Owl Ridge has highly skilled, experienced professionals capable of supporting all regulatory planning, permitting, and compliance requirements for natural resource development, recreational development, and land use planning.
Although Owl Ridge is a young company, each member of our senior staff has at least 20 years of experience in his or her field of expertise. In addition, they have practical experience in project management, business management, and client relations. Owl Ridge clients benefit from the diverse expertise and experience of our staff.
Glenn Ruckhaus President
NEPA Analysis, Permitting, and Regulatory Compliance
BA, Geology, University of Colorado
Certified Professional Geologist
Glenn Ruckhaus has 35 years of experience in managing and evaluating natural resource and infrastructure projects throughout the western US and Alaska. His expertise focuses on whole project analysis and management to identify and resolve complex issues of environmental impacts, endangered species, critical habitat, public controversy, aboriginal affairs, and operational logistics. His work has contributed to successful regulatory approvals of projects in marine settings, national wildlife refuges, state game refuges, and other areas with identified critical habitat and endangered species issues. Glenn has extensive experience in conducting detailed planning and regulatory risk analyses that has expedited regulatory approvals, lowered controversy, and created greater operational flexibility.
William (Bill) Morris Vice President
Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
MS, Biological Sciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
BS, Wildlife Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
BS, Biological Sciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Bill Morris is a fisheries biologist and aquatic ecologist with over 25 years of experience working in the Arctic and Interior Alaska. He has extensive experience in the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of aquatic baseline and biomonitoring data collection programs, including collecting and analyzing fish heavy metals loading data. Bill previously worked for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Habitat in Fairbanks for 19 years, implementing, enforcing, and conducting compliance inspections associated with permits issued under the Fishway and Anadromous Fish Acts. He has extensive experience with State of Alaska Special Area permitting and compliance, as well as coordinating environmental evaluation of industrial projects in northern Alaska. His experience includes three years as Regional Supervisor for the ADF&G Northern Region, Division of Habitat. Bill has authored and/or coauthored more than 30 ADF&G publications and he has been a technical reviewer for multiple agency and professional journals.
Megan Blees Senior Scientist
Marine/Wildlife Resources, Permitting, Regulatory Compliance, PSO Program Manager
MS, Marine Mammal Science, University of St. Andrews, Scotland
BS, Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Megan Blees has 20 years of experience in marine and terrestrial research, regulatory, and compliance programs. She has conducted onshore mammal and bird surveys, marine mammal telemetry, Cook Inlet beluga whale photo-identification, vessel and aerial line-transect surveys, land- and vessel-based marine mammal monitoring, sea ice composition studies, habitat evaluations and restoration, and wetland delineation. Her experience in Alaska has largely focused on providing marine mammal expertise and regulatory compliance support for onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration and development, construction, and subsea cable installation. Megan has written successful applications for IHAs and LOAs, managed compliance with these applications and developed supporting documents for project planning including BAs, Wildlife Interaction Plans, Plans of Cooperation, and Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Plans. Megan manages the Owl Ridge PSO Programs, which includes PSO training and often stakeholder engagement programs, for a variety of industries including offshore oil and gas exploration and operations, cable installation, and marine construction. Megan also has extensive experience permitting water use for clients operating on the North Slope and interior Alaska.
Paul Cartier Project Manager
GIS Specialist, Database Management, Project Management
MS, Environmental Science, Alaska Pacific University
BS, Biology, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
Paul Cartier has more than 15 years of experience in development and management of GIS databases combining data from a wide range of environmental and engineering disciplines. Paul has coordinated data acquisition, designed and managed databases, and analyzed data for a variety of both linear and non-linear projects. His work has supported large- and small-scale onshore/offshore oil and gas projects, mining, transportation and communication infrastructure, transmission lines, and other land development projects. Paul effectively combines GIS process and workflows integrating data from the key project disciplines to aid and expedite project decision making from initial planning stages through completion. His environmental background allows him to understand the context of important key project issues and employ the GIS system to aid in overall effective planning and decision making.
Morgan Bender Senior Scientist
Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
Ph.D., Arctic Marine Ecotoxicology, The Arctic University of Norway
MS, Arctic Marine Systems Ecology, The Arctic University of Norway
BS, Fisheries, University of Alaska Fairbanks
BS, Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Morgan Bender is a fisheries scientist and ecotoxicologist with international expertise in aquatics and ecology-related research, oil spills, toxicology, science communication, education, and remote logistics. Morgan has provided technical expertise for the oil and gas sector, the mining sector, Native corporations, and universities across the Arctic. She has authored numerous publications for scientific journals and books, taught university-level courses in biology, and presented at over 20 conferences. Prior to joining Owl Ridge in 2021, Morgan’s work as a postdoctoral fellow in Northern Norway focused on oil spill exposure and climate-driven effects on the physiology of marine fish using experimental methods. Since joining Owl Ridge she provides guidance and support for fisheries and environmental projects, data analysis and management, statistics, biological monitoring, knowledge synthesis, and effective science communication. Morgan holds a USCG commercial captain’s license.
Jason McFarland Senior Scientist
Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
MS, Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
BS, Environmental Science, University of San Diego
Jason is a fisheries biologist and aquatic ecologist with 17 years of experience in aquatic and biological research and regulatory compliance and permitting throughout Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and Intermountain West. Much of his work has involved implementing baseline studies of processes that govern freshwater-riparian productivity to support industrial projects. Mr. McFarland has managed and provided technical expertise for projects collaborating with state and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Transportation, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, as well as a number of organizations in the private sector. He effectively designs, executes, and produces reports on a wide range of research, biomonitoring, and regulatory compliance projects to directly address client objectives. He is an FAA-certified commercial remote pilot and has used UAVs to conduct anadromous fish surveys, stream and riparian habitat assessments, site characterizations, reclamation efforts, and asset inspections. He has authored and/or coauthored more than 25 publications for scientific journals, universities, and industry. His field studies and research currently helps guide the management of fish, aquatic, and terrestrial habitat resources for proposed and existing land use and resource development projects in both Alaska and the Intermountain West.
David Cameron NEPA Practice Leader
Environmental Impact Analysis and Environmental Assessment
MS, Animal Ecology, University of Denver
BS, Biology, University of North Dakota
David Cameron has 39 years of experience leading large multidiscipline teams to conduct EIAs and prepare EISs and EAs in compliance with federal regulations, especially NEPA, as well as various state regulations. In addition, he has conducted and managed BAs for threatened or endangered species and BEs for Forest Service sensitive species, supporting various permit applications. Dave has managed and provided technical expertise for projects in the western US, Alaska, and Hawaii. Federal agencies he has worked with include Forest Service, BLM, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, USFWS, Tennessee Valley Authority, BIA, EPA, NPS, FERC, Bureau of Reclamation, and Federal Highway Administration. Projects include oil and gas exploration and development, pipelines, coal and hard rock mines, reservoirs, resort development, incidental take permits for threatened or endangered species, vegetation management, transmission lines, telecommunication facilities, highways, and national defense systems.
Susan Walker Senior Technical Editor / Office Manager
MS, Industrial & Organizational Psychology, University of Canterbury
BS, Psychology, University of Canterbury
Technical Writing Certification, Bellevue College
Susan Walker has over 20 years of professional experience in natural resources consulting. She has supported clients and projects as a technical writer and document editor, environmental planner, and permitting specialist. Susan’s experience includes preparing and editing feasibility studies, environmental reports, planning documents, and permit applications for mining, transportation, oil and gas, energy, and rural community infrastructure projects. Susan supports the writing, editing, and document production needs of Owl Ridge’s multi-disciplinary team of scientists and specialists, and serves as the human resources and administrative manager.
Marguerite Tibbles Senior Scientist
Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
MS, Fisheries, University of Alaska Fairbanks
BS, Freshwater Sciences, University of British Columbia
Marguerite Tibbles is a fisheries biologist with expertise in remote field logistics, fisheries research and remote sensing for projects in Alaska, British Columbia and Illinois. Marguerite brings a unique skill set to Owl Ridge. She has designed, planned and managed fish surveys in remote locations in Alaska, her responsibilities including permitting, data analysis, and annual reporting, and coordinating with federal and Alaska Native organizations. Prior to joining Owl Ridge in 2019, Marguerite’s work as a research fellow focused on fisheries management and policy issues, analyzing the impacts of marine research funding on fisheries management. Since joining Owl Ridge, she provides support for fisheries survey design, execution, and data analysis, biological monitoring, and permitting.
Chris Keil Scientist/Administrative Assistant
BS, Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University
Chris Keil graduated from Colorado State University and made his way to Alaska, initially to work as a field technician before joining Owl Ridge. He has over five years of environmental data collection and analysis experience across Interior Alaska and Colorado ranging from identifying terrestrial flora and fauna to identifying invertebrates. He is an FAA-certified commercial remote pilot and uses UAVs to conduct anadromous fish surveys, stream and riparian habitat assessments, orthomosaic photogrammetry, and volumetric calculations. In his role with Owl Ridge, he uses his biology background to conduct fisheries stream surveys to assess the seasonal distribution and composition of fish populations, provide permitting support, and provide administrative and technical support to Project Managers, including document management, QA/QC, and file management.
Nicholas Rimelman Technician
BS, Fisheries, University of Alaska, Fairbanks (In Progress)
Nicholas is an experienced environmental technician with four years’ experience conducting field surveys across Alaska and in the central Rockies. Nick excels at following detailed protocols for diverse sampling methodologies including remote electroshocking surveys, fish presence and population research, biomonitoring projects, and aerial anadromous fish surveys. Along with working in the field, he manages and tracks internal and client assets. Nick supports data management, analysis, and synthesis for report writing and data deliverable needs. He is currently studying to become a biologist specializing in aquatic ecology and fisheries.
Kate Lomac-MacNair Senior Scientist
Biologist, Marine Mammal Science
Ph.D., Marine Sciences, Marine Ecology CCMAR, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
MS, Environmental Science & Policy, John Hopkins University
BS, Environmental Sciences, Union Institute and University, Ohio
Kate Lomac-MacNair is a marine biologist specializing in marine species research, and regulatory and compliance programs. She has more than 16 years’ experience providing technical support as a marine scientist and SME for federal and state government, non-profit, and private sector clients. Her project support includes oversight and performing marine mammal monitoring and mitigation programs; aerial survey design and management; marine species research design, implementation, and management; development and writing of environmental documents and technical reports; permitting; and agency and client communication. She has managed Marine Mammal Observer and Protected Species Observer teams and participated in field surveys and data collection projects from land, air, vessel, and in-water diving studies on marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, and coral. Kate has a strong understanding of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and how they drive marine species welfare and management in relation to military and industrial activities. Kate has contributed to marine resources sections of environmental planning documents under NEPA, ESA, MMPA, and other environmental laws and regulations; and prepared Incidental Harassment Authorization applications, Environmental/Biological Assessments, technical reports, and numerous peer-reviewed publications. Kate completed her Ph.D. in 2022 at the University of Algarve in Faro, Portugal in the Marine Ecology program, focusing on Arctic marine mammal distribution and behavior.
Molly Payne Scientist
Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
MS, Fisheries, University of Alaska Fairbanks
BS, Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington
Molly Payne joined Owl Ridge in the spring of 2022 as a fisheries biologist with expertise in fisheries research and data science. In her previous work as a research fellow at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, she designed a modeling framework to integrate and analyze multiple datasets to address hatchery salmon management concerns on behalf of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and private non-profit hatcheries in Southeast Alaska. Molly is skilled at performing field work in remote locations, managing and analyzing large datasets using statistical and version control software, and writing reports summarizing research results. Molly supports Owl Ridge clients in all aspects of a project, including logistics, field surveys, database QA/QC, data analysis, and report writing and editing. Molly is an AAUS scientific diver and Wilderness First Responder.
Shira Ellenson Scientist/GIS Analyst
MS, Geography, GIS, & Cartography, University of Montana
BS, Natural Resources, Applied Ecology, Cornell University
Certificate, GIS Sciences & Technology, University of Montana
Shira is an experienced spatial analyst, cartographer, and researcher with a comprehensive understanding of ecological systems as they relate to geography. Recently, Shira completed her M.S. in Geography from the University of Montana. Her thesis focused on fine-scale remote sensing methods to assess vegetation response to increased warming on the North Slope of Alaska. Her experience in remote field research, wetland delineations, raster analysis, photogrammetry, and habitat mapping contribute to a diverse range of projects at Owl Ridge. In addition to Shira’s mapping software expertise, she is an accomplished user of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. She enjoys creating maps that contribute to land and species preservation, advancing our understanding of data-driven spatial analysis, and educating the public by facilitating their connection to the natural world.
Strategic Expertise
Dana Stotsky Senior Analyst
Regulatory Analysis, RCRA/CERCLA, EPA Process, Clean Water Act
JD, Environmental and Natural Resources Law, University of Oregon
BA, Biology and Environmental Studies, Whitman College, Washington
Member of the Bar of the State of Colorado
Dana Stotsky has 30 years of experience in environmental compliance, enforcement, and policy. He has led numerous EIA and EIS projects, and has been a NEPA technical advisor and Quality Control reviewer. He provided legal and policy analysis, and was lead trial attorney for the U.S. EPA in civil enforcement actions against air, water, toxics and hazardous waste violators. He has been extensively involved in both civil and criminal enforcement of Section 404 of the CWA. Mr. Stotsky has supported projects in Cook Inlet and Southeast Alaska conducting regulatory risk management and due diligence related to site selection and historical waste management practices for new oil and gas production facilities. Dana was Adjunct Professor for Navajo Technical College (New Mexico) where he taught part of the “Tribal Advocate” curriculum. He was also Adjunct Professor at University of Colorado Graduate School where he taught portions of “Field Techniques in Environmental Assessment.”
Mike Stanwood Senior Analyst
Socioeconomics and NEPA Expert
MS, Mineral Economics, Colorado School of Mines
BA, Psychology, University of Colorado
Mike Stanwood is a senior environmental, socioeconomic, and NEPA practitioner with 25 years of experience. He has lead more than 100 NEPA projects for both the private and public sector. He has extensive experience in planning and managing complex projects involving natural resource development, environmental planning, and permitting/compliance. He has developed collaborative public involvement processes and facilitated many public meetings. His environmental experience has primarily involved resource development (energy, mining, water), transportation, and government analyses. Mike has served on numerous panels and presented workshops and training sessions involving environmental law, regulatory issues, public policy initiatives, and environmental leadership. He is also has been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver where he taught courses in environmental leadership, natural resource planning and management, policy analysis, and sustainability.
Recently Retired
Gregory Green Ecological Practice Leader
Wildlife Ecology, Endangered Species Act / Marine Mammal Protection Act Compliance
MS, Wildlife Ecology, Oregon State University
BS, Biology, Eastern Oregon University
Gregory Green has 40 years of experience planning and conducting both marine and terrestrial wildlife population and habitat projects in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, with particular emphasis on threatened and endangered species, marine mammal and seabird surveys, forest and shrub-steppe ecology, natural resource management and mitigation plans, NEPA, and FERC relicensing of hydroelectric power facilities. He has managed more than 70 BAs/BEs and over 20 IHA applications. Greg has addressed environmental impacts from a variety of activities including: port and ferry terminal expansion, mine development through closure, offshore oil and gas exploration and development, gas pipeline siting and construction, onshore and offshore wind energy development, military base operations, hazardous waste cleanup, parks and marinas, hydroelectric projects, transmission lines, and commercial fishing. In addition, Greg teaches courses on ESA and MMPA compliance, marine mammal identification and ecology, and marine mammal monitoring. He has been an associate editor for three different scientific journals.
