Chris Ensminger

Bio: As a biologist, hunter, fisherman, and general outdoor enthusiast, I have a heartfelt hatred for all things computer related. So, of course I ended up in a GIS career. I have been with the Iowa DNR for 16 years trying to squeeze conservation and wildlife habitat in between the rows of corn. Iowa has been lucky enough to acquire many large datasets like statewide LiDAR and many years of aerial photography which have proven to be very valuable tools in this endeavor.

Iowa DNR LiDAR Program - Wetland Restoration and Floodplain Mapping Using LiDAR

This presentation will provide an overview of an ongoing evaluation of agricultural performance across the Prairie Pothole Region of Iowa. GIS and remote sensing methods for using LiDAR and USDA's NAIP photography to target wetland restorations and other conservation practices will be discussed.

LiDAR, Wetlands, Agricultural Profitability, Conservation, Iowa