06/04/2026
🌿 Turning Drone Data Into Measurable Results
These images demonstrate one of the ways our Drone Program can help landowners, contractors, agencies, and conservation partners evaluate vegetation treatment projects.
Figure 1 is a high-resolution drone orthomosaic of a mastication treatment area. The lighter gray areas are where brush was masticated, while the darker "islands" of vegetation were intentionally left standing.
Figure 2 shows the same area after drone data processing and analysis. The yellow and blue points represent classified data generated from the drone survey. Each point represents approximately one square foot, allowing us to calculate treatment acreage and vegetation retention with a high degree of accuracy.
Mastication is a vegetation treatment method that uses heavy equipment to grind shrubs and small trees into mulch. These treatments are commonly used to improve wildlife habitat, reduce hazardous fuels, and lower wildfire risk.
📊 Project Measurements
• Total treatment area: 15.8 acres
• Area masticated: 11.86 acres
• Area retained: 3.94 acres
• Treatment completion: 75% of the project area
Rather than relying solely on visual estimates, drone technology allows us to quantify treatment results and provide objective documentation for project evaluation and reporting.
This type of analysis can be used to:
✅ Verify completed treatment acreage
✅ Measure vegetation removal and retention
✅ Support grant and contract reporting
✅ Monitor project effectiveness over time
✅ Provide landowners and partners with measurable results
As the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts continue developing our Drone Program, we're excited to demonstrate how drone technology can support conservation planning, implementation, monitoring, and project documentation throughout Northwest Colorado.
