Wyoming Part 2 ! Mapping Water, Building Relationships: GSS Field Work Continues in Wyoming

GeoSpatial Services (GSS) at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is continuing wetland mapping work in Wyoming, as part of its ongoing contributions to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). Following the successful first half of the field hitch working on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in eastern Wyoming, the team has now turned its focus westward to the Wind River Reservation—home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes.

The effort reflects GSS’s ongoing commitment to productive partnerships and to improving the understanding of water resources, water rights, and usage efficiency throughout the region.

Field Team & Tribal Collaboration

This segment of the project brought together a strong team of professionals and partners, including:

• Andy Nadeau (Field Lead)
• Isabelle McNeill (Field Technician)
• Eric Lindquist (Project Manager)
• Hildred Hill (USFWS Intern)
• Andy Robertson (GSS Executive Director)

The crew was welcomed by and met with representatives from Tribal Fish and Game, including Art Lawson, as part of the broader effort to align mapping goals with local priorities and ecological stewardship.

Field Verification & Wetland Science

Field work remains a cornerstone of the NWI update process. Across the Wind River landscape, the team visited numerous check sites to validate the accuracy of mapped wetland features previously identified through aerial imagery. This hands-on ground-truthing included:

• Photo interpretation validation to confirm visual wetland indicators
• Soil sampling and analysis to identify hydric (wetland) soils
• Vegetation surveys to identify hydrophytic plant species
• Hydrologic assessments to evaluate water sources and saturation levels

These methods ensure that mapped wetlands meet federal criteria and accurately reflect real-world conditions. The data gathered on-site directly supports the development of digital wetland maps that feed into the national geospatial dataset used for conservation, planning, and policy-making.

A Collaborative Campus Effort

While the field crew worked across the plains and foothills of central Wyoming, Saint Mary’s students back on campus contributed to the project through image analysis, GIS data management, and map production tasks. This dual-track model provides students with critical hands-on experience in applied environmental science while advancing meaningful conservation work.

A Legacy of Impact

This is GSS’s fifth wetland mapping project in Wyoming since 2018, underscoring the organization's long-term investment in the region. The Wind River phase adds another meaningful chapter, highlighting how scientific fieldwork, Indigenous knowledge, student engagement, and agency partnership can come together to better understand and protect our nation’s water resources.

As climate change, land use pressures, and ecological needs increase, accurate wetland data is more important than ever. GSS’s work helps ensure that decisions around land management, water use, and conservation are informed by science, supported by partnership, and grounded in respect for both people and place.

GeoSpatial Services and BLM Continue Wetland Mapping for National Wetlands Inventory in Wyoming

Casper, WY to the Black Hills – Summer 2025

This spring and summer, GeoSpatial Services (GSS) at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) returned to Wyoming to support the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in its ongoing efforts to enhance the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). This marks the fourth GSS-led wetland mapping project in the state since 2018, continuing a strong and productive partnership aimed at improving the understanding of Wyoming’s wetland resources.

The current project focuses on a broad region stretching from the Casper area eastward into the Black Hills, encompassing a diverse and ecologically important landscape of prairies, badlands, riparian corridors, and forested hills. These areas contain a variety of wetland habitats critical to wildlife, water quality, and ecological health.

Leading the field effort is Andy Nadeau, a seasoned GSS wetland scientist, with Technician Isabelle McNeill assisting in data collection and logistics. Eric Lindquist, GSS Project Manager, coordinated field planning and stakeholder communication. The team conducted extensive field verification to support photo interpretation and wetland delineation.

Field work is a critical component of the NWI update process. The GSS crew visited numerous check sites to confirm the presence, classification, and extent of wetland features identified in aerial imagery. This on-the-ground work included:

·        Photo interpretation validation
·        Soils analysis to confirm hydric conditions
·        Vegetation identification to verify wetland plant communities
·        Hydrologic assessments to determine water presence and source

These field-verified data points ensure the accuracy of the wetland maps that are being compiled and digitized for integration into the national dataset. Meanwhile, SMU students back on campus contributed to the project by analyzing imagery, managing GIS data, and assisting with map production and reporting—providing them with valuable experience in applied environmental science.

This project continues a proud tradition at GSS of combining academic excellence, student mentorship, and real-world environmental work. As climate change, land use pressures, and habitat conservation become ever more pressing, the NWI plays a vital role in planning, policy, and stewardship.

Smith River Watershed: GSS & the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation

From May 6–8, staff from GeoSpatial Services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (GSS SMUMN) traveled to Northern California to conduct fieldwork in the Smith River Watershed—a region known for its ecological richness and cultural significance.

This trip was part of GSS’s ongoing partnership with the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, focusing on wetland mapping efforts that support tribal land stewardship and conservation goals. The Smith River Watershed, located near the Oregon border, is home to unique coastal ecosystems that provide critical habitat and environmental services.

During the visit, GSS staff Kathy Allen, Avrey Simonson, and Eric Lindquist carried out on-the-ground assessments, collected geospatial data, and—most importantly—had the opportunity to connect with tribal staff, learning more about the land from those who know it best. Highlights of the trip included driving through redwood forests, exploring ocean beaches, spotting Roosevelt elk, and finally finding endemic Pacific banana slugs on the last day of the trip.

These kinds of collaborations are at the heart of our mission: using science and technology to support com munities in managing and protecting natural resources. We're honored to be part of this important work and look forward to continuing our partnership with the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation.

🌿 Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our work in the West!

#GeoSpatialServices #SMUMN

GSS SMUMN Partners with Navajo Nation for Wetland Restoration and Conservation

In a powerful step toward collaborative environmental conservation, GSS SMUMN Director Andy Robertson recently joined forces with Rio Grande Return and Amigos Bravos for a key meeting with the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, AZ. The gathering focused on advancing wetland restoration efforts, exploring innovative conservation strategies and identifying wetlands on the Navajo Reservation that represent candidates for designation as New Mexico Wetland Jewels.

Bringing Wetland Conservation to the Forefront

The discussions revolved around critical wetland initiatives, including Wetland Program Development and Low-Tech Process Based (LTPBR) wetland and stream restoration techniques using beaver mimicry. A major highlight was the GSS Wetland Jewels GIS Analysis, a state-of-the-art tool designed to identify and prioritize essential wetland areas for restoration, preservation and enhancement.

The he team examined several potential restoration opportunities in the Crystal Creek Watershed, evaluating its potential for wetland enhancement and broader ecological benefits.  Sites included established natural beaver colonies, mixed land-use locations supporting both developed agriculture and wildlife habitat and high-elevation headwater locations where erosion is degrading floodplain connectivity.

Harnessing Nature-Based Solutions

A key topic of discussion was Low-Tech Process Based wetland and stream restoration, a strategy that leverages beavers' natural ecosystem engineering skills to improve water retention, enhance habitat diversity, and strengthen climate resilience. By adopting these techniques, the Navajo Nation can cultivate healthier wetland ecosystems that support biodiversity and long-term water sustainability.

Merging Traditional Knowledge with Modern Conservation

This collaboration underscores the importance of integrating indigenous science with cutting-edge conservation approaches. By working together, these partners aim to protect and revitalize vital wetland environments, setting a precedent for effective and sustainable environmental stewardship.

Expanding Partnerships for Greater Impact

Beyond the Navajo Nation discussions, Robertson also visited the White Mountain Apache Reservation to reconnect with past collaborators and discuss ongoing wetland conservation projects. Having previously worked in the region in the early 2010s, this visit reinforced GSS SMUMN’s commitment to long-term environmental partnerships and the need for ongoing efforts to continue to address climate modification, particularly storm intensity and prolonged drought.  The team had significant discussions on where to focus efforts on wetland and stream restoration in order to achieve the most significant results from limited budgets and then took to the field in order to review past activities and discuss new strategies including LTPBR techniques.

Stay tuned for more updates on GSS SMUMN’s wetland initiatives and the ongoing efforts to restore and protect these crucial ecosystems!

GSS & KWF: Advancing Non-Point Source Pollution Research

In February, GSS’s Jeff Knopf presented an innovative project focused on identifying non-point source pollution in the City of Kenai. This pilot project, conducted in collaboration with the Kenai Watershed Forum (KWF), aims to develop a GIS-based methodology for detecting non-point source pollution hotspots.

Understanding Non-Point Source Pollution

As the population grows, urban development increases, leading to the replacement of natural landscapes with impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and buildings. These surfaces prevent the natural absorption and filtration of rainfall, causing runoff to flow directly into nearby waterbodies through storm drains and culverts. This shift in hydrology can have significant effects on aquatic habitats, particularly in urban areas surrounding the Kenai and Soldotna regions.

GSS SMUMN’s Role and Approach

The primary objective of this study was to test a proof of concept: Could GIS modeling be used to pinpoint areas with significant non-point source pollution contributions? By identifying these pollution hotspots, stakeholders can make informed decisions about green infrastructure solutions to mitigate their impact on water quality.

Developing a Green Infrastructure Strategy

To support better stormwater management, GSS SMUMN developed a systematic process for selecting locations suitable for nature-based stormwater solutions. The workflow for this analysis included the following key steps:

1. Acquiring Datasets – Gathering relevant geographic and environmental data for analysis.

2. Hydro-Conditioning the LiDAR DEM – Processing elevation data to enhance hydrological accuracy.

3. Generating Impervious Surfaces – Identifying and mapping impervious areas contributing to runoff.

4. Deriving Flowlines and Creating a Network – Establishing how water moves through the urban landscape.

5. Quantifying Impervious Surface Contributions – Assessing runoff impact at key pour points to guide green infrastructure planning.

This project is part of GSS SMUMN’s broader effort to apply geospatial analysis to environmental challenges. By integrating GIS modeling into conservation planning, our team is helping communities better understand the effects of urbanization on aquatic habitats and identify opportunities for sustainable stormwater management.

The findings from this pilot project will help inform future conservation and development efforts, ensuring that the unique and valuable water resources of the Kenai Peninsula remain healthy for generations to come.

GSS Partners with Mayo Clinic and SMU Alumnus to Transform Floor Plan Management Using GIS

In January 2025, GeoSpatial Services at SMUMN (Saint Mary's University of Minnesota) kicked off an exciting pilot project with the Mayo Clinic, aimed at exploring the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for updating and managing floor plans. This project represents an important step forward in modernizing how physical space data is handled and is focused on evaluating the use of ArcGIS Indoors for improving the accuracy and efficiency of floor plan management.

This collaboration between GSS SMUMN and Mayo Clinic highlights the impact of Saint Mary’s graduates in the field of GIS and facilities management. Notably, Tom Walker, a Saint Mary’s alumnus now serving as the Facilities Management Systems Coordinator at Mayo Clinic. He, along with his colleague, Anne Morris and others at Mayo, are contributing to this initiative. Their expertise in spatial data integration and digital mapping is enhancing facility operations, underscoring the strong connection between Saint Mary’s academic programs and industry leaders like Mayo Clinic.

Key Objectives of the Project The pilot project has several key goals, all designed to test and refine the process of integrating GIS technology into floor plan management:

1. Evaluating Data Transfer: One of the main objectives is to assess how existing floor plans in CAD format can be effectively transferred into the ArcGIS Indoors system, allowing for better spatial data management and visualization.

2. Learning and Adaptation: GeoSpatial Services will work closely with Mayo Clinic to understand their current workflows, ensuring the solution is tailored to meet their unique needs and standards for managing indoor spaces.

3. Updating and Improving Floor Plans: The project will also involve updating existing floor plans to ensure they are accurate and up to date, ultimately enabling better space management and utilization.

4. Quality Assurance and Control: To ensure the highest standards, GeoSpatial Services will carry out quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) on the data being transferred. This process will verify that the new system adheres to established data standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Why ArcGIS Indoors? ArcGIS Indoors is an innovative GIS platform designed to improve how indoor spaces are managed, providing tools to visualize, analyze, and update floor plans with ease. For this pilot, the goal is to explore the potential benefits of ArcGIS Indoors, which include enhanced data accessibility, real-time updates, and greater collaboration in managing complex spaces.

Looking Toward the Future: This project is just the beginning. As GeoSpatial Services continues to work alongside Mayo Clinic, both teams will assess the success of the pilot, refine workflows, and explore ways to expand the use of GIS technology in indoor space management. The outcome of this project could open the door to broader applications across various industries, setting the stage for a more efficient and data-driven approach to managing physical spaces.

Stay tuned as GeoSpatial Services at SMUMN and Mayo Clinic work together to test the future of floor plan management through GIS.

A New GSS Endeavor Featured in the Saint Mary’s Magazine

GSS Launches New Project: Mapping Church Properties – Read All About It in the Fall 2024/Winter 2025 SMU Magazine!

Click Here.

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https://issuu.com/smumn/docs/4802_smm-f24w25_final_web_1_?ff

GSS Supports Alaska Tribal Salmon Management/Subsistence with Partners BBNC & NAFWS

Click the link below to read the full story from The Native American Fish & Wildlife Society (NAFWS) about their recent award from the America the Beautiful Challenge competitive grant program. This grant supports ecological restoration and cultural preservation efforts.

NAFWS is partnering with Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC) and GeoSpatial Services of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN GSS) to utilize these funds effectively. GSS has been contracted to map wetlands with a target resolution of one-acre map units, ensuring compatibility with national mapping and classification standards and the USFWS National Wetland Inventory Database.

Click HERE for the full story!

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https://www.nafws.org/news/tribal-highlight-bristol-bay-native-corporation-awarded-funds-to-advance-wetlands-mapping-for-improved-regional-habitat-management-in-bristol-bay/

Jeff Knopf Receives Employee Recognition Award at Saint Mary’s University Christmas Celebration

On December 9th, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota held its Employee Christmas Celebration on the Winona campus. Jeff Knopf from GeoSpatial Services was among select other SMU Staff who were honored with the Employee Recognition Awards. The Very Reverend James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., President of the university presented the awards.

Jeff was recognized for his exceptional work at GSS with Staff and Students over the years.

Jeff was commended for his dedication and collaborative spirit, stating that his efforts reflect the very best of Saint Mary’s University. This award highlights Jeff’s ongoing commitment to excellence, and his impact on the university is deeply appreciated.

Congratulations to Jeff on this well-deserved recognition!

Jeff Knopf receives his Employee Recognition from Fr. Burns

GSS Hosts Minnesota Agricultural Conservation Professionals

In early November, GSS staff Kevin Stark, Jeff Knopf, Eric Lindquist, and Andy Robertson hosted a meeting with agricultural conservation professionals. The group was represented by staff from the MN Dept. of Agriculture (MDA), MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and two local soil and water conservation district (SWCD) staff from Fillmore County and Root River. The gathering took place at GSS’s Winona offices, where participants toured the facilities and attended presentations in the scenic third-floor conference room of SMU’s Aquinas Hall.

In cooperation with the Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District and the MN Dept. of Ag., GSS staff are piloting a GIS mapping and targeting technique that will involve identifying existing conservation practices on farm fields and an off-site assessment process that will help Dept. of Ag and SWCD staff target fields that will benefit from additional conservation practices installations. This information will help local SWCD staff with meaningful offsite data that will assist them in their field walk-overs when they approach farmers about the potential to expand upon their existing conservation efforts. The meeting introduced attendees to the concepts in this pilot project, talked about the benefits of such a project, and even explored what it would look like to potentially scale up the work to involve a large area such as southeast Minnesota. GSS spoke about the organization's capacity and competency to take on large projects like this, demonstrated by decades of expansive mapping project work and local partnerships and projects that support agricultural conservation planning.

GSS hosts Ag Professionals in one of the unique spaces of SMU’s Aquinas Hall.