The Fifth Annual Forest Inventory and Analysis Symposium was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, the second consecutive year at this location. Given the positive response to the 2002 symposium in New Orleans, we decided to return in 2003. Each year of this symposium series the range of presentations has increased; 2003 was no exception, with several presentations related to forest health and several related to information science and distribution. of particular note for the 2003 symposium, we welcomed participation and a presentation from our Canadian neighbors. The symposium organizers thank all participants and presenters and convey thanks to those who submitted their papers for these proceedings.