In this episode, we spoke with Roy Petrakis, a Geographer with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Western Geographic Science Center. Roy’s expertise includes using remote sensing and GIS to understand how landscapes in the southwest are changing over time, including shifts in wildfire behavior, vegetation dynamics, and water availability. His research addresses wildfire and fuel treatments, climate variability, watershed management, and more.

He talked with us about the long-standing partnership between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the USGS, where collaborative research supports land management decisions and riparian restoration efforts. From tracking invasive species like tamarisk to studying wildfire impacts and drought stress, Roy highlights how science and Indigenous knowledge come together to build more resilient ecosystems and support communities.

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USGS Southwest CASC: https://www.swcasc.arizona.edu/