Description

Cruz et al. (2003) developed regression equations for estimating canopy base height (CBH), canopy fuel load (CFL) and canopy bulk density (CBD) for use in assessing crown fire potential in four broad coniferous forest fuel types found in western North America. The Cruz et al. (2003) regressions for estimating the CBH, CFL and CBD of these fuel types have recently been evaluated for their performance. A simple software application (ie, and excel spreadsheet) of the Cruz et al. (2003) equations has recently been developed. The main features of the Canopy Fuel Stratum Characteristics Calculator are: 1) provides for both SI or metric and English unit inputs/outputs; 2) given three user inputs (ie, stand basal area, average stand height and stand density), CBH, CFL and CBD are automatically calculated for one of the four fuel types; 3) cautionary 'pop-up' messages for input values that exceed a maximum reliable value.