Oregon State University plans to develop unmanned aerial systems to help fight forest fires, monitor the environment and aid law enforcement, the university announced.

OSU will join other colleges, government agencies, companies and economic development officials for the effort, according to a news release. Economic Development for Central Oregon will be one of those included, according to the news release.

The goal is to make Oregon a key location for the evolving UAV industry, while also enhancing research and providing opportunities for students.

Officials plan to meet next month to organize the consortium and prepare an application to the Federal Aviation Administration for selection as a test site for unmanned aerial research and development. The FAA expects to pick several such sites in the U.S. by 2015.

— From staff reports