American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)’s Post

The Bureau of Land Management has unveiled the proposed Rock Springs Resource Management Plan (RMP) for public lands in southwestern Wyoming. The proposed plan boosts conservation for several important landscapes while balancing infrastructure and energy needs per public input. The proposed plan still has some issues. Namely, it does not adequately protect stopover areas and big game migration corridors. It also needs to entirely close—not just limit—drilling and mining in the Northern Red Desert and Big Sandy Foothills.

The Tongass National Forest is massive - and it just got even bigger. I love what the The Wilderness Land Trust and the SOUTH EAST ALASKA LAND TRUST do: They purchase what is called "inholdings" - that's a term for privately owned lands that are within publicly owned, protected lands. Once purchased, these lands are then transferred and thus make protected parks ever more whole. Unfortunately, there's trouble brewing - and has been for twenty years: The Biden administration is on the side of the so-called "Roadless Rule" - the rule that restricts new roads in parts of the forest. But pro-logging lobbies have been fighting for more roads for a long time. Now three new lawsuits are brought against the government - two by groups of plaintiffs, one by the State of Alaska (go figure) - and this time they argue differently. In these new lawsuits the word LOGGING appears only once. Clearly, the plaintiffs have realized that the word logging comes with a negative connotation for many. Now the arguments (here's the full story > https://lnkd.in/dE-GUTgM ) brought forth say that roads are needed for "prospective geothermal and hydroelectric power plants, as well as hypothetical metal mines" ... spin it as you wish, folks (you're not fooling anyone) - the result would be a crisscrossing of roads and a great deal more logging. Alan Watson Featherstone Trees for Life Greenpop Trees for All Trees for the Future The John Muir Trust SCOTLAND: The Big Picture Cairngorms National Park Authority Wild Scotland The Woodland Trust Trees, Water & People Trees Forever #rewilding #rewilderweekly

Over the past three years, we’ve lost over 2,000 manatees in Florida, mostly from starvation due to seagrass loss in the IRL due to degraded water quality. Over the past 20 years, we’ve lost over 150 square miles of seagrass across the IRL, Biscayne Bay, western Florida Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and Lemon, Sarasota and Tampa Bays. Think we’re doing enough to stop these losses? Think again. Since the 1980s, our live coral coverage in the Keys is down more than 90%. We still have coral down there, just not viable coral reefs. The Caloosahatchee River’s nitrogen-rich discharges make red tides more intense, larger and longer-lasting, and yet we are nowhere near meeting the 15 year old 23% nitrogen load reduction target set by the state. And waterfront property owners more often than not treat mangroves like an expendable nuisance, rather than a critical habitat. Do we care enough? I don’t see how anyone can say we have these past few years, but maybe we can, moving forward. Fixing our water quality problems won’t happen with the insufficient funding amounts and restoration initiatives that have characterized our response these last few decades, and time is running short for us to restore this beautiful state’s water resources. Because a few more years of trends like this might result in our water quality and coastal resources becoming irretrievably degraded.

Colorado Wildlife Federation applauds the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for today’s oil and gas leasing program reforms because it prioritizes balanced management – a balance that benefits our rural communities, and wildlife habitat they need to survive. We are thankful that our leaders heard the voices of thousands of Coloradans and took action to maintain our pristine public lands, waters, and air. Uses of our public lands must be balanced among competing interests: energy, wildlife, recreation, attention to cultural resources, and grazing. BLM is required to manage public lands for multiple uses. It’s fair that energy companies pay reasonable royalties that are in line with what states charge, post reasonable bonds and clean up when they drill on our public lands. All too often, taxpayers and government are stuck with the massive clean-up costs and remediation when wells are simply abandoned. In short, the new rule creates fairness – it enables continued responsible oil and gas development BUT dismantles business as usual. There is a phase-in period for existing operators to come into compliance with the new bonding requirements. The BLM will focus leasing on areas with highest potential for development and less conflict with other uses. This is really important to CWF because in the past, some areas that have been leased have little or no oil and gas development potential but are squarely located in High Priority Habitats. We have urged deferral of leasing in these areas – such as severe elk and deer winter range, and bighorn sheep winter range and birthing areas. Click here to read more, https://buff.ly/3Jm1LU8. #CWF #BLM #PublicLands #Colorado #OurPublicLands #Conservation #Oil #OilGasReform #Nature #Preservation #Wildlife #MyPublicLands #PublicLandowner 📷: Department of Energy

SMART REEF-LIVING SHORELINE INITIATIVE The Town of Port Royal, the S.C. Department of Veterans AJairs (SCDVA), the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot-Parris Island (MCRD-Parris Island), the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Coastal Carolina University (CCU), and the environmental non-profit Global Eco Adventures (GEA) hosted a press conference outlining and discussing the projects and goals of SCDVA’s MILITARY ENHANCEMENT GRANT at the Safe Harbor Marina, Port Royal, S.C. The grant awarded to the Town of Port Royal is aimed at providing protection within the Port Royal Sound’s physical-environmental infrastructure (reducing coastal erosion) through the utilization of SCDNR’s SCORE Oyster Restoration Program and CCU’s and GEA’s SMART REEF technology. Senior S.C. leaders, the Mayor of Port Royal, a senior representative from MCRD-Parris Island, and others joined to discuss the grant from the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs to the Town of Port Royal. Our State's critical coastal environment is being challenged by changing driving forces. Rising sea level, increased forces of waves and currents and a limited supply of sediment are all conspiring to drive coastal environments landwards (erosion) resulting in the loss of critical resources and risking critical infrastructure, economies and habitats. Elliot's Beach area - Marine Corps Recruit Depot - Parris Island (MCRDPI) has experienced a loss of once expansive salt marsh. Pockets of salt marsh remain but are actively being eroded. Along the Broad River nearly all the intertidal habitat is now erosive shell lag pavements and former salt marsh deposit remains that are actively eroding. An array of concrete engineering structures (groins and seawalls) is reducing land loss but is not sustaining critical salt marsh habitats. PROJECT STRATEGY Document wave and current forcing to drive a high-resolution hydrodynamic model to optimize placement of MCRDPI concrete transportation barriers in the lower intertidal and shallow subtidal zone to stabilize the intertidal platform as a foundation for future marsh restoration. Utilize the installed barriers as infrastructure to support integrated environmental sensing instrumentation to support research, education, environmental / resource management, advanced modeling and technology development (SEA Econet). Test low voltage current facilitated precipitation of carbonate (cement/shell material) from sea water, (regularly employed to facilitate coral reef restoration in the tropics) to moderate erosional forces, create habitat and infrastructure for environmental observing system. Support a wide array of community, technical, educational engagement and partnering including enhancing and improving the marine life habitat within the existing permitted artificial reefs.

Confessions of a Cost Estimator: The Most Expensive Wildlife You'll Never See: The Elusive 'Unforeseen Circumstance' in Infrastructure Development  #InfrastructureHumour #CostPlanning #BudgetQuest #InfrastructureAdventures #UnexpectedCosts Ah, infrastructure development. A noble pursuit fraught with challenges and...well, let's face it, the occasional infrastructure-dwelling monster. Okay, maybe not a beast, but the ever-present threat of unforeseen circumstances can wreak havoc on even the most meticulously crafted cost estimate. What exactly are these elusive "unforeseen circumstances"? Think of them as the majestic yet budget-busting creatures of the infrastructure world. They can take many forms: The "Sleeping Dragon of Geology": Subsurface surprises, such as hidden rock formations or unexpected water tables, can shock your budget and project timeline. The "Endangered Species of Historical Artefact": Unearthing a buried historical treasure is exciting, but halting construction and factoring in preservation costs can be a financial headache. The "Migratory Flock of Environmental Regulations": New environmental regulations can swoop in mid-project, necessitating additional measures and, you guessed it, extra costs. A report by the National Audit Office (NAO), the UK government's spending watchdog, found that around 70% of infrastructure projects in the UK encounter unforeseen circumstances [NAO report on infrastructure delivery]. So, how do we tame these budgetary beasts? Embrace Thorough Investigations: While not always foolproof, conducting detailed site surveys and environmental assessments can help uncover potential surprises before they derail your project. Build in Buffer Zones: A little wiggle room in your budget goes a long way. Factoring in a contingency reserve for unforeseen circumstances can be a lifesaver (and budget saver) in the long run. Flexibility is Key: The ability to adapt to changing situations is crucial. While sticking to the plan is essential, preparing to adjust course when necessary can minimise the impact of unexpected challenges. While unforeseen circumstances might be the most elusive wildlife you encounter, with some planning and flexibility, you can keep them from turning your project into an endangered species (of budget). Share your encounters with the "unforeseen circumstance" fauna in the comments! What are some of the most unexpected challenges you've faced with infrastructure projects? Did you navigate them without blowing the budget, or did things get a little "Jurassic Park"-esque? #Infrastructure #Construction #ProjectManagement #RiskManagement #Adaptation #LinkedIn #CostEstimating #InfrastructureProjects #CostManagement #ConstructionCosts #CostPlanning #CivilEngineering #CivilsBites

Confessions of a Cost Estimator: The Most Expensive Wildlife You'll Never See: The Elusive 'Unforeseen Circumstance' in Infrastructure Development  #InfrastructureHumour #CostPlanning #BudgetQuest #InfrastructureAdventures #UnexpectedCosts Ah, infrastructure development. A noble pursuit fraught with challenges and...well, let's face it, the occasional infrastructure-dwelling monster. Okay, maybe not a beast, but the ever-present threat of unforeseen circumstances can wreak havoc on even the most meticulously crafted cost estimate. What exactly are these elusive "unforeseen circumstances"? Think of them as the majestic yet budget-busting creatures of the infrastructure world. They can take many forms: The "Sleeping Dragon of Geology": Subsurface surprises, such as hidden rock formations or unexpected water tables, can shock your budget and project timeline. The "Endangered Species of Historical Artefact": Unearthing a buried historical treasure is exciting, but halting construction and factoring in preservation costs can be a financial headache. The "Migratory Flock of Environmental Regulations": New environmental regulations can swoop in mid-project, necessitating additional measures and, you guessed it, extra costs. A report by the National Audit Office (NAO), the UK government's spending watchdog, found that around 70% of infrastructure projects in the UK encounter unforeseen circumstances [NAO report on infrastructure delivery]. So, how do we tame these budgetary beasts? Embrace Thorough Investigations: While not always foolproof, conducting detailed site surveys and environmental assessments can help uncover potential surprises before they derail your project. Build in Buffer Zones: A little wiggle room in your budget goes a long way. Factoring in a contingency reserve for unforeseen circumstances can be a lifesaver (and budget saver) in the long run. Flexibility is Key: The ability to adapt to changing situations is crucial. While sticking to the plan is essential, preparing to adjust course when necessary can minimise the impact of unexpected challenges. While unforeseen circumstances might be the most elusive wildlife you encounter, with some planning and flexibility, you can keep them from turning your project into an endangered species (of budget). Share your encounters with the "unforeseen circumstance" fauna in the comments! What are some of the most unexpected challenges you've faced with infrastructure projects? Did you navigate them without blowing the budget, or did things get a little "Jurassic Park"-esque? #Infrastructure #Construction #ProjectManagement #RiskManagement #Adaptation #LinkedIn #CostEstimating #InfrastructureProjects #CostManagement #ConstructionCosts #CostPlanning #CivilEngineering #CivilsBites

Reducing Coastal Lighting Reduces Seabird Stranding https://lnkd.in/gaMCR6tu A study of Leach's Storm Petrels on Newfoundland has determined that reducing coastal lighting also reduced the number of birds found dead due to complications from being distracted by ALAN. These lighting reductions were particularly effective during migration and fledgling seasons. #seabirds #lightpollution #conservation #stranding

Seagrasses, often referred to as the “lungs of the sea,” are vital to #marineecosystems. They provide habitat for countless marine species, store significant amounts of carbon, and help stabilise the seabed. However, these underwater meadows are declining globally due to human activities, prompting urgent efforts to restore them. Scientists from Project Seagrass and Swansea University have outlined 10 rules for effective #seagrass restoration. Implementing these 10 rules can help shift the focus from merely planting to facilitating natural recovery and sustaining restoration over the long term. https://www.rfr.bz/lmm4ivg #seagrassrestoration #oceans #marineconservation #generationrestoration #rewildingtheoceans

Reusing dredged material in Louisiana to rebuild islands, restore land-mass and habitat. https://lnkd.in/dQFBVim6