Aerial Insect and Disease Detection Survey

Forest Health Protection
Northern Region 1 and Intermountain Region 4

Aviation Program

The Forest Health Protection (FHP) Aviation Program in Regions 1 and 4 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.

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.