Bitterroot Audubon’s January meeting will feature a presentation on the use of drones for natural resource management. Stevensville native Philip Williams recently completed an MS in Forestry at UM, emphasizing geographic information systems (GIS)/remote sensing and ecological restoration. He will discuss the multiple uses, misuses, opportunities, and challenges of using drones in a natural resources management context, with an emphasis on applicability to nature conservation. While drones have hitherto been mainly used for military purposes, they are increasingly becoming relevant to forestry, wildlife, and general conservation practices. However, these opportunities come with pros and cons, like any technology made applicable to natural resources management and conservation.
The Audubon meeting and Philip’s presentation are on Monday, January 20 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters on Hwy 93 on the north end of Hamilton. Enter the building on the west side. The presentation is free, and the public is invited. Contact Kay Fulton (360-8664) for additional information.