Researchers enlist drones for Hiawatha National Forest work

ESCANABA, Mich. – Researchers from Michigan Technological University have wrapped up their second year of work using drones to photograph native and invasive plants in the Hiawatha National Forest.

The team conducted drone flights in August in the eastern half of the forest, the Escanaba Daily Press reported . The first flights were completed last year and marked the first time that drones have been used to survey the forest.

Researchers are reviewing the information collected by the drones and will share their findings with the U.S. Forest Service.

Jim Ozenberger is the program manager for the Hiawatha National Forest’s soils, water and landscape ecology programs. He says the drones are an efficient way to collect information about invasive species, particularly in coastal parts of the forest that can be difficult to access.