- Joe Cannella
- From Whitetales
- Hits: 1571
Thief River Falls Chapter Utilizes Drones and Youngsters in its Ambitious Project
- Joe Cannella
- From Whitetales
- Hits: 1571
“The goal is access for all!” was how longtime, dedicated MDHA member Dana Klos of the Thief River Falls Chapter enthusiastically described the goal of the latest in a long string of important TRF Chapter’s projects.
Klos explains that this five-year project will positively affect deer, waterfowl, small game and those who hunt or trap them, as well as birdwatchers, hikers, and anyone else seeking to explore this beautiful area.
According to MN DNR Wildlife Manager Dough Franke and Dana, the goal of the project is to improve access into the Elm Lake Wildlife Management Are (WMW) to eliminate the problem of no turn around after a 2 ½ mile ditch grade access into this area along county ditch 27 in Marshall County near the Swanson and Jacobson trails.
When the project is completed, outdoors enthusiasts will have easier access to a large expanse of forest and wetlands relatively close to town, which will be perfect for quick trips. As we all well know, having abundant accessible public land is not only one of the many benefits of living outstate, this accessibility is a major factor in ensuring that our hunting traditions will continue.
Two hurdles, however, are that narrow roads and minimal access have made utilizing this area difficult. Fortunately, when all is said a done, there will be wider roads allowing for safely pulling trailers and parking areas large enough to turn around.
To background, the area has many dikes that were built by the Civilian Conservation Crews back in the 1930s for draining purposes. Now, nearly a hundred years later, the public will be able to access the lands to enjoy outdoor recreation. The dikes will be the foundation for the roads and trails to explore this over 450-acre expanse of forests and wetlands. As an FYI, the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps Program) was part of the “New Deal” initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a work relief program administered by the U.S. Army from 1933 through 1942.
To make mapping the trails and roads easier, a group of Thief River Falls High School students were “hired” to get the job done using the modern technology of flying Unmanned Aerial Systems, which most of us know as “drones.”
As Natasha Olsonawski from Thief River Falls Lincoln High School explains the “drones” course the students are enrolled in: “This course prepares professionals to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in business environments. Participants will be prepared to take the Federal Aviation Administration Remote pilot operator exam and meet the minimum credentials for commercial operations. Passing the “FAA Remote Pilot Operator” exam provides a license to learn and this secession is the first step in the process. In addition, the course provides hands-on training for better understanding the drone technology and how to operate drones safely. Trainees will receive flight instructions and feedback during the field training that will help them to improve their skills in flying drones and performing key maneuvers.” The students also not only participated but won a state drone competition!
Not only has the Thief River Falls Chapter member taken on a monumental five-year project that goes way beyond benefitting just deer hunters, it has assisted in potential development of careers for local kids. This technology is not in the future, it is now and this experience will provide real field experience for the students as they prepare to enter this growing profession. Thanks to the TRF’s Chapter these kids could be trend setters in a thriving new industry.
Local News Article About The Project: https://trftimes.com/news/24852/lhs-students-put-studies-to-practical-use-in-the-field