2026 Big Sky GeoCon - From Data to Design

This presentation mandates annual updates to the Forest Cover Type (FCT) dataset and centralized storage in the BIA Enterprise portal. It defines data standards, standardized workflows, and staff training to ensure integrity, accuracy, and efficient collection, processing, and sharing. FCT supports the Regional Forest Management Plan, reflecting evolving inventories, management goals, and past actions. Originally developed regionally (2003–2018) and revised notably in 2013–2014 using NAIP imagery, the protocol consolidates update procedures and user instructions for field and office contributors.