Leveraging freely available satellite-derived products and machine learning to map invasive alien trees and their water-use impacts. - By Liam Cogill

This study investigates the water use of woody invasive alien plants (IAPs) in strategic water source areas and their impacts on catchment-scale water resources. Using field-based evapotranspiration (ET) measurements and satellite-derived ET products, we evaluated product accuracy and developed an ensemble model, achieving strong agreement with observed data (r = 0.85). Water use comparisons revealed that invasive alien trees consume substantially more water than indigenous vegetation, with restoration scenarios showing significant potential water savings. Findings highlight the importance of IAP clearing for securing water resources and provide critical insights for restoration planning, policy, and management strategies.