Ecosystem Monitoring with Dylan Mendenhall

About this episode

The episode discusses the complexities of ecosystem monitoring with guest Dylan Mendenhall, emphasizing the importance of clear objectives and innovative methods.

In this podcast episode, the discussion dives into the complexities and nuances of ecosystem monitoring, led by the Dylan Mendenhall's deep experience and passion for the field. He emphasizes the importance of well-defined questions to drive high-quality monitoring efforts, contrasting effective monitoring with what they term "zombie monitoring"—data collection that continues without purpose due to sunk cost fallacies or lack of clear objectives. The conversation spans from traditional techniques like plot-based sampling and transect surveys to advanced molecular methods like eDNA, which may revolutionize the way we monitor microbial life and species presence, such as salmon populations in streams. Remote sensing tools like LiDAR and Landsat are highlighted for their critical role in capturing landscape-level data, aiding in efforts to monitor urban canopy cover and assess heat disparities in historically under-resourced areas. Dylan stresses the challenges in ecological monitoring, from inconsistent funding—often dependent on short-term grants—to data management, where data hoarding hinders potential collaborations and broader ecological insights. He advocates for partnerships…

People in this episode

Host: Michael T Yadrick

Guest: Dylan Mendenhall

Topics covered

• ecosystem monitoring
• data collection
• molecular methods
• remote sensing
• ecological challenges
• collaboration

Keywords

• ecosystem monitoring
• zombie monitoring
• eDNA
• LiDAR
• Landsat
• data management
• collaboration
• funding

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