Eastern Michigan University hosted Geographic Information Science (GIS) conference The State of the Strait this Tuesday.
The conference (sponsored by The University of Windsor; DTE and The United States Geological Survey among others) featured keynote speaker Russell Kreis, PhD, from the United States Environmental Protection Association who highlighted the advancements in technologies as well as discussed the use of remote sensing and GIS to better manage the Huron-Erie Corridor.
President Susan Martin opened the meeting citing the importance of Michigan’s natural resources. Professor Martin said, “…We have a lot of natural resources that need to be protected.”
Michael S. Dueweke, Manager of Eastern Michigan University’s Institute for Geospatial Research & Education explained Geographic Information Science (GIS).
“[GIS] is an analytical system that combines map graphics, imagery and database technology to present data in electronic map format,” Dueweke. “The power of the system provides users the ability to link data to a place and then perform analysis and derive information that may not be apparent from just looking at a map or image or at table individually.”
Kreis spoke specifically about using the ever-changing technologies to make better ecological decisions in the Huron-Erie Corridor. He explained the Huron River, which runs very close to Eastern’s campus, is very important to the rest of the state.
“The Huron flows through many agricultural communities on its way to Lake Erie,” Kreis. “It is a very sensitive area and people need to keep in mind the areas sensitivity and
their impact on it.”
Duweke said the Huron River, which many students see daily on their walk to classes, “contains the last vestiges of the natural coastline and wetlands that the French discovered in the 1700’s. This natural richness was the reason this area had such abundant fish, wildlife and plant species and diversity; and the reason for human settlement in the region.”
Kreis agreed the area is important and said, “We are trying to protect [the Huron-Erie Corridor] to protect a better quality of wetland.”
Wetlands are important for many reasons. Duweke said, “These last wild areas are important habitat to the remaining natural animal and plant communities … this area, due to the introduction by man of non-native animal and plant species, is one of the main battlegrounds in the Great Lakes Region for resource manager to try to contain, control and manage these destructive pests.”
Pests such as phragmites australis, which, according to the US Department of Agriculture website is a “Class C noxious weed.” The pest can grow to heights nearing 20 feet and choke out the plant life in the area. In turn, phragmites often attack and kill cattails, the home for many animals that move out of these areas in search of richer food sources.
This causes the phragmites to spread and start the process over again. It is for this reason that resource managers will sometimes burn thick areas of phragmites; it allows a more natural balance of life to return to the area.
“There are now 7 billion people on the planet and by 2025 there will be a billion more. With 8 billion people on the planet, the competition for these natural resources …will become even greater,” said Kreis.
He said that there have been satellite launches by NASA, as well as in the private sector. Satellites allow trend analysis and lend to advancements which give insight on how to better manage the resources we currently have.
The State of the Straight conference is held every three years, alternating between Canada and the United States as its hosts. So far, the general consensus is, as technology increases so does our understanding of our impact on the environment.
