Photo - Example of modeled wetland likelihood along a stream, with wettest areas near the stream channel in dark blue and drier areas in light blue.
Lynker and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program have recently completed a project to model vegetated wetlands, open water, and beaver ponds across the Colorado River Basin using machine learning and aerial imagery. With funding from the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the team is now collaborating to expand the model to the entire state of Colorado and adding more detailed wetland plant cover types along with features like shorelines and sand bars. The goals of the new model are to provide more comprehensive and frequently updated statewide wetland mapping, improve wetland mapping accuracy in areas like headwater forests where wildfire and natural water infrastructure planning efforts are happening, and help capture near-term changes in wetland extent associated with things like habitat restoration projects and beaver activity. Model training in forty distinct areas of the state is underway. If you would like to learn more contact sarah.marshall@colostate.edu.
Water Education Colorado’s Water Leaders Program is now accepting applications! Recognized as the premier leadership development program for the water community in Colorado, WEco’s Water Leaders Program aims to positively impact the Colorado water profession by creating a pipeline of dedicated, effective water leaders across diverse fields who exemplify the four quadrants of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social management. Apply by January 31st, 2023!
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Watch Homelands. This documentary chronicles the 2021 planting season of a Lakota reforestation crew fighting to preserve their land and cultural traditions for future generations amidst centuries of colonization and the ongoing climate crisis.