From inventorying tree cover, to managing invasive species; from mapping riparian buffers, floodplains, recharge areas and other water-related resources, to inventorying municipal open space areas to improve management, Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool that can be used for environmental management and protection. And, with improvements in technology, the tools needed to put GIS to work can be found in your pocket. Many of the most popular software systems and tools are available free or as low-cost versions, and the number of publicly available data sets has also increased. In this presentation WeConservePA GIS Analyst Irina Beal outlines some of the tools, datasets, and resources that are available to assist EACs with GIS projects, and Ian Kindle with the City of Easton EAC will talk about their current open space inventory project, undertaken with guidance from Irina and WeConservePA.
