The Use of Drones For Small Scale Conservation Projects-Historically, the use of areal imagery to document and collect data on small-scale stream restoration projects was not a common occurrence; however, in recent years the development of drone technology has made this a realistic possibility. Now that drones have become more affordable and high resolutions cameras have become small enough to be mounted on drones, more aerial imagery is being captured now than ever before in human history.
Reviewing aerial footage on the internet, drones undoubtedly present volunteer chapters and small community groups with the opportunity to better document their restoration project results and display their successes in new and creative ways. This is especially true since many members of the public already possess their own drone devices and cameras.
The Greg Clark Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) captured drone footage of their Bringing Back Brookies stream rehabilitation project. Using the drone footage this TUC group was able to show the success of sediment trap structures created over the past four years and provide a recap of some of their 2017 project activities.
Pictured below is a shot of two volunteers operating a drone at one of the workdays. It really does look like something out of the future. Overall, the footage and information produced have been very helpful in promoting future activities on social media and explaining stream restoration techniques to the public. Due to the positive reception of the footage, the Bringing Back Brookies Committee is working on capturing more drone footage in 2018 to showcase different activities and monitor changes to the stream.
While many opportunities exist for drone use on small-scale restoration projects, there are also increasingly more challenges associated with their use. Regulations are becoming tougher to navigate and liability concerns associated with drones can be a significant hurdle to overcome.
The Bringing Back Brookies Committee was fortunate enough to partner with a local model flying club and use their liability insurance to obtain flying permits; however, not all restoration groups have this luxury.
Everyone seeking to implement drones and aerial imagery into their monitoring efforts should seek the advice and help of professionals. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Transport Canada for inquiries. It would also be in their best interest to review the proposed drone regulation changes coming to Canada in the near future.
Drones represent a powerful tool for monitoring and showcasing restoration projects, but it is important that groups choosing to use these emerging technologies are aware of new government regulations and risks associated with their use.
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