State and Private Forestry

Forest Health Protection
      Intermountain and Northern Regions

Aviation Program

The Forest Health Protection (FHP) Aviation Program in Regions One and Four conduct annual insect and disease detection surveys, primarily using fixed-wing aircraft.  Most flights are for aerial sketch map surveys and aerial photography.  However, FHP may also contract aircraft for aerial spraying associated with insect suppression, eradication, spray trails, or study/research projects.

Purpose

The purpose of an aerial detection survey (ADS) is to:

• Detect new outbreaks or identify previously undetected outbreaks of forest pests
• Monitor existing outbreaks
• Provide timely information for management planning
• Provide information for forest health assessments and project plans.

Survey Season

Aerial sketchmap surveys for insect and disease damage begin the first part of July continuing through the end of September and often into October.  Survey flights take off 8 or 9 am. and concluded before 3 pm to take advantage of optimal light conditions.

New schedules are here!

• 2008 Region 1 Survey Schedule

• 2008 Region 4 Survey Schedule  

Survey Patterns

Aerial sketchmap surveys for insect and disease damage are flown in two basic patterns:

GIS-Data

The results of these surveys are digitized for a GIS layer and then summarized as part of the forest insect and disease conditions reports.

• ADS Data
• Condition Reports

ADS Maps  (2007)                       Click on map or the list to view the next level

Region 1 area maps: Montana/Yellowstone Northern Idaho Dakota area Region 4 area maps Southern Idaho Utah Nevada Western Wyoming