Forest Mapping Equipment Helps Taos Students Protect Local Watersheds

High school and college students participating in the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District’s student forest monitoring program lack the specialized equipment needed to complete critical field work, limiting their hands-on learning opportunities and depriving land managers of vital data. One local volunteer and fire mitigation consultant saw an opportunity to enhance the forest monitoring program and protect local watersheds, so he reached out to LOR with an idea. LOR’s funding will help the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District purchase a GPS survey receiver and rangefinder, allowing students to create detailed maps of forest conditions that can inform restoration efforts and reduce wildfire risks.