Implementing Unmanned Aerial Systems and Aerial Pesticide applications for Compensatory Mitigation and Wetland Restorations

Known as the Bonner Bridge to the locals, the Marc Basenight Bridge to tourists, but primarily as B-2500 to NCDOT has been a monumental bridge project for the record books. Providing even more firsts’ for a state that is already recognized as the First in Flight, through the use of immerging technologies of Unmanned Aerial Systems coupled with intricate coordination across multiple State and Federal agencies (DOD, DOI, USACE, Fish and Wildlife, DCM , WRC, DWR, etc.) an opportunity as unique as the environment it aimed to save became “air-borne”. While pursuing the wetland restoration efforts of the prized Bodie Island Light House, NCDOT became one of the first state governments to implement Aerial Pesticide Application methods aimed at tackling the invasive species of reed called Phragmites. NCDOT was faced with the broad question: how to effectively treat for Phragmites in such a remote geographic location that fosters such high tourism levels? The culmination of these efforts while small in footprint, packed a large punch of productivity that minimized many tourism impacts and NPS concerns paving the way for success.
This project championed the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS/Drones) to apply pesticides, acquire multispectral imagery/Ortho imagery, and to model vegetation health and track project effectiveness. By implementing these immerging technologies, we were able to not only reduce further destruction to the environment via foot/machinery traffic while addressing the phragmites, but also creating a much safer environment for tourists to still enjoy the Bodie Island Lighthouse attraction during the process. These plans were constructed through close coordination with the National Park Service, Department of Interior, as well as the USACE to achieve satisfaction from all parties. This collaboration produced an adaptive mitigation plan that will ultimately address the invasive phragmites damages that were degrading not only a beacon of tourism, but also a significant cultural heritage site to North Carolina with crucial natural environments.