Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for Forest Health

I. Scope of Services: The Contractor shall coordinate and implement the UAS for Forest Health grant project, which will increase the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and assess their ability to monitor key forest health threats and prioritize management. In addition, the project will include an educational component to engage the public on UAS in forest systems. The Contractor shall: 1. Develop a plan for project implementation in conjunction with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. 2. Actively participate in the collaboration and implementation of the broader region wide project among the five other partner states. 3. Increase forest health surveying using UAS in Kentucky’s forests. Surveys will focus on forest health issues such as hemlock woolly adelgid, emerald ash borer, laurel wilt disease, and other pressing issues. 4. Collect UAS data that can be shared and used in the process for standardizing region wide procedures for utilizing UAS technology for forest health monitoring. 5. Participate in the development of educational and outreach programming, including factsheets, trainings and other methods for engaging the public on UAS in forest systems. 6. Use funds to acquire associated hardware and software and any other related supplies or tools needed to implement a successful project.