Risk Analysis
Whether a client needs to assess the risk of wildfire or disease spread, animal/vehicle collisions, contamination transport, or invasive species expansion, Enviroscapes Ecological Consulting can help. We start by thoroughly exploring the client’s future needs for the information that will be generated so we can then design an appropriate study to achieve usable results. Methods used may include a combination of modeling and field studies depending on what information and data are already available at the time. One thing is for sure, though….Enviroscapes is dedicated to only using the best available science at the time so the client feels confident in the product we provide and can defend its use to a wider audience should the need arise.
Climate Impacts
In 2013, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) added “climate change” to its list of high priority risks. In a section titled, “Limiting the Federal Government’s Fiscal Exposure by Better Managing Climate Change Risks”, they state:
“Climate change is a complex, crosscutting issue that poses risks to many environmental and economic systems—including agriculture, infrastructure, ecosystems, and human health—and presents a significant financial risk to the federal government.”
Enviroscapes Ecological Consulting is poised to assist federal, state, tribal, and other organizations in addressing risks associated with climate change. Predicting how changing temperature and precipitation levels may affect wildlife habitat and distribution patterns, water quality, agricultural sustainability and resultant socio-economics are just some of the services that Enviroscapes can provide!
Habitat Use and Distribution
Understanding how plant and animals use and occupy the landscape can help managers and scientists mitigate potential conflicts, ensure the species survival and sustainability (or, conversely, to limit spread of invasives/exotics), and plan for the future. Enviroscapes Ecological Consulting is well versed in the statistical and spatial applications necessary to assess habitat use and distribution of species across the landscape. In fact, this is where our company started. We have extensive experience in monitoring animal populations using GPS and VHF technology and developing models to assess habitat use patterns and distribution of animals across the landscape in response to habitat changes through time. We are versed in the construction of habitat suitability models (HSIs) and their strengths and limitations, which then allows us to improve those models as needed to ensure results are more robust and reliable for the particular application in which they are being used. If a client wants to look at habitat connectivity, corridor design, patch dynamics and use, patch arrangement in space and time, etc., Enviroscapes has the skills and abilities to create a functional product and guide decision-making processes for the end-user.
Enviroscapes Ecological Consulting is certified as a woman-owned small business (WOSB) and economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business (EDWOSB). Founded in 2006 by Dr. Susan Rupp (Certified Wildlife Biologist), Enviroscapes provides scientific-based research, information, and assessments to assist scientists, managers, policy makers, and other stakeholders in making ecologically sound decisions under the current state of political, social, and economic affairs while also providing the greatest likelihood for long-term sustainability of wildlife and other natural resources. Our core values include honesty, integrity, competency, timeliness, open communication, and stewardship – all of which help us to deliver the highest quality environmental services and products possible.
