LIGHTNING ROUND PRESENTER TITLE: Life and death from above: Utilization of drones for wetland conservation ABSTRACT: Wetland conservation efforts are challenging, often because of the difficulty or cost of having staff and equipment onsite without damaging fragile ecosystems. The use of drone technology, when applied by wetland restoration ecologists, can unlock new opportunities on difficult-to-access sites and bring new efficiencies to long-standing conservation challenges. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras have provided aerial assessments for many years, but technological strides have allowed drones to become active tools for herbicide applications and seed distribution, revolutionizing wetland and other conservation restoration practices. KCI has found that large drones capable of applying herbicide and spreading native seeds can be deployed in difficult-to-access locations, enabling the treatment of invasive species with a high degree of safety and minimal site disturbance. Drones can also collect vital information on hydrology, elevation, species composition, and encroachment for conservation and restoration efforts. However, drones are limited in their use by state and federal regulations and physical obstructions. Most notably, drones must be operated with appropriate certifications and within visual line of sight of the pilot. Mechanical limitations of drones vary depending on the type of drone and use case, but include flighttime, ability to navigate obstacles, and max flight distance. Even with limitations, the utilization of drones facilitates access to challenging terrains, increases efficiency, minimizes disruption, and introduces restoration tools previously unavailable. BIO: Samantha Loutzenhiser has 11 years of experience in ecological restoration, wetlands, and invasive species. She is a Part 107 Remote Pilot and, for the last six years, has been using drones to benefit restoration sites. Samantha is also certified by the FAA as a Chief Supervisor in UAS agricultural systems operations, allowing her to apply herbicides with a drone under a Part 137 exemption.