OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will use drones to evaluate prairie conditions this year.
According to WDFW, the drones will be used by staff in Clallam and Thurston counties to track vegetation characteristics and monitor the progress of the State Wildlife Action Plan.
“Chosen sites are known or suspected habitat for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, such as Taylor’s checkerspot and mardon skipper butterflies and streaked horned larks,” WDFW said.
The department will ask permission before flying over the property of private landowners and does not expect the flights to have a disruptive effect on the public.
“Flights will occur from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are expected to take place from May through the end of 2024,” WDFW said.
Federal Aviation Administration employees will conduct the flights with drones equipped with monitoring software.
WDFW is one of several local and state agencies to begin experimenting with drones, though it is one of the only non-law enforcement related entities to implement the technology.
