Riparian and Wetlands LiDAR Maps- An Overview

LiDAR or "Light Detection and Ranging" is an optical remote sensing technology that measures properties of scattered light to find range and/or other information of a distant target. The prevalent method to determine distance to an object or surface is to use laser pulses. Benton County is a partner in the Oregon LiDAR Consortium and will be utilizing LiDAR data for the Riparian and Wetlands project and other County projects.

Map Example – City of Adair Village riparian corridor imagery compared to current fish buffer, stream map

Lower Newton Creek map; demonstrates how new map data better defines stream channel

KEY:

• "Steep Slopes" showing top of stream bank with high resolution LiDAR
• "Current Fish Buffer" showing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife current recommended buffer to protect fish and aquatic wildlife. NOTE difference with new LiDAR and current state maps
• "National Wetland Index (NWI)" – Department of State Lands mapping of wetlands

* As you can see the actual location of the stream/riparian area is not always captured in old maps. The new map inventory in priority areas across Benton County will greatly improve Riparian and Wetland planning and protection/incentive areas.

More maps to come as project work continues! Check back soon.