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.
Lawrence (Larry) Moulton, PhD Aquatic Practice Leader
Fish Population and Habitat Investigation, Subsistence Fisheries Investigation
PhD, Fisheries Biology, University of Washington
MS, Fisheries Biology, University of Washington
BS, Fisheries Biology, University of Washington
Larry Moulton has 40 years of experience in fisheries investigations and research in the Pacific Northwest and throughout Alaska. He has managed a wide variety of studies on freshwater, anadromous, and marine fisheries and the effects of harvest or habitat alteration on aquatic populations. These studies have ranged from large, multidiscipline field and analytical studies to development of specialized mitigation and risk analyses. Major projects have included water flood and causeway evaluation on Alaska’s North Slope, lake surveys to support oilfield exploration and development, hydroelectric projects in the Cook Inlet region, pre-development studies for gold and coal mines, and pipeline construction and maintenance. He has been an expert witness in arbitration and litigation cases and was the aquatic expert for the National Science Foundation analysis of cumulative effects for Arctic oil and gas development. Larry is frequently an invited speaker at professional symposiums and is a Fellow with the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists.
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 35 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.
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 38 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.
William (Bill) Morris Senior Aquatics Scientist
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 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 Biology and Protected Species Observer Program Manager
MS, Marine Mammal Science, University of St. Andrews, Scotland
BS, Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Megan Blees has 14 years of professional experience in marine and terrestrial projects in Alaska, California, Nevada, and Antarctica, including small mammal telemetry and photographic identification, and vessel and aerial line-transect surveys. 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 and subsea fiber optic cable-lay operations. 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 managed the Owl Ridge PSO Program for the two-year Quintillion subsea cable-lay program during the Arctic open water seasons. Megan led PSO screening, hiring and training; logistics coordination; development of onboard data collection methods; and effectively communicated with and supported the PSO crews throughout the extended period to maintain consistent observations and data reporting. She was responsible for data analysis and developing the agency-required 90-day reports.
Enric Fernandez Senior Project Manager
Alaska Operations Lead
BA, Environmental Science, Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, Alaska
Enric Fernandez is an environmental professional with 20 years of natural resource development experience in the environmental consulting and industry sectors. Since 2005, he has focused on environmental regulatory permitting and compliance; project management for environmental baseline studies; and community relations. Mr. Fernandez has proven skills in developing creative and proportionate solutions to challenging problems, taking advantage of readily available technology and professional resources. His experience includes all project phases from exploration to operations for both the oil and gas and mining industry. Prior to joining Owl Ridge in 2017, Enric managed significant portions of project planning and permit applications for the Donlin Gold Project including the environmental baseline data collection program and geotechnical studies. He was the lead preparer and coordinator for the Department of the Army application pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, Endangered Species Act consultation, Essential Fish Habitat consultation, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 consultation, Fish Habitat permit applications, Easement and Lease Applications, and Material Sales applications.
Jason McFarland Staff Scientist
Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
MS, Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks
BS, Environmental Science, University of San Diego
Jason McFarland is a fishery biologist with expertise in biological research, environmental science, and regulatory compliance for projects in Alaska, California, Colorado, and Oregon. He has designed fishery studies, planned complex remote field and laboratory logistics, and conducted data collection, data processing, analysis, and reporting. He is proficient in use of multiple types of sampling equipment and techniques and has captured and sampled nearly 30,000 fish, comprised of 10 species throughout Alaska and Colorado. Jason joined Owl Ridge in 2017 and supports design and execution of a wide range of biological research, monitoring, and biological inventory projects. His research currently helps guide the management of fish, aquatic, and terrestrial habitat resources for proposed and existing land use projects in the NPR-A and recreational resort development in Colorado.
Don Graika Regulatory Compliance Lead
Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance
BS, Geology, Oregon State University
Certified Professional Geologist
For 30 years Don Graika has been involved in the exploration, field development, and production phases of four major Alaska North Slope oil fields and was instrumental in establishing and maintaining their environmental compliance programs. He has been involved from the onset of the initial North Slope development operations for the Pioneer Oooguruk, Eni Nikaitchuq, and Exxon Point Thomson Oil Fields. He was also involved with the early development and startup of the ARCO Alpine Oil Field in the Colville River Delta. Don has extensive experience in both onshore and offshore projects on Alaska’s North Slope and in Cook Inlet. His expertise for Owl Ridge focuses on environmental compliance and safety company-wide.
Zane Henning Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance Specialist
HSE Field Compliance
Alaska Pacific University, Business Management and Economics
Zane Henning has 25 years of oilfield industry experience and has comprehensive knowledge of safety and environmental protection requirements, guidelines, and compliance. As a project operations manager for major oil industry development, he has been responsible for operations and maintenance of a processing plant, U.S. Department of Transportation-regulated pipelines, Federal Aviation Administration-approved runway, and other remote camp facilities. His experience includes environmental and safety compliance for construction related to oilfield development and exploration projects. Zane has managed and trained spill response personnel to ensure readiness and provided compliance training related to air, land, process safety management, water, waste handling and disposal, and wildlife issues.
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 12 years of experience in development and management of GIS databases intended to display spatial information that combine data from a wide range of environmental disciplines to aid in project decision making. 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, transportation and communication infrastructure, transmission lines, and other land development projects. Paul effectively incorporates GIS to display spatial information that combines data from the key project disciplines to aid and expedite project decision making. His environmental background allows him to understand the context of important key project issues and employ the GIS system to aid in effective planning and decision making.
Dana Stotsky Senior Analyst
Regulatory Analysis, RCRA/CERCLA, EPA Process, Clean Water Act
JS, 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.
Christopher Milles Regulatory Specialist
Regulatory Compliance
BS, Forest Management, Oregon State University
Christopher Milles was a manager for 30 years with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) in regulatory compliance. He was responsible for ensuring that ADNR’s procedures were followed and authorizations were issued consistent with Alaska statutes and regulations. Christopher provides permitting and compliance support for authorizations ranging from land use permits, easements, leases, and material sales, specializing in natural resource development in Interior Alaska, Northwest Alaska, and the North Slope. He is knowledgeable about leasing requirements and procedures and has the technical knowledge necessary to effectively drive regulatory projects while protecting the clients’ interests.
Craig Moulton Environmental Technician
Data Management and Analysis, Field Research Support
Craig Moulton is an experienced environmental technician with extensive knowledge in environmental research data gathering and study techniques. Craig conducts field sampling and data gathering, recording, and archiving field data. He has been an active field team member for lake fish sampling and bathymetric studies on Alaska’s North Slope since the mid-1990s. He also provides GIS data management support for field crews.
Kathleen Haddon Staff Scientist/Project Assistant
Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
MS, Environmental Science, University of Illinois Springfield (in progress 2017)
BS, Political Science, Public Law, Boise State University
Kathleen Haddon has extensive experience with environmental, legal, and policy research. Her experience in Alaska has focused on regulatory permitting, compilation of research and data for stream flows, fish habitat assessments, and ecosystem reclamation plans. Prior to joining Owl Ridge in 2016, Kathleen was a research assistant for a burrowing owl monitoring program in Idaho and for a research project to evaluate impacts caused by dams on the Columbia River. She provides logistics support and planning, and has conducted field work at remote sites including fish sampling, water sampling, and wetlands evaluations. She has been involved with various research projects and proposals for Owl Ridge which required excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Myra Fernandez Business Analyst
Myra Fernandez is Human Resources and Administrative Manager for Owl Ridge. She assists in contract administration, staff integration, and invoicing. Myra has more than 35 years of experience in various accounting and administrative fields, working for the federal government and private sector, in the U.S. and abroad. She is detail-oriented and her expertise in the consulting field focuses on project coordination and contract administration, including the management of consulting and non-disclosure agreements, and insurance compliance/certification for both clients and vendors.
Jonah Leavitt Field Technician and Protected Species Observer
Jonah Leavitt is a lifelong Alaskan with 25 years of experience in offshore protected species monitoring on Alaska’s North Slope. A respected member in the North Slope village of Utqiaġvik (Barrow), he is renowned for his in-field marine mammal identification skills, traditional knowledge, and reliability. He has conducted and managed implementation of many 4MPs required with IHAs and voluntary programs. His PSO responsibilities have included both as a leader and a participant for programs with Shell, ConocoPhillips, FEX L.P., BP Alaska Exploration, and Pioneer Natural Resources. Additionally, Jonah was a PSO for the 2016/2017 Owl Ridge PSO program supporting the Quintillion subsea cable-lay program in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas. He is trained in USFWS polar bear avoidance and deterrence. Jonah also has extensive experience leading and supervising field surveys for nesting waterfowl and waterbirds in Prudhoe Bay. Jonah is also a trained and experienced polar bear watch for projects on the Alaska North Slope.
