Definitions of terms

Forest patch — A block of forest of any size that is surrounded by unforested land such as farm fields, water, major highways, grasslands, or housing developments.

Survey point — The point in the forest patch where you will stand to survey selected study species. See "Selecting Survey Points."

Study site — A circular plot with the survey point at the center. The radius of the circle is 500 ft. (150m).

Forest — Vegetation with an average canopy height greater than 20 ft. (6m).

Nonforest — All vegetation less than 20 ft. (6m) tall, even if regenerating forest.

Edge — The line where the forest meets a nonforested area that is at least 300 ft. (90m) wide.

Road — Any linear break in the forest canopy that is 25 to 300 ft. (8 to 90 m) wide.