The Application of Hyperspectral and other Remote Sensing Technologies for the Monitoring and Assessment of Invasive Species

Jim Ellenwood, Arpad Lazar, and Everett Hinkley

USDA Forest Service Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team (1,2) and Remote Sensing Applications Center (3)

Introductions of invasive non-indigenous species and the ensuing negative ecological and economic consequences are increasing with escalating global trade.  As global markets expand, the threat of species introductions into new habitats becomes greater.  Tools that allow for the rapid assessment of invasive species need to be refined to allow for the efficient and accurate assessment of impacted resource conditions.  Two recently established invasive insects, Asian Longhorn Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer, were investigated by FHTET utilizing different approaches to map host type and assess the ensuing damage.  A broad scale detection of Asian Longhorn Beetle utilized SPOT V, high-resolution airborne imagery, and traditional aerial photography to map potential host and mortality.  A finer scale approach was utilized for the Emerald Ash Borer that utilized Hyperspectral imagery, high-resolution airborne imagery, and LIDAR.  Each of these projects had encountered a number of technical, procedural, and contractual issues which need to be considered for future applications.  A framework to focus developmental effort to refine the application of existing remotely sensed technologies is proposed.

Monitoring Methods Session - Tuesday Afternoon

corresponding author:
Jim Ellenwood
USDA Forest Service
FHTET
2150 Centre Ave., Bldg. A, Ste. 331
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-295-5842
jellenwood@fs.fed.us