Owyhee Air Research is a leading aerial imaging and mapping services provider, working with Federal and state agencies, universities, and private companies throughout the US. We use the most advanced technology available in remote sensing and mapping, multispectral imaging, and aerial telemetry to deliver the insights and intelligence that drive critical decisions.
Our Mission And Vision
Our mission is to provide unparalleled excellence of service in the area of aerial survey and natural resource data acquisition.
Our vision is to continually develop our services to meet expanding customer needs while creating lasting relationships and promoting safety as our first priority.
Who We Serve
Federal Agencies
For over 12 years, we’ve collaborated with federal and state agencies, offering cost-effective solutions for wildlife surveys and fire reconnaissance. Our palatized sensor payloads, combined with advanced telemetry and mapping technology, ensure precise data collection. This enables agencies to make well-informed decisions that protect and conserve natural resources.
Wildlife Biologists
Our team of wildlife professionals has developed habitat- and species-specific survey protocols. These protocols allow for the accurate and efficient collection of diverse wildlife population metrics. Agency biologists use our services to study and monitor animal behavior and habitat. With infrared/HD video and telemetry equipment, researchers can track animal movements. This data helps inform management decisions at the landscape scale.
Land & Fire Managers
For fire managers, we provide essential information for wildfire detection, prevention, and control. Our fire reconnaissance capability allows managers to quickly and accurately assess the fire’s location, size, and intensity. This helps them make informed decisions on the most effective response strategies.
Environmental Organizations
From habitat health assessments to post-fire regrowth monitoring, environmental organizations use our mapping technology to identify high-value conservation areas. This helps them prioritize conservation efforts effectively.
Land Developers
Land developers can leverage our telemetry and mapping services to evaluate the environmental impact of their projects on local wildlife and habitats. Additionally, these services facilitate long-term monitoring of landscape changes, providing valuable insights into the effects of ongoing development.
Researchers & Educators
Researchers and educators can benefit from the full breadth our services to engage fellow researchers, students, and the general public in learning about new methods of data acquisition for wildlife behavior and conservation.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Dan is a Certified Wildlife Biologist through the Wildlife Society with an M.S. in Wildlife Biology/Ecology, and a professional background in Incident Management. He’s been with Owyhee Air for 7 years and established many of the flight protocols we now use for wildlife and wildfire aerial operations and data delivery. Born and raised in the foothills of Southern Idaho, Dan has a deep appreciation for the outdoors where he can often be found exploring new trails and streams in the wild places of North America.
As Director of Operations, Steven is responsible for regulatory compliance with all FAA regulations and is the main point of contact behind our FAR Part 135 Operations Certificate. From stealth missions in Iraq, to a full career with United Airlines; Steven possesses an aviation career spanning more than 45 years and over 12,000 flight hours in both manned and unmanned aircraft, including time as an operational test pilot for the F-117A Stealth Fighter and mission pilot for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. He holds a B.S. in Business, a Master of Public Administration, and Education Specialist degrees. Steve has a tremendous love of the outdoors and spends as much time as he can enjoying the myriads of mountains, lakes, and rivers of the intermountain northwest.
Todd is our Chief Pilot. His passion for aviation took wings at age 17 and has taken him around the world from N. America to the Western and Southern Pacific islands, to the continent of Africa, and now to Owyhee Air Research, where he oversees pilot training and standardization, in addition to operational flying. Over the years he has served in roles ranging from pilot/mechanic to Chief Pilot at a regional airline, to Program / Country Director of a large Humanitarian Air group in Papua New Guinea. He holds FAA Airline Transport, Commercial, and Airframe and Powerplant licenses in addition to a B.S. in Business from Southern Oregon State University.
Born and raised in the Northwest of the US, Todd has a passion for the outdoors, where you’ll find him backpacking, biking, or sailing, as time allows. These interests align well with the natural resources focus of Owyhee Air Research.
