Across the Eldorado National Forest (ENF), GBI`s Forestry Stewardship Contracting team is partnering with the Healthy Eldorado Landscape Partnership (HELP), Calfire, and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to quietly transform how forest restoration and management take shape. The ENF, and the larger Sierra Nevada landscape, faces pressing threats including rising risk of severe wildfire, drought stress, insect outbreaks and other events that can alter the rich biodiversity, water resources and local communities.
The urgency of this work was underscored by the devastating Caldor fire in 2021,which burned over 200,000 acres of the Sierra Nevada, including significant areas of high severity on the ENF. Such high intensity fires highlight the critical need for proactive forest management in order to reduce fire risk, protect neighboring communities and preserve essential ecosystem functions.
GBI data scientist Evan Barbarick, has been at the forefront of this effort. Evan`s work has primarily focused on the Crystal Basin, which he described as: “…one of the few forested areas in the region unaffected by severe wildfire. It is a strikingly beautiful example of Sierra Nevada forests and provides essential water and power generation for the greater Sacramento area.” Using cutting edge technology and data driven strategies, Evan and the HELP team have:
- Developed a small unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAV drones) program tailored specifically to capturing detailed 3D point cloud datasets of areas targeted for forest health projects both before and after treatments take place. This data can be rapidly collected and processed to characterize forest structure, enabling precise assessment of conditions and restoration progress.
- Created an integration strategy with spatial data experts to include these datasets into an advanced forest management tool, empowering planners and implementers to visualize and prioritize restoration efforts most effectively.
Evan seeks to apply this remote sensing technology in support of GBI`s forest health treatments across the ENF, starting with the Reservoir Forest Health Project. Made possible by funding and support from Calfire and Sierra Nevada Conservancy, the Reservoir project seeks to reduce the risk of severe wildfire and improve watershed function and forest health by treating over 2,000 acres near Union Valley and Ice House reservoirs using a combination of targeted thinning and mastication. By completing drone flights before and after treatment takes place, Evan aims to characterize treatment effectiveness and progress at a pace and scale that far exceeds the capabilities of traditional site visits and forest measurements.
Evan further shares his role as the data scientist. “My role has two main components. I use novel data analysis approaches to assist in the prioritization and planning of forest restoration operations in the Crystal Basin. I also use drone technology to increase the pace and scale in which forest projects can be planned and monitored. All of this helps to increase efficiency of restoration activities in the Crystal Basin and convert ideas and funding opportunities into a healthy forest landscape.” Evan’s role balances field and office activities. “This role provides an even balance of field and office activities. I usually spend one or two days a week in front of my computer developing maps and models that can assist in forest project planning and implementation. When I do go into the field, a typical day will usually involve me driving deep into the Crystal Basin to fly a drone over areas that need monitoring now or will need it in the future. I’m also happy to get my hands dirty, and will occasionally head out into the woods with folks from GBI and the forest service to help them with their projects.”
Aside from the technology, the partnership has created metrics that can translate forest health into economic benefits. Some indicators include water availability and fire risk reduction. These indicators help communicate the value of restoration to a broad range of stakeholders and funding sources. The data collected not only informs immediate management decisions, but also supports tracking longer term outcomes. This ensures that restoration efforts will be adaptive and effective, making it a holistic approach to protect wildlife, safeguard watersheds, store carbon and provide recreation.
As this work continues, GBI, Evan and the HELP team remain committed to refining their methods, expanding data collection and fostering collaboration. “There’s a lot that I like about this project. For one, the Crystal Basin is beautiful and spending any amount of time out there is a treat. Also, this project allows me to combine my love of data based technology with my passion for ecology and the outdoors,” Evan says. Their efforts make way for inspiring hope for a sustainable and thriving forest future.
“Funding for Crystal Basin Ecological Restoration Project was provided by CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Program, as part of California Climate Investments. California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment-particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.”
