Utilizing Remote Sensing to Assess Vegetation Management Practices on Private Lands
Research Location:
Rio Grande River, TX, USA
Conservation Partners:
Rio Grande Joint Venture and American Bird Conservancy
Student Researcher
Sasan Faraj, Major: Data Science, Major: MathematicsStudent Researcher
Meredith Lemke, Major: International Relations, Major: Environmental PolicyFaculty Mentor
Dr. Sapana LohaniProject Description
The Rio Grande Joint Venture Program, with support from the American Bird Conservancy, aims to coordinate grassland restoration and conservation efforts across private and public lands to promote grassland ecosystem function and habitat for grassland bird species. In collaboration with agencies, partners, and landowners, the RGVP has supported the implementation of restoration techniques designed to promote conservation and restoration of grassland ecosystem function and habitat for a diversity of bird species.
To evaluate the effectiveness and to inform future efforts, a team of W&M students is developing a methodology for utilizing remote sensing data and GIS geospatial software to evaluate the impact of restoration strategies in meeting the teams' collective conservation goals. Specifically, the students aim to create a map that can be used to track restoration efforts and the potential impacts of these techniques on promoting grassland productivity, species diversity, and ecosystem structural diversity needed to support bird species diversity across the region. This will aid the partners with their efforts to engage and support landowners and stakeholders in coordinated restoration across the region.
