NPS Aviation Extending To EPA Ecosystem Assessment Project

The National Park Service is extending its expertise in aviation beyond its normal role in firefighting to partner with the Environmental Protection Agency on a complex and heavily aviation-dependent project known as the Everglades Ecosystem Assessment Program, or EEAP.

The EEAP is an ongoing endeavor that monitors surface water, soils, sediment, vegetation, and fish for contaminants in the freshwater flow way of the Everglades ecosystem. The aviation programs of Everglades and Big Cypress National Parks are working together with the EPA to provide the extensive helicopter support needed.

Peter Kalla, lead EEAP scientist on the project said that data collected “allows us to show spatially where problems are occurring and where things are getting better. It provides information on the success of the Everglades restoration and provides feedback for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.”

The project is uniquely complex due to its reliance on aviation and the extent of the research being performed. It is an extensive helicopter float project that requires multiple aircraft operating simultaneously for data collection.

Kalla said, “We rely heavily on helicopters and would not be able to have this program without the use of them.”

The EPA realized early on that the aviation expertise of the NPS would be required, and contacted the sister agency to request assistance.

Meg Gallagher, Aviation Manager of the NPS Eastern Region, said, “The National Park Service and the Department of the Interior are held to additional standards above what the Federal Aviation Administration requires, including following strict standards for pilot qualifications when operating in south Florida conditions, flight following, aircraft, and equipment.

This applies for both NPS and vendor aircraft. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen and build partnerships, as well as an occasion to examine our aviation safety program, and then be able to explain to the EPA why we have our policy, training, and required equipment in place.”

The EEAP project is a joint effort among the EPA, NPS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Florida Water Management District, Florida International University, and HMC Helicopters.

FMI:  www.nps.gov/