Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) Program

The Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) aims to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology to increase efficiency, save staff time, and improve service to farmers. 

UAV technology is multipurpose and can accommodate many project types to aid in real-time data delivery to stakeholders. The VACD sUAS team has been using this innovative technology to acquire up-to-date aerial imagery and elevation data quicker and cheaper when compared to contracting other entities. Capturing up-to-date aerial imagery allows planners, engineers, and wetland restoration staff to monitor change over time without needing to conduct lengthy manual surveys and can be particularly useful in hard-to-reach areas such as eroded streambanks or flooded wetlands. 

The VACD sUAS program is led by Luc Burnier and Shannon Harty who both have FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot licenses. Program operations include developing program systems and forms, soliciting and planning projects, interfacing with conservation planners, flying projects, interpreting and sharing resulting data, delivering online and in-person presentations, and preparing program reports.

Support Conservation Planning:

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can support conservation planning in many ways:

  • Resource Concern Identification – UAV imagery can be used to identify resource concerns not otherwise easily seen on the ground. Farmers can be provided with a shareable interactive map that can be used to better manage their land.
  • Easement Monitoring – UAVs provide an efficient tool to monitor large areas that may often be flooded and inaccessible.
    • Efficiently monitor easements for potential violations
    • Track flooding, erosion, and other hydrologic changes over time
    • Estimate invasive species density and certify herbaceous weed treatments.
  • Engineer Support – Leveraging UAVs reduces workload for engineers, capturing accurate data in a fraction of the time it would take to conduct a manual topographic survey. UAVs can be used to generate accurate elevation models and contours. UAVs can be deployed in areas that are unsafe for manual surveys, such as eroded streambanks, large gullies, or flood damaged areas.
  • Monitor Changes in the Landscape – Capturing up-to-date aerial imagery allows planners, engineers, and wetland restoration staff to monitor change over time without needing to conduct lengthy manual surveys and can be particularly useful in hard-to-reach areas such as flooded wetlands. 
  • Emergency Conservation Program Assistance – Assistance to landowners affected by flooding events can be expedited with the implementation of the UAV by capturing photo evidence of damage and providing accurate measurements of damaged areas.
  • Practice Certification – NRCS staff can precisely measure area and perimeter with UAV imagery, saving time and effort while improving accuracy compared to a handheld GPS. Up-to-date aerial imagery provides a full visual record of the practice implementation, helping to certify conservation practices. 

Support for Starting a Small Unmanned Aerial System:

The VACD sUAS Team is putting together a toolkit for Conservation Districts and other NRCS partners nationwide on starting their own sUAS program.
This toolkit will include:

  • Guidance and tips
  • Forms, checklists, processes, and procedures
  • Mentorship
  • Technical assistance

For more information and to get started, email [email protected].

Project Partners:

Current U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) drone policy is based upon rules and regulations from USDA, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. While USDA-NRCS is not permitted to operate UAV technology, it can partner with outside entities, like Natural Resources Conservation Districts, to operate drones on their behalf and in support of Farm Bill programs. VACD functions as the owner and operator of the UAVs. The program enters into an annual agreement with NRCS regarding the scope and scale of UAV activities in exchange for NRCS providing staff funding support, office storage space, and conservation project proposals. This VACD-NRCS program partnership is unique within USDA-NRCS and has received national recognition for its innovation.