An Evaluation of eDNA Technology to Detect Clandestine Human Activity at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Project ID: P15AC01278
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Washington State University
Fiscal Year: 2015
Initial Funding: $7,873
Total Funding: $7,873
Project Type: Education
Project Disciplines: Cultural
National Park: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Principal Investigator: Goldberg, Caren
Agreement Technical Representative: Esperanza, Annie
Abstract: The primary method for detecting illegal marijuana gardens on public lands remains “boots-on-the-ground”, which has reduced effectiveness considering the limited patrolling resources over broad and challenging landscapes. More effective monitoring and remote sensing techniques are needed to direct targeted ground searches. Given the difficulties in detecting marijuana gardens directly, this is a collaborative project to evaluate a new method using eDNA technology for improved remote detection of clandestine human activity within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI). This method will attempt to exploit the personal habits of the perpetrators themselves to prioritize ground searches and lead to increased detections. This project will use sampling techniques and eDNA analysis in an effort to detect clandestine human presence by sampling surface waters from SEKI. Expected products include: results of eDNA analysis from SEKI water samples, and a final report that describes the project results, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of the eDNA technology.
Deliverables: