LEAVENWORTH — The state Department of Fish and Wildlife will partner with a Washington State University graduate student next month using drones to look for salmon spawning nests in streams.
The plan is to scan the upper Wenatchee River for the nests, called redds, officials said. The search will include areas near Tumwater Campground, Blackbird Island and Dryden.
The drones, flown by student Daniel Auerbach, will take high-resolution photos and videos, officials said. The images will be used to evaluate salmon populations.
Drone flights will last an hour and take place once or twice a week, officials said, noting early morning flights are planned.
Officials said Auerbach will attempt to fly only over public land and water.
Auerbach will write his graduate thesis on the project, officials said.
The drone-oriented research project may also include an on-water and on-land survey, officials said.
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