Jan
30
2012
Vegetation Mapping Project Completed!
This winter, students from Sitka High’s Field Science Class worked with the Sitka Ranger District to target wildlife habitat restoration activities. We mapped occurrences of Vaccinium species (Blueberry) and other deer forage plants in young growth forests. We then used data analysis and mapping technologies to identify potential locations where the Forest Service can create canopy gaps. Gaps provide more light to the forest floor and encourage the growth of plants deer eat to survive snowy winters.
CLICK HERE to download our report. CLICK HERE to view maps and download data.
About scott
Scott Harris and his family are happily “rooted” in Sitka. Scott is the Watershed Program Manager for SCS and is responsible for developing and implementing habitat restoration and watershed monitoring projects. As a true Leopold-worshipper, he believes that the conservation ethic is rooted in a personal connection with the outdoors. Therefore, all of his projects hope to inspire by involving student and community volunteers. Scott has a wide diversity of work and academic experience. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a Master’s in Natural Resource Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. His research in Chilean Patagonia focused on economic activities for rural communities to conserve temperate rainforests. He also worked for several years as a Wildlife Research Technician, as a Senior Staff Instructor with the National Outdoor Leadership School in Alaska and Chile, and taught at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka. In his spare time, Scott runs a kayak outfitting company – Latitude Adventures – and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and young son.
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