Strategic Support of UAS Center at SBD Initiatives at Santa Ana River Science Symposium

San Bernardino, CA — February 19, 2026 — Influential Drones highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the UAS Center at SBD as Dave Krause, President and Co-Owner of Influential Drones, delivered a featured technical presentation and participated in a panel discussion at the Santa Ana River Science Symposium. The event was hosted by the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District on Thursday, February 19, at the Esri Conference Center.

Krause presented “Eye in the Sky, Data on the Ground: Advancing Conservation Science through Drone Technology,” sharing applied insights from his role supporting the UAS Center at SBD. His presentation focused on how uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) were being responsibly integrated into watershed conservation and environmental research through low-impact, high-resolution data collection.

Drawing on operational activities conducted over the Norton Test Range and Sunrise Ranch, the presentation highlighted how standards-based drone operations supported ecological research, habitat monitoring, invasive species detection, and hydrologic analysis. These efforts reflected the close working relationship between Influential Drones and the UAS Center at SBD, where safe flight operations, test-range discipline, and real-world mission execution converged.

“As technology evolves, so does our responsibility to apply it thoughtfully,” said Krause. “Through our partnership with the UAS Center at SBD, we helped ensure drone-enabled data collection was not only innovative, but repeatable, defensible, and aligned with the needs of scientists and land managers working in sensitive environments.”

In addition to the presentation, Krause participated in a panel discussion focused on Future Adaptation, examining how emerging technologies, including drones, were being integrated into long-term watershed management, conservation planning, and environmental resilience strategies without compromising ecological integrity.

The two-day Santa Ana River Science Symposium brought together researchers, water managers, and environmental professionals for a full day of technical sessions, followed by a guided field tour of the Santa Ana River Watershed. Portions of the tour included areas within the Norton Test Range, providing attendees with firsthand exposure to active research and testing environments supported by the UAS Center at SBD.

Through its continued collaboration with the UAS Center at SBD, Influential Drones reinforced its commitment to advancing responsible, standards-aligned drone operations that bridged aviation, science, and real-world environmental decision-making.