The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Oct. 21, at noon CDT will feature Kelsey Karnish, Ph.D. student, agriculture and environmental science, Iowa State University. Karnish’s research integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS), resource economics, and agronomic and hydrologic understanding to model land-use alternatives that address environmental challenges on agricultural landscapes.

In the webinar, “A Spatially Explicit Approach for Identifying, Prioritizing, and Estimating Costs Associated with Potential Floodplain Easements,” Karnish will highlight how geospatial tools and data can be used to identify, prioritize, and evaluate costs associated with potential flood plain easement locations. She will draw on research that uses these techniques to identify opportunities for flood plain restoration which could offer opportunities to positively enhance ecosystem service benefits. Karnish will also overview how land-use changes from native ecosystems to row crop corn and soybeans have negatively impacted downstream ecosystems across the United States Corn Belt.

“Flood plain restoration and conservation planning using GIS are two options for improving environmental outcomes and addressing impaired water quality,” said Karnish. “I am eager to help participants in this webinar gain an understanding of how geospatial tools and technology are the future of land use planning that can improve environmental outcomes on agricultural landscapes!”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.