Project Description:
A few years back, an AUV-ROV (Automated Underwater Vehicle-Remotely Operated Vehicle) was purchased through a grant for the purpose of helping to locate and identify invasive species (macrophytes) in the lake. Upon acquiring the unit, it became apparent that the reality of operating the system was a bit different from what was anticipated. The bottom line is, we own this vehicle and owe it to ourselves to see if we can make use of it as a tool to help keep the lake healthy. To that end, our two immediate goals are (1) to make sure all components are operable and technically supported and (2) to train teams of people (it takes two people – one on a laptop, one on a joystick controller) . The third, more long-term goal is to identify other possible uses for the vehicle beyond the primary use in identifying invasive species.
Immediate Needs:
- Volunteers that want to learn how to operate the unit.
- Access to a pool that we can practice in during the winter
Current Team Members:
- Eric & Eleanor Randall are the originators of the project and will be a primary source of guidance for as long as they want to be. We will be looking for someone(s) to take on the task of keeping people trained on the equipment and determining where and how we utilize the vehicle once we are both confident and comfortable operating it in the lake.
- Bob Harris has expressed interest in being part of this team.
- Curtis Levermore
