Thermal Imaging Drones: A "Cool" solution to incorporating climate resiliency in restoration design
Start Date
3-16-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
3-16-2026 11:09 AM
Abstract
Coldwater fish species, such as salmonids, are highly sensitive to elevated summer water temperatures. However, they can persist in thermally stressful environments by seeking out cold-water refugia (CWR). CWR can include areas where groundwater seeps and springs introduce cooler water into the stream system. These microhabitats are critical for survival during peak temperature periods.
To enhance climate resiliency in restoration planning, the North Clackamas Watersheds Council has integrated thermal imaging drone technology to identify cold-water inputs within project areas. By pinpointing these thermal anomalies, restoration designs can strategically incorporate features such as pools and large wood structures near seeps and springs, thereby maximizing the ecological benefit of these cold-water sources.
In this presentation, the Council’s Restoration Manager will share two case studies demonstrating how thermal imagery has directly informed and shaped restoration strategies, offering practical insights into the application of drone-based thermal data in climate-adaptive habitat design.
Subjects
Climate Change, Conservation biology, Fisheries, Habitat restoration
Creative Commons License
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Thermal Imaging Drones: A "Cool" solution to incorporating climate resiliency in restoration design
Coldwater fish species, such as salmonids, are highly sensitive to elevated summer water temperatures. However, they can persist in thermally stressful environments by seeking out cold-water refugia (CWR). CWR can include areas where groundwater seeps and springs introduce cooler water into the stream system. These microhabitats are critical for survival during peak temperature periods.
To enhance climate resiliency in restoration planning, the North Clackamas Watersheds Council has integrated thermal imaging drone technology to identify cold-water inputs within project areas. By pinpointing these thermal anomalies, restoration designs can strategically incorporate features such as pools and large wood structures near seeps and springs, thereby maximizing the ecological benefit of these cold-water sources.
In this presentation, the Council’s Restoration Manager will share two case studies demonstrating how thermal imagery has directly informed and shaped restoration strategies, offering practical insights into the application of drone-based thermal data in climate-adaptive habitat design.