The Itasca ForestGEO Plot is part of the Smithsonian’s Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) network and represents a long-term commitment to studying forest dynamics at the boreal–temperate ecotone. All scientists working with the plot are committed to collaboration, responsible data sharing, and the preservation of biological datasets in ways that advance our collective understanding of forest systems.
Our guiding philosophy is that collaboration comes first. We are happy to share data, but in doing so we ask that collaborators include site investigators in all possible aspects of the research process—whether in experimental design, data collection, analysis, writing, or editing. Early communication is essential: please reach out before beginning work with Itasca ForestGEO data, as we may have supplementary datasets to share or be able to connect you with other researchers working on related questions.
Because maintaining the Itasca ForestGEO Plot requires significant field effort, financial support, and long-term intellectual investment by the Principal Investigator and affiliated research teams, use of the data is subject to the following terms and conditions. These ensure that data are used responsibly, that the efforts of contributors are properly recognized, and that the collaborative ethos of Itasca ForestGEO is upheld. All prospective collaborators must agree to these terms prior to receiving data.
Data Request
1. Submission requirements: Data requests must include:
- The names and institutional affiliations of all prospective collaborators.
- A project summary (~250 words) including objectives, analytical methods, and a projected timeline.
- A statement that all collaborators will abide by these terms.
- Student and post-doc requests for data should come through their faculty advisor.
2. Types of requests:
- Requests for new analyses should clearly describe intended use.
- Requests to reproduce or verify published results should state that data will only be used for that verification.
Limitation of Use
- Data may only be used for the project(s) described in the approved request.
- A new request must be submitted for any additional analyses.
- Collaborators acquire no rights to the data and may not sell, transfer, or use the data for commercial purposes.
- The dataset is provided for academic, research, and not-for-profit use only.
Non-transferability
Collaborators may not share Itasca ForestGEO plot data with any person or entity not listed in their approved data request.
Citation
Any publication that uses Itasca ForestGEO data should state the specific version number of the data set used for analysis. This version number will be provided after the data request has been approved.
Authorship (Required)
The Principal Investigator of the Itasca ForestGEO Plot (Peter Kennedy, kennedyp@umn.edu) must be included as a co-author on any published articles or professional presentations that make use of the data, unless they explicitly state otherwise.
- The PI will be provided the opportunity to contribute to manuscript drafts.
- The PI must approve all journal submissions prior to submission.
- Use of ancillary datasets (e.g., soil or microbial data) may require additional co-authorship from other collaborators, as appropriate acknowledgement of their contributions.
Copies of Articles
- Draft manuscripts using Itasca ForestGEO data must be shared with the PI prior to submission.
- Upon publication, a PDF copy (or link) must be sent to the PI and to forestgeo@si.edu.
Derived Data and Code
Collaborators agree to share derived datasets, newly collected data, and code with the PI (or make them public with the manuscript). These contributions will become part of an Itasca ForestGEO archive.
Field Access
The plot exists within Itasca State Park and is therefore subject to all the rules and permits of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Further, researchers working in the plot often utilize the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories (IBSL) for lodging and logistical support and are therefore also subject to all the rules and permits required when interacting with IBSL.
Acknowledgements
All publications must acknowledge the institutions and funding sources that support the Itasca ForestGEO. Suggested statement: “We gratefully acknowledge the many members of Itasca ForestGEO plot establishment and census teams, the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota.”
Disclaimer
Data are provided 'as is.' While substantial effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the PI(s) and institutions assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or misinterpretations. Users agree to hold all parties involved in producing or distributing the dataset harmless from any damages resulting from its use.
Terms of Agreement
By accepting these data, the Data User agrees to abide by all terms in this agreement. Failure to do so may result in immediate termination of access and restrictions on future use.
