OLYMPIA – Scientists with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will fly a drone over a section of the Middle Boise Creek and adjacent floodplain in King County on Friday, May 10 to collect information to support river restoration work and salmon recovery in Washington.

WDFW scientist Jane Atha said a drone would collect imagery and videos at the site of the Van Wieringen Stream Restoration Project, where the King County Water and Land Resources Division will be reconfiguring the channel to restore channel complexity and riparian areas to increase juvenile salmon rearing and spawning habitat.

Recreation and Conservation Office Project Manager Dave Caudill said this project is unique in that King County and private landowners are partnering to implement projects on their property that benefit salmon habitat restoration and help reduce flooding in the area.

Atha said the drone will be flown between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for approximately 30 to 60-minute periods on Friday, May 10 on approximately four acres of conservation easement along the Middle Boise Creek.

WDFW scientists would like to better understand how river restoration projects function through time. This drone flight will provide an opportunity to initiate river restoration monitoring safely, while also efficiently providing a unique perspective from above.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.