Use of drones in wetland restoration planning and monitoring on Lake Ontario

Session: Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands: Innovative Research to Improve Restoration (2)

Gregory Lawrence, SUNY College at Brockport, [email protected]

Abstract

In addition to satellite photos and aerial imagery from planes, drones can capture photos across seasons, from different elevations and angles, and can be used at the operator’s discretion.  Due to their versatility, drones can efficiently cover large areas and have wide-ranging applications in planning and monitoring restoration projects.  We have used drones to guide, monitor, and evaluate multiple restoration projects in the Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on the south shore of Lake Ontario. Specifically, drones are used to detect and evaluate major wetland plant communities, such as peatlands, sedge/grass meadows, and patches of invasive species.  Further, we use drone imagery in conjunction with geographic information systems (GIS) to track changes in wetland area due to erosion, sediment transport on and around a constructed barrier beach, as well as muskrat hut abundance.  Drone reconnaissance at Cranberry Pond in the Braddock Bay WMA helped identify patches of remnant fen habitat to avoid for a restoration project involving pothole and channel excavation.  While generally user-friendly, drones can be difficult to use around heavily wooded sites with poor visibility and also during certain weather conditions.  Future applications of drones include rapid detection of invasive species and assistance in on-the-ground monitoring efforts. 

Twitter handle of presenter
@gregdoesscience