"The drone does the work" - Phil VerWolf demonstrates the drone he uses for noxious weed control to the MSU Geospatial Skills Camp attendees last week. He uses it to reach areas on the ranch that are nearly impossible to reach by any other spray method. He and Mary have a long-standing battle against leafy spurge and have utilized all methods of control available. "They are diligent and resourceful in their control efforts," commented MSU Extension Agent Mary Rumph.
The MSU Geospatial Skills Camp concluded at Phil and Mary VerWolf's on Friday last week with a demonstration of a spray drone for noxious weed control. Pictured with Phil are Julie Riley, MSU Extension Agent, camp participants Addison Harper, Tyler Jurica, Emelyn Harper, Maddie Brownfield, Kade VerWolf, Darren VerWolf, Christian Oyler, Eli Jurica, MSU Extension Agent Mary Rumph and camper Michael Stephens. The week was filled with learning new skills including mapping, drones operations, and data collection. (Courtesy Photo)
By Mary Rumph, MSU Powder River County Extension Agent
What does the Powder River Historical Museum have in common with drones? Last week it was the site of a week-long MSU Geospatial Skills Camp hosted by MSU Extension and the Airforce Office of Scientific Research. Nine local students learned about maps for analysis and navigation, collecting and analyzing aerial photos from kites, satellites, drones and airplanes, remote sensing and geospatial analysis tools.
The courtyard behind the museum was the "fly zone" for a variety of drones, including a demonstration by Clint Pedersen with the drone used for mapping coal seams and search and rescue. The "Reading Room", thanks to Range installing fiber optics for Wi-Fi just in time for the camp; and for the on-going effort by Shane Dunning for installing a projector and speakers was the base station for the virtual presentations by MSU professors and other geospatial scientists.
Operations Manager for the summer, Deanna Twedt was the welcoming face greeting the group every morning and assisted throughout the week. Participant Maddie Brownfield, who volunteers at the museum on Wednesday's throughout the week, said, "I loved using the Reading Room. We want it to be used for events for our community members and now that we have internet, hopefully, it will be used even more."
In addition to Maddie participants at the camp included Addison and Emeyln Harper, Eli and Tyler Jurica, Christian Oylear, Michael Stephens and Darren and Kade VerWolf.
The first day featured two technicians from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) from Billings, Hannah Lewis and Kylee Macks. The two shared information on grasshopper species and densities and taught how to scout for grasshoppers. "I liked learning about the 5 instars during grasshopper development," commented Addison Harper.
During the week, Micheal Stephens used the skills learned to scout several areas at his ranch and created a map of where the population exceeded thresholds and where control measures should be initiated. Michael's goal is to use his drone and ArcGIS to map fencing. "I'm available for hire," he added with a grin.
The group used Chromebooks provided by the Powder River County District High School to access sites and apps used throughout the week, including ArcGIS, field maps, geocaching, Canvas, WebX, OnX and Google Maps. "Getting logged in was a challenge," said Tyler Jurica. "Access needs to be easier at future camps," he added. Camp coordinator Julie Riley commented on how hard the kids worked to overcome all the tech challenges they faced on a daily basis. "You are incredibly brave to be here, and to face the issues presented with the technology with determination," she said.
Local microbiologist, Elliott Barnhart, a research hydrologist at the Wyoming Montana Water Science Center in Helena, presented information about stream flows conducted by the USGS and the water quality work he conducts. He also talked about careers with the USGS and the importance of mapping in the work conducted.
A highlight for many participants were the drones and their multiple uses. Clint Pedersen demonstrated the drone used for coal seam fire detection and search and rescue. "I really enjoyed learning about the drones," commented Emelyn Harper. Participant Christian Oylear agreed, "I thought the drones were really cool. And expensive!" he said. One of the virtual presentations was on spatial imagery with kites. "The use of kites for taking pictures was a highlight for me," said Darren VerWolf.
The final field day was a trip to Phil and Mary VerWolf's to see a weed spraying drone in action.
Phil demonstrated how to program the drone using maps to establish a spray area and then sent it on its way with a tank to spray the area. "I found the weed treatment with the drone interesting," commented Eli Jurica." Kade VerWolf echoed his comments, loving all things with drones and adding, "I learned a lot about different mapping applications."
"I learned so many interesting things this week," concluded Maddie Brownfield. "I'm so glad I came!"
Five of the Geospatial Skills Camp participants will attend GIS Day at Montana State University this week to further their understanding of geospatial skills and applications.
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