Progress 02/01/23 to 01/30/25
Outputs
Target Audience:The RapidFEM4D project targeted a diverse array of audiences, aiming to serve individuals, communities, and organizations that could benefit from its science-based tools and methodologies. Our efforts combined formal and informal educational programs, stakeholder engagement, and outreach initiatives to deliver knowledge and support. Below is a breakdown of the project's target audiences and the efforts made to engage them effectively: Engaging Local Stakeholders for Tailored Solutions Local stakeholders from Myakka State Forest and the Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area were a primary focus of the project. This audience included private landowners and park management districts, many of whom face economic and logistical challenges in managing forest ecosystems impacted by hurricanes. Our early interactions with these groups provided critical insights into their specific needs, enabling us to refine the project's deliverables and make them more actionable. Workshops, site visits, and collaborative meetings served as key mechanisms for knowledge transfer, helping these stakeholders adopt innovative approaches to assess forest damage and plan for recovery. Empowering Youth Through Education and Engagement The project also prioritized youth outreach, by leveraging the 4-H Forest Ecology Program to foster interest in forest science and technology. Our efforts aimed to provide experiential learning opportunities for students from diverse socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Events such as the April 2023 4-H Forest Ecology Contest and the October 2023 4-H Forest Ecology Clinic introduced youth to innovative methods for monitoring forest ecosystems. In the second year, this outreach expanded to include the April 2024 contest, which engaged 70 youth participants representing 16 counties, and the October 2024 clinic, ensuring sustained education and engagement. As part of these efforts, we conducted technology demonstrations, including the use of terrestrial laser scanning. These demonstrations showcased how laser technology, used in the project to assess hurricane damage, provides insights into forest structure and damage recovery. This hands-on exposure to advanced technologies inspired students to explore real-world applications of science and technology in addressing environmental challenges. Expanding Reach Through Global Online Users In the second year, we launched the RapidFEM4D web platform, making the project's tools accessible to a broader, international audience. A virtual workshop, attended by 93 participants from 15 countries, introduced the platform's features and applications. This event connected with individuals from a variety of professional and educational backgrounds, including researchers, educators, and land management practitioners. Efforts to support online users included the personalized follow-ups to ensure successful platform adoption. The platform incorporated a dedicated feedback portal for real-time user input and included functionality to track visitor locations, allowing us to understand its reach and improve engagement strategies. Sustaining Impact Through Continuous User Engagement To ensure the platform remained relevant and effective, we maintained close communication with its users during the second year. Feedback collected through the web portal and follow-up surveys informed ongoing updates to the platform. These efforts ensured that the platform could adapt to user needs and continue to serve a diverse audience, including socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged groups. Changes/Problems:The project encountered a significant challenge related to the availability of cloud-free satellite imagery during the proposed mapping timeframes. Initially, the project aimed to map forest biomass at a 30 m spatial resolution at two months pre-hurricane and at two, six, and twelve months post-hurricane disturbance. However, extensive cloud cover during summer months impeded the acquisition of clear optical remote sensing data, compromising the quality of the detailed biomass mapping within the originally planned timeframes. While rapid assessments of forest conditions are technically possible when cloud-free pixels become available, the biomassestimates derived from such imagery are often affected by image noise, reducing their accuracy and reliability. To address this, the project adapted its methodology by expanding the data collection period to a yearly time window, which allowed for the inclusion of more cloud-free imagery and ensured higher-quality data for biomass mapping. This strategic adjustment prioritized the delivery of accurate and reliable products to the public over rapid assessments. By focusing on the accuracy of the outputs, the project ensured that the biomassmaps and related products could effectively support decision-making for forest management and recovery, even if the initial rapid assessment objectives were modified. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The RapidFEM4D project provided valuable opportunities for training and professional development by fostering engagement with advanced technologies and leading experts in forest ecosystem assessment. A key highlight was a virtual workshop introducing the RapidFEM4D platform, where participants engaged directly with remote sensing experts, including Dr. Carlos Silva and Dr. Inacio Bueno from the University of Florida, Dr. Jeff Atkins from the US Forest Service, and Dr. Jeffery Cannon from The Jones Center at Ichauway. The workshop covered the use of lidar-based tools for assessing hurricane impacts, provided live demonstrations of the platform's capabilities, and included interactive Q&A sessions, fostering knowledge exchange and professional growth. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of the RapidFEM4D project have been disseminated through various channels to effectively reach communities of interest. 1. Online Community The RapidFEM4D platform (http://rapidfem4d.silvalab-uf.com/) was launched as an open-access web platform to provide hurricane disturbance and recovery maps, enabling global users to access high-resolution data for forest management and restoration. It features a dedicated feedback portal and mechanisms for tracking user interactions, allowing for continuous improvement based on user input and ensuring the platform remains responsive to the diverse needs of its audience. Additionally, a virtual workshop was conducted with 93 participants from 15 countries, which included live demonstrations, expert discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions, ensuring accessibility and usability for a wide range of users. 2. Local Stakeholders Field data collection in Myakka State Forest and the Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area provided an opportunity to collaborate directly with stakeholders, ensuring their insights were integrated into the project outcomes. These interactions included conversations about their specific needs, which helped refine the project's deliverables to better align with stakeholder requirements and priorities. This approach ensured the project addressed practical challenges and delivered actionable solutions for forest management and restoration. 3. Educational Outreach The project was actively integrated into the 4-H Forest Ecology Program, where we engaged youth and educators through hands-on activities and technology demonstrations, such as terrestrial laser scanning, to highlight forest ecosystem assessment and recovery monitoring. Additionally, we displayed posters about the project at program events and interacted directly with the children, discussing the importance of using advanced technologies to understand and manage the impacts of hurricanes on forests. 4. Scientific Conferences and Publications Conference abstracts and papers have been submitted or are in preparation to further disseminate project results. In addition, we have presented project findings at prominent international conferences, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers, educators, and stakeholders. Project-related abstracts have been or will be presented at the following conferences: SilviLaser, 2023. London, England American Geophysical Union, AGU Fall Meeting 2023. San Francisco, CA, USA. North American Forest Ecology Workshop, NAFEW 2024. Asheville, NC, USA. Association for Forest Spatial Analysis Technologies, ForestSAT 2024. Rotorua, New Zealand. American Geophysical Union, AGU Fall Meeting 2024. Washington, D.C., USA. Brazilian Symposium on Remote Sensing, SBSR 2025. Salvador, Brazil. These dissemination efforts, combined with constant feedback and interaction through the RapidFEM4D platform, educational outreach activities, and ongoing communication with stakeholders, ensure the project's results are accessible, actionable, and continuously refined to maximize their impact across multiple communities of interest. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The RapidFEM4D successfully achieved significant milestones aligned with its major goals to address hurricane impacts on forests, including: 1. Development of the RapidFEM4D Platform An open-source, web-based mapping platform (http://rapidfem4d.silvalab-uf.com/) was developed and launched. The platform provides a temporal sequence of hurricane disturbance severity and recovery maps for forested areas within Hurricane Ian's path. This tool integrates high-resolution remote sensing data, enabling users to quantify hurricane damage, track forest recovery, and spatially prioritize management actions. 2. Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback The project engaged local stakeholders, including landowners, timber companies, and park managers, to ensure that tools and outputs aligned with their needs. Initial consultations helped tailor the platform's features, while continuous feedback was collected through the platform's feedback portal to refine its functionality. 3. Educational Outreach The project delivered technology demonstrations and workshops, including the use of terrestrial laser scanning to assess hurricane damage. Through the 4-H Forest Ecology Program, hands-on activities introduced youth to forest ecosystem management and recovery monitoring, promoting the use of advanced technologies for addressing environmental challenges. 4. Scientific Dissemination The platform and project findings were presented at multiple scientific conferences worldwide, reaching a broad audience of researchers, educators, and stakeholders. These include: SilviLaser, 2023. London, England American Geophysical Union, AGU Fall Meeting 2023. San Francisco, CA, USA. North American Forest Ecology Workshop, NAFEW 2024. Asheville, NC, USA. Association for Forest Spatial Analysis Technologies, ForestSAT 2024. Rotorua, New Zealand. American Geophysical Union, AGU Fall Meeting 2023. Washington, D.C., USA. Brazilian Symposium on Remote Sensing, SBSR 2025. Salvador, Brazil. 5. Product Dissmination and User Support: A virtual workshop for the platform launch attracted 93 participants from 15 countries, expanding the project's reach beyond Florida. The platform remains available for public use, benefitting management agencies, educators, researchers, and the general public globally. Continuous engagement with users through a feedback portal has supported iterative platform improvements. Through these efforts, the project has significantly advanced the understanding of hurricane impacts on forests and provided actionable tools to support post-hurricane management, restoration, and education.
Publications
- Type:
Other Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Bueno, I.T., Silva, C.A., Schlickmann, M.B., Donovan, V.M., Atkins, J.W., Brock, K., Xia, J., Valle, D.R., Qiu, J., Vogel, J., Susaeta, A., Sharma, A., Klauberg, C., Mohan, M., Dalla Corte. A.P. Upscaling frameworks drive prediction accuracy and uncertainty when mapping aboveground biomass density from the synergism of spaceborne LiDAR, SAR, and passive optical data. Environmental Modelling & Software. Submitted.
- Type:
Other Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Bueno, I.T., Silva, C.A., Hamamura, C., Schlickmann, M.B., Donovan, V.M., Atkins, J.W., Brock, K., Xia, J., Valle, D.R., Qiu, J., Vogel, J., Susaeta, A., Sharma, A., Karasinski, M.A., Klauberg, C. RAPIDFEM4D: aboveground biomass maps for post-hurricane Ian forest monitoring in Florida. Scientific Data. In preparation.
- Type:
Other Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Bueno, I.T., Silva, C.A., Atkins, J.W., Cannon, J.B., Valle, D.R., Donovan, V.M., Sharma, A., Qiu, J., Klauberg, C., Hamamura, C., Schlickmann, M.B., Brock, K., Vogel, J., Xu, X., Uriarte, M., Hudak, A., Ma, L., Dalla Corte, A.P., Hurtt, G. Rising storms, rising needs: The call for robust forest science infrastructure. Nature Climate Change. In preparation.
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Schlickmann, M.B., Bueno, I.T., Valle, D., Hammond, W.M., Prichard, S.J., Hudak, A.T., Klauberg, C., Karasinski, M.A., Brock, K.M., Rocha, K.D., Xia, J., Vieira Leite, R., Higuchi, P., da Silva, A.C., Maximo da Silva, G., Cova, G.R., Silva, C.A., 2025. Statewide Forest Canopy Cover Mapping of Florida Using Synergistic Integration of Spaceborne LiDAR, SAR, and Optical Imagery. Remote Sens. 17, 320. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17020320
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Bueno, I.T., Hamamura, C., Brock, K., Schlickmann, M.B., Sharma, A., Klauberg, C., Valle, D.R., Vogel, J., Atkins, J.W., Qiu, J., Donovan, V.M., Silva, C.A. RapidFEM4D: a web-based mapping platform for assessing the impacts and nearterm recovery of hurricane Ian on forest ecosystems in Florida. In Simp�sio Brasileiro de Sensorioamento Remoto, SBSR. Salvador, Brazil, 2025.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Bueno, I.T., Schlickmann, M.B., Sharma, A., Klauberg, C., Valle, D.R., Vogel, J., Atkins, J.W., Qiu, J., Donovan, V.M., Silva, C.A. Mapping Floridas forest aboveground biomass density impacted by hurricane Ian through the synergism of spaceborne lidar, SAR, and passive optical data. In Simp�sio Brasileiro de Sensorioamento Remoto, SBSR. Salvador, Brazil, 2025.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Bueno, I. T., Hamamura, Schlickmann, M. B., Sharma, A., Donovan, V. M., Qiu, J., Vogel, J., Atkins, J. W., Klauberg, C., Valle, D. R., Silva, C. A. RapidFEM4D: A web-based mapping platform for balancing ecological recovery and forest management post-hurricane Ian in Florida. In North American Forest Ecology Workshop, NAFEW. Asheville, USA, 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Bueno, I.T., Hamamura, C., Brock, K., Schlickmann, M.B., Sharma, A., Klauberg, C., Valle, D.R., Vogel, J., Atkins, J.W., Qiu, J., Donovan, V.M., Silva, C.A. RapidFEM4D: A web-based mapping platform for assessing the impacts and nearterm recovery of Hurricane Ian on forest ecosystems in Florida. In Association for Forest Spatial Analysis Technologies, ForestSAT. Rotorua, New Zealand, 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Bueno, I.T., M.B., Schlickmann, Donovan, V.M., Atkins, J.W., Brock, K., Valle, D.R., Qiu, J., Vogel, J., Susaeta, A., Sharma, A., Klauberg, C., Silva, C.A. RapidFEM4D: A web-based mapping platform for assessing the impacts and nearterm recovery of Hurricane Ian on forest ecosystems in Florida. In American Geophysical Union AGU Annual Meeting. Washington, D.C., 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Hudak, A., Bueno, I.T., M.B., Schlickmann, Donovan, V.M., Atkins, J.W., Brock, K., Valle, D.R., Qiu, J., Vogel, J., Susaeta, A., Sharma, A., Klauberg, C., Silva, C.A. RapidFEM4D: A web-based mapping platform for assessing the impacts and nearterm recovery of Hurricane Ian on forest ecosystems in Florida. In SilviLaser 2023. London, England, 2023.
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Progress 02/01/23 to 01/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:In the first year of the RapidFEM4D project, our efforts successfully reached several key target audiences. We engaged with stakeholders in Myakka State Forest and the Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area. These stakeholders include entities like private landowners, timber companies, and park and water management districts. Furthermore, we expanded our outreach to youth through the 4-H Forest Ecology Program, presenting the project's goals and methods. This allowed us to educate younger generations about forest ecosystem management and the use of technology in assessing and monitoring hurricane impacts on these ecosystems. Changes/Problems:In our project, we have encountered challenges that required adjustments to our approach. These challenges highlight the complex nature of working with environmental data and the need for adaptability in our methodologies. Below is a point-by-point list of the key challenges and the changes we made in response: - Initial mapping proposal:Our initial proposal included mapping forest aboveground biomass densityat a 30 m spatial resolution at two months pre- and two, six, and twelve months post-hurricane disturbance. - Cloud cover challenges: We encounteredthe absence of cloud-free imagery within these narrow time frames during the summer months. Such cloud cover significantly impedes the accuracy of optical remote sensing data necessary for detailed biomass mapping. - Adaptation to wider time windows:To address this issue, we adapted our methodology to incorporate wider time windows for data collection. This adjustment allowed us to access more cloud-free imagery and ensured the quality and reliability of the imagery used for aboveground biomass density mapping. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has enhanced training and professional development opportunities through an upcoming workshop on February 28th, 2024, dedicated to the RapidFEM4D platform. This workshop will be open and free to all and offers a chance for participants to engage with remote sensing experts, such as Dr. Carlos Silva and Dr. Inacio Bueno from the University of Florida, as well as Dr. Jeffery Cannon from The Jones Center at Ichauway. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with these speakers, ask questions about the platform, and gain practical experience, which will be valuable for their work in post-hurricane forest management and analysis. Link to the workshop:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftHH2crCEK0NFgaMZuIrUpSGTswTuZ1yeEHT4zzw_yfNL2ow/viewform How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The dissemination of our results has been strategic and multifaceted: - 4-H youth program:In April 2023, we actively participated in the 4-H Forest Ecology Contest, setting up a station that attracted over 70 youths from various counties. Moreover, we expanded our outreach through the 4-H Forest Ecology Clinic in October 2023,presenting the project's goals and methods. This allowed us to educate younger generations about forest ecosystem management and the use of technology in assessing and monitoring hurricane impacts on these ecosystems. - Conference presentations: We have presented preliminary results at international conferences such as the IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Annual Metting. At IGARSS, we presented our work titled "Integrating NASA's GEDI and Landsat 8 OLI data for regional aboveground biomass mapping in forested areas impacted by hurricane Ian in Florida," and at AGU, we presented "Mapping Aboveground Biomass in Forested Areas Impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida using GEDI and Optical data." These conferences have provided us with the goal of reaching an international audience, further expanding the impact of our findings. - Upcoming workshop: We plan a more extensive dissemination effort for the upcoming workshop. This event aims to reach a broader audience and expand the impact of our findings and the capabilities of the RapidFEM4D platform. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, the plan includes conducting the workshop to facilitate interaction with researchers and stakeholders. This will be accompanied by surveys to gather feedback on the platform and workshop, aiming to better understand the current practices in mapping and assessing hurricane damage in forest ecosystems. Additionally, another field campaign is planned to collect validation data, which is crucial for improving the accuracy of the RapidFEM4D maps. These steps aimto enhance the effectiveness and usability of the mapping tool.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Within the initial year of our initiative, we have accomplished significant progress in line with our project's goals, which include extension activities, targeted fieldwork, and the development of an open-source web-based mapping platform. -4-H Forest Ecology Contest: In April 2023, we set up a station at the 4-H Forest Ecology Contest, engaging with over 70 youths from various counties. This provided an excellent opportunity to share our project's insights and foster interest in environmental science among the younger generation. -Fieldwork in Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area: In May 2023, we conducted fieldwork in this area to collect terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and forest measurements, which allowed us to gather data and insights to inform our project. - Fieldwork in Myakka State Forest: In June 2023, similar data collection methods were used in Myakka State Forest, further enriching our dataset. Moreover,both fieldwork campaigns allowed us to observe the impacts directlyand solidify our approach to achieving the project's goals. - Presentation at IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS 2023): In July 2023, we presented our work, titled "Integrating NASA's GEDI and Landsat 8 OLI data for regional aboveground biomass mapping in forested areas impacted by hurricane Ian in Florida," at the IGARSS conference in Pasadena, CA. - 4-H Forest Ecology Clinic: In October 2023, we participated in the 4-H Forest Ecology Clinic, furthering our outreach and educational efforts. - Presentation at American Geophysical Union (AGU) Annual Metting:At the AGU meeting in San Francisco, CA,in December, we discussed our approach in "Mapping Aboveground Biomass in Forested Areas Impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida using GEDI and Optical data." -Launch of RapidFEM4D: In December 2023, a significant achievement has been the launch of RapidFEM4D, our open-source web-based mapping platform. This platform not only fulfills the objective of enabling users to assess and monitor the impacts of Hurricane Ian on Florida's forest resources but also features the integration of above-ground biomass density maps. These maps enhance the platform's capability to quantify hurricane damage, track forest recovery, guide post-hurricane management, and educate the public about the utilization of technology in understanding environmental impacts.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Bueno, I.T., Schlickmann, M.B., Sharma, A., Donovan, V.M., Qiu, J., Vogel, J., Atkins, J.W., Klauberg, C., Valle, D.R., Silva, C.A. "Mapping Floridas forest aboveground biomass density impacted by hurricane Ian through the synergism of spaceborne lidar, SAR, and passive optical data". In IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium IGARSS 2024. IGARSS, 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Bueno, I.T., Karasinski, M.A., Schlickmann, M.B., Klauberg, C., Donovan, V.M., Qiu, J., Valle, D.R., Vogel, J., Sharma, A., Atkins, J.W., Susaeta, A., Xia, J., Rocha, K.D., Brock, K., Silva, C.A. "Mapping Aboveground Biomass in Forested Areas Impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida using GEDI and Optical data". In AGU Annual Meeting 2023. AGU, 2023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Karasinski, M.A., Klauberg, C., Donovan, V.M., Qiu, J., Valle, D.R., Vogel, J., Sharma, A., Atkins, J.W., Susaeta, A., Schlickmann, M.B., Xia, J., Rocha, K.D., Leite, R., Silva, C.A. "Integrating NASAs GEDI and Landsat 8 OLI data for regional aboveground biomass mapping in forested areas impacted by hurricane Ian in Florida". In IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium IGARSS 2023. IGARSS, 2023.
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