FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UAS Center at SBD Presents Drone-Enabled Conservation Research at Santa Ana River Science Symposium
Redlands, CA — February 19, 2026 — Representing the UAS Center at SBD, Dave Krause delivered a featured technical presentation and participated in a panel discussion at the Santa Ana River Science Symposium, hosted by the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District on Thursday, February 19, at the Esri Conference Center in Redlands.
Krause’s presentation, titled “Eye in the Sky, Data on the Ground: Advancing Conservation Science through Drone Technology,” explored how unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are being used to support watershed conservation through low-impact, high-resolution data collection.
Drawing from operational work conducted over the Norton Test Range and Sunrise Ranch, the presentation highlighted how drone-based sensor platforms are contributing to ecological research, habitat monitoring, invasive species detection, and hydrologic analysis. By capturing precise aerial data with minimal disturbance to sensitive environments, UAS operations are enabling scientists and land managers to better understand wildlife patterns, vegetation health, and landscape change over time.
“As technology evolves, so does our responsibility to apply it thoughtfully,” said Krause. “Drone-enabled data collection gives researchers and land managers a clearer picture of change over time, helping them adapt strategies based on real-world conditions rather than assumptions.”
In addition to the presentation, Krause participated in a panel discussion focused on Future Adaptation, examining how emerging technologies—including drones—can be responsibly integrated into long-term watershed management, conservation planning, and environmental resilience strategies.
The two-day symposium brought together researchers, water managers, and environmental professionals for a full day of technical presentations, followed by a guided field tour of the Santa Ana River Watershed. Portions of the tour included areas located within the UAS Center at SBD’s Norton Test Range, offering attendees direct exposure to active research and testing environments.
By supporting applied science through safe, standards-based drone operations, the UAS Center at SBD continues to advance the responsible use of aerial technology in environmental research and resource management.
Media Contact:
Amber Casarez, Marketing Manager
acasarez@sbdairport.com
(909) 382-4100, ext. 132