ANDREW RYCKMAN, B.Sc., P.Biol. – Managing Director / Senior Biologist
Andrew is a Senior Biologist who specializes in the management, environmental monitoring, and impact assessment of large-scale renewable energy developments across Canada. He has led full Environmental Assessment submissions and routinely oversees the ecological monitoring components in collaboration with other technical partners, including the implementation of comprehensive monitoring programs, impact characterization, and development of project-specific mitigation measures for wind, solar, and biogas energy generation facilities, as well as battery storage facilities. Andrew is a nationally recognized expert in the assessment of wildlife impacts and interactions with renewable energy developments and, in addition to project-specific work, he has provided technical support to provincial and federal regulatory agencies, collaborated with not-for-profit organizations and academia, presented research at national and international conferences, and provided expert testimony in legal proceedings. Andrew has experience with best management practices and mitigation tools and techniques for minimizing environmental impacts, and has particular expertise in the risk assessment and site-specific mitigation relating to migratory birds, bats, raptors, often with specific emphasis on sensitive species and Species at Risk.
Service Sectors: Environmental Assessments, Wildlife Monitoring, Renewable Energy, Battery Storage, Regulatory Consultation, Permitting, Restoration and Reclamation Planning, Bat Ecology, Hearing Support
BRETT WOODMAN, M.E.S. – Senior Biologist
Brett is a Senior Biologist with more than 25 years of consulting experience. He manages a wide range of projects including the ecological components of Class Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Studies. He has extensive experience in the waterpower sector completing Class Environmental Assessments, restoration plans, post-construction monitoring, and peer reviews. He works directly for municipalities on infrastructure Class Environmental Assessments, Species at Risk permitting, and Urban Forestry management planning and inventories. Brett has in-depth experience with the Conservation Authorities Act and associated Ontario Regulations, the Endangered Species Act and the Federal Fisheries Act. Brett was a Certified Arborist for more than 20 years. He is highly trained and experienced in conducting vegetation and wildlife inventories and mapping plant communities. His specific expertise lies in the fields of botany, ornithology, and restoration ecology. He has provided expert testimony on the subject of wetlands and terrestrial ecology before the Ontario Municipal Board and the Environmental Review Tribunal.
Service Sectors: Environmental Impact Assessment, Ecological Monitoring, Habitat Restoration, Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, GIS and Database Management, Hearing Support
PHIL ANDERSON, F.W.T. – Senior Aquatic Biologist
Phil is a Senior Aquatic Biologist and Project Manger who oversees NRSI’s aquatic ecology sector including fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, and mussels. Phil brings extensive expertise into aquatic projects from baseline studies and Environmental Assessments, through to post construction monitoring where he has contributed to innovative solutions aimed at sustainable resource management and conservation. His ability to navigate complex hydrological systems and implement strategic interventions underscores commitment to advancing environmental stewardship. Phil has been heavily involved in environmental monitoring for a wide range of construction projects, from small scale culvert crossings to large scale wind and solar generation construction. By conducting rigorous assessments and implementing effective monitoring protocols, he has ensured that construction activities proceed in compliance with regulatory requirements minimizing adverse impacts on biodiversity. Phil is registered on RAQS for the Fisheries Assessment and Fisheries Compliance during Contracts specialties.
Service Sectors: Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries and Benthic Invertebrates (including Identification), Freshwater Mussels, Renewable Energy (Hydro-electric), Fish and Wildlife Salvage/Relocations, Environmental Construction Monitoring (including CISEC), Headwater Drainage Feature Assessments, Stormwater Monitoring, Regulatory Consultation, Permitting
JESSICA LINTON, M.E.S. – Senior Terrestrial / Wetland Biologist
Jessica is a Senior Biologist and Project Manager at NRSI responsible for the oversight of our Species at Risk Sector. She manages a wide range of projects that encompass natural area inventories, scientific research, recovery planning, and impact assessments. Jessica is highly knowledgeable in regards to Canadian provincial and federal legislation, policies, procedures, directives and guidelines pertaining to Species at Risk. This includes a strong working knowledge of concepts and techniques related to the assessment and conservation of wildlife Species at Risk, a strong knowledge of the legal provisions for designation and protection of Species at Risk at the federal and/or provincial level, and experience formulating objective recommendations consistent with the biological status of wildlife species. Jessica is a member of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Arthropod Species Specialist Subcommittee and Chair of the Ontario Butterfly Species at Risk Recovery Team.
Service Sectors: Species at Risk, Permit Acquisition, Ecological Research Program Development, Biological Field Training, Environmental Impact Assessment, Wetland Assessment, Natural Heritage Inventories, Road Ecology, Hearing Support, Specialized Wildlife Monitoring Programs
KATHARINA RICHTER, B.E.S. – Senior Terrestrial / Wetland Biologist
Katharina is a Senior Biologist focusing on natural heritage systems, support in large scale planning studies (e.g. subwatershed studies, secondary plans), and environmental impact studies. Katharina is certified in the Ecological Land Classification system for southern Ontario and the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System. Katharina’s experience includes field studies, project management and advisement, including monitoring reports, watershed studies, environmental impact studies, and natural heritage studies. Katharina routinely undertakes peer reviews and provides natural heritage advice to municipalities. She has substantial experience providing review of policies pertaining to the large-scale provincial plans, the Provincial Policy Statement, municipal and Conservation Authority policies and regulations, and is knowledgeable in applying Endangered Species Act regulations to projects.
Service Sectors: Environmental Impact Studies, Ecological Land Classification, Wetland Evaluations, Natural Heritage Inventories, Natural Heritage System studies, Peer Review and Natural Heritage Advisement, Planning Studies (e.g. Subwatershed Studies, Master Environmental Servicing Plans, Secondary Plans, Official Plan Amendments), Ecohydrology