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.
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.
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.
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 nearly 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.
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.
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 15 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, 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 of 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 14 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.
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 fisheries biologist and aquatic ecologist with 16 years of experience in biological research, environmental science, and regulatory compliance and permitting throughout Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and Intermountain West. Jason has managed and provided technical expertise for projects interfacing 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 numerous organizations in the private sector. Jason effectively designs and executes a wide range of biological research, biomonitoring, and regulatory compliance projects to directly address the client’s mission 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 15 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 Alaska and western Colorado.
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.
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 Ferry Staff Scientist
Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Ecology
MS, Environmental Science, University of Illinois, Springfield (in progress)
BS, Political Science, Public Law, Boise State University
Kathleen Ferry 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.
Rob Clark Staff Scientist
MS, Geographic Information Science, Michigan Technological University
BA, International Studies, Utah State University
Rob Clark is a GIS professional with over three years of experience in GIS processes and data collection in Alaska. Rob uses GIS and data analytic skills to support experts in their specialties. Rob has experience with off shore scientific expeditions, cultural resources, mining, and natural resources, and uses this experience to support project decision making and reporting. He is also an FAA-certified commercial remote pilot
Connie Melovidov Staff Scientist
BS, Biology, University of Alaska, Anchorage
Connie Melovidov has experience in biological research, logistics, database management, stakeholder engagement, and technical editing. She is utilizing her biology background to perform laboratory water quality data validations, conduct fisheries stream surveys, water sampling, and providing water use permitting support. She is also responsible for providing administrative and technical support for Project Managers including technical editing, deliverable QA/QC, and file management.
Marguerite Tibbles Staff 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.
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.
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.
