The Next Step – Deploying New Technologies to Improve Restoration Approaches
Jack Turner
GreenVest, LLC
Bowie, Maryland
Drones and cameras and sensors, oh my!
The development of new technologies with applications in ecosystem restoration has expanded dramatically in the past decade with the introduction of 360˚ cameras, UAVs, and remote sensing equipment that have the potential to increase efficiency and accuracy in restoration approaches. Adoption of new technologies can improve restoration outcomes, increase project visibility and reach through marketing, and provide timely insights into site performance while reducing labor inputs. While certain technologies come with a hefty price tag that can impact feasibility, there are affordable options that can accelerate adoption and lead to new standards, perspectives, and opportunities.
In many cases, the adoption of new technologies was accelerated by the pandemic, when providing virtual tour services and site overview aerials was highly valuable in communicating with project partners, regulators, and the public. While we have returned to many in-person meetings and site visits, these tools have remained useful and continue to be deployed on many sites. While many practitioners and implementing entities have adopted these and additional technologies, there is value in expanding and accelerating adoption to harness the power of these tools in ecosystem and stream restoration.
This presentation will explore applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for documenting site conditions, virtual tours built using 360 cameras, the integration of visual data in GIS and CAD applications, and the use of time-lapse cameras for documenting habitat use by wildlife and construction progress. Practicality and use cases for each technology will be introduced to highlight the applicability to restoration. The limits of certain technologies will also be discussed through a feasibility lens.
Rather than focus on a deep dive into any single technology, this session will provide a broad overview of established and developing technologies to spur conversations on integrating these methods into restoration implementation. Real-world examples from Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia will be discussed, and lessons learned and next steps for these technologies will be presented.
About Jack Turner
Jack is a Project Manager and Environmental Scientist with a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Maryland. Jack has 7+ years of experience in project management; natural resource assessment, design review, construction oversight, and post‐construction monitoring. His knowledge of ecology and project progression covers the gradient from restoring coastal plain streams and wetlands to urban BMP design and implementation. Jack has worked at a variety of scales from small bioretention facilities to miles long stream restoration projects. His academic and professional career has been built on the idea that stewardship of our natural resources starts with understanding the unique systems that comprise a project and educating stakeholders on the importance of restoring or enhancing natural processes that provide ecosystem services.
Prior to joining GreenVest, Jack worked with other private and nonprofit environmental and engineering firms where his roles included construction foreman, natural resource management, construction inspection, and project implementation assistant. Jack has worked on stream and wetland restoration sites, implemented structural stormwater BMPs, and has supported research on invasive insect impacts on crops and park lands. He is currently the Secretary of the Severn River Association, a local environmental nonprofit organization.
