locate and estimate the quantity of timber on a given area according to species, size, quality and other characteristics.
Questions? Contact Brenda Haskill.
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CSS-M volume model
To increase accuracy, the DNR has adopted use of a "taper model." A taper model is used to predict the diameter of a tree at any point along the stem and estimate the cubic volume of wood up to that point.
The DNR collected data on approximately 3,000 trees and tested the taper model, working to fine-tune it for local conditions. This resulted in the 2019 development of the Michigan variant of the Clark, Souter and Schlaegel (CSS) taper model, called the CSS-M, as modified by Dr. MacFarlane of Michigan State University. The Michigan Taper Model is available online to calculate cubic foot volume by species. There are roughly 79 cubic feet in a cord and 185 cubic feet in 1,000 board foot Scribner.
For further information regarding model development, please see: