Mixed-Effects Height-Diameter Models for Commercially and Ecologically Important Conifers in Minnesota

Abstract

Mixed-effects height-diameter models are presented for several commercially and ecologically important conifers in Minnesota. After height-diameter measurements are obtained from a plot or stand of interest, these mixed-effects models can be calibrated to produce localized individual tree height estimates. An example of model calibration is provided. The use of three trees for a particular species from a plot to calibrate the model will likely provide a reasonable compromise between predictive ability and field sampling times. If calibrated at the stand level, 3 trees could be used, but larger sample sizes of 10 or 15 for an individual species may be reasonable.