Resume
Earth Scientist
Dedicated to healthier, resilient watersheds through clean water, robust agriculture, fishable/swimmable streams, and sustainable communities.
Core Competencies
Stream Corridor Restoration
Holistic, watershed approaches combining improved land management with riparian (streamside) and instream habitat restoration. Project Manager for the Upper Colorado River Watershed Group (UCRWG).Water-Related Infrastructure
Expertise in fish-friendly irrigation diversions, municipal water and wastewater systems, flood recovery assessments, restoration planning, road and utility crossings, docks, boathouses, and water rights due diligence.Cost-Effective Project Management
Hands-on field scientist guiding projects from site assessments through resource planning, permitting, construction oversight, and adaptive management.Regulatory Analysis & Technical Writing
Extensive experience in regulatory compliance (NEPA, Clean Water Act), watershed best management practices, community outreach, and technical reporting for water and sanitation projects.Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Skilled in inter-agency and construction team settings, adept at working with engineers, attorneys, environmentalists, and accountants. Safety-minded with OSHA certification (May 2020).
Professional Experience
Grand Environmental Services
Principal Earth Scientist, Installation Foreman, Ranch Manager
Grand Lake, CO | 1994–Present
Led numerous watershed restoration projects and supervised diverse interdisciplinary teams.
Delivered impactful environmental consulting services, including adaptive land management and restoration oversight.
Shipley Associates
Workshop Trainer in NEPA Process and Compliance Reporting
1991–1993
Conducted NEPA workshops across 11 states, improving regulatory compliance in government and private sectors.
Wasatch Geotechnical
Project Geologist
1989–1991
Delivered geological assessments and project support for geotechnical engineering firms.
Freelance Writer
1987–1989
Authored technical and scientific publications on environmental topics.
U.S. Geological Survey
Geologic Field Assistant
1980–1986
Contributed to federal geological research and data collection efforts.
Awards & Recognition
Colorado Lottery Starburst Award (2014)
Congressional Recognition for Responsible Use of Public Funds (~2011)
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Project of the Year, advanced to USEPA Region 8 consideration (2010)
U.S. Forest Service Certificate of Appreciation for “Best Environmental Assessment Supporting a Land Exchange in the U.S.” (2003)
National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) Committee of the Year (1994)
Education
B.Sc. Earth Science (1980)
M.Sc. Geology (1986)
Continuing education in watershed science, erosion control, and stream corridor assessment.
Certifications & Skills
Certification for Professional Permaculture Design, Oregon State Univerisity June 2024
Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (#5082)
Wetland delineation, surveys, and GPS mapping
Rotary E-Club for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Club President 2024-2025
Key Strengths
Adaptive management practices ensuring long-term success of environmental projects
Strong technical and regulatory writing skills for diverse stakeholders
Hands-on leadership fostering interdisciplinary team collaboration
Extensive knowledge of watershed science and sustainable land management practices
1998-2008:
Ski Resort Maintenance and Upgrades for Winter Park Resort
Site assessments, design recommendations, and special use permitting on National Forest System lands for various projects, including ski lifts, trails, access roads, and pump-back augmentation planning throughout the resort (Swede's Ridge, Vasquez Cirque, Zephyr Lodge, Corona, and North Bench).
1998-2010:
Water and Wastewater System Improvements for Winter Park Water and Sanitation Department
Site assessments, design recommendations, special use permitting on National Forest System lands, environmental oversight, and reporting for water tanks, L-Line and A-Line improvements, fen wetland restoration, and creek restoration at "Swamp Lot," including willow-friendly wastewater return to Fraser River.
2000-2002:
Winter Park Land Exchange
Site assessment of 1,750 acres of land across seven inholding parcels surrounded by National Forest System lands, including wetlands and species of concern. Impact assessment for a trade by Winter Park Recreational Association for ~17 acres at the West Portal of the Moffat Tunnel. Recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation by Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth.
2000-Present:
Technical Advisor for 10+ Boathouse Projects and Associated Shoreline Restoration
Consultation for feasibility studies during property transfers, wetland and shoreline assessments, design recommendations, permitting, construction oversight, shoreline erosion and sediment control, and landscaping.
2001-2012:
Broome Hut at Tree Line near Berthoud Pass
Environmental assessment, planning, permitting, and construction oversight for the Grand Huts Association’s reconstruction of a cabin in Second Creek Drainage. Now one of the most popular huts in the 10th Mountain System.
2003-2014:
Pedestrian Bridge over the Colorado River in Hot Sulphur Springs
Site assessments, initial designs, public scoping, and master planning funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and National Fish and Wildlife Federation grants. Secured additional funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation and GOCO for riparian park-related amenities. Installed in 2013, with a Colorado Lottery Starburst Award in 2014.
2006-2011:
Program Manager for Water Treatment Plant, Intake, and Colorado River Restoration in Hot Sulphur Springs
Managed ARRA Stimulus-funded projects, including assessment, design, and installation of a state-of-the-art water treatment plant. Recognized with Congressional Recognition and named CDPHE Water Project of the Year in 2010.
2012-Present:
Ranch Manager for Fly-Fishing Property on the Colorado River
Restored in-stream habitat, including fish-friendly irrigation diversions, bank stabilization, and micro-habitat boulder clusters. Improved ditch systems, riparian lands, and hayfields, producing regular hay crops while maintaining agricultural tax status.
2012-2014:
Water Augmentation Intake and Related Bank Stabilization on the Fraser River
Site assessments, fish-friendly diversion design, Corps of Engineers permitting, and construction oversight. Successfully installed in September 2014, withstanding multiple runoff seasons.
2013:
Rotary Sabbatical in Highlands of Ecuador
Worked with local water-system managers to design and install a new “gravel burrito” intake filter for agricultural and household water distribution in Malingua Pamba, Cotopaxi Province.
2013:
Rapid Assessment for Big Thompson River Restoration
Completed a 22-mile stream assessment using the NRCS Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP2) for the Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition. Findings integrated into the watershed master plan.
2014-2019:
Stream Restoration Masterplan for the Fraser River Headwaters
Designed trout-friendly restoration solutions for a 1/4 mile of creek, protecting sensitive sub-alpine forested wetlands while enhancing cutthroat trout habitat.
2014-2018:
Riparian Groundwater Monitoring and Advocacy
Conducted groundwater monitoring to evaluate wetland impacts from the Moffat-Gross transmountain project. Presented findings in 2014 to Grand and Boulder County Commissioners on behalf of environmental advocacy groups.
2014-2018:
Riparian Repair Projects and Wetland Permitting
Designed and permitted five flood-recovery projects along the Big Thompson and North Fork Big Thompson Rivers, including habitat restoration for flood-impacted areas near Loveland, Drake, and Glen Haven.
2016-Present:
Project Scientist for the Upper Colorado River Watershed Group
Technical team leader helping establish a 501(c)(3) watershed organization under the US Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program. Currently focusing on the North Fork Colorado River Watershed, including Rocky Mountain National Park and Shadow Mountain Reservoir.
2017-2018:
Project Scientist for Town of Fraser Cozens Ranch Open Space Master Plan
Conducted technical evaluations for wetlands and river systems. Assisted THK Associates with watershed best management practices, approved by the Town Council in Spring 2018.