Page 103 - Mapping the Nation: Taking Climate Action

supervisor (and former intern) who oversees the Stream Crew, internships also fill an essential education gap. "If you're in an environmental field that requires interdisciplinary work, you need experience that brings together multiple disciplines to show you how to solve real problems in the real world," he said. "College students often don't have field experience because they're so maxed out with classes. Summer internships are an effective way of getting that synthesized knowledge and soft skills employers are looking for." Data Tells the Streams' Stories The 2017 Stream Crew cleaned and collected data on 22 creeks and streams, covering 47.8 miles. As proof of the crew's impact, the total amount of trash removed decreased each year—progress clearly shown by the data collected. Students interact with the GIS, using it to collect, see, and analyze data. "I originally thought of my Stream Crew internship as simply a chance to get field knowledge," Bondaug-Winn said. "But then I realized that a lot of employers were looking for students that had experience working with GIS. So, I did a few more GIS internship programs after Stream Crew before returning to work for the City of Salem full-time." The Stream Crew's work collecting data and clearing streams has proven to reduce flooding, helping Salem meet state and federal requirements. The program has also saved money for the city by making Salem eligible for discounted FEMA flood insurance. The Stream Crew also can be easily adapted to serve the changing needs of Salem as the city continues to collect data and learn about the best ways to prepare for and mitigate flooding's devastation. A map showing the analysis of observed jams guided the removal of debris. (Map courtesy of the City of Salem) Correlation Between Modeled Vegetation Removal Priorities and Observed Debris Jams ± Miles 0 0.250.5 1 1.5 2 Esri, HERE, Garmin, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community Modeled Vegetation Removal Priority High Medium Low Vegetation Removal Not Recommended Density of Observed Debris Jams (2016-2018) 8.1 - 17 18 - 34 35 - 52 53 - 69 70 - 86 87 - 110 120 - 130 140 - 150 This product is provided as is, without warranty. In no event is the City of Salem liable for damages from the use of this product. This product is subject to license and copyright limitations and further distribution or resale is prohibited. 102 Inland Flooding