2-2030 Matrix Crescent,
Kelowna B.C. Canada, V1V 0G5
phone 250 491 7337
At Ecoscape, we strive to understand our client’s needs and to succeed in integrating and balancing these needs within the regulatory frameworks to ensure sound environmental management. Ecoscape’s adaptive management approach allows us to respond quickly and efficiently to the evolving needs of our clients as well as to the complex relationships of natural systems.
Our Team
Ecoscape Environmental Consultants Ltd. is a full-service environmental consulting firm with a range of associates who complete geotechnical, environmental engineering, civil, land use planning, groundwater, and stream engineering studies.
Dan Austin
MGIS, GISP
GIS Specialist
Dan, a senior GIS Specialist with Ecoscape, has over 22 years of experience in the forestry and environmental sectors with 17 years of that in GIS. Dan has extensive experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment along side engineers, biologists, hydrologists, ecologists, contaminated sites professionals, foresters and more. Furthermore, Dan is an Adjunct Professor teaching Advanced GIS at the University of British Columbia.
Dan has experience working with private and public sector clients, governments of all levels, and first nations. Dan’s project experience ranges spatially from projects in Siberia to the west, to Ontario in the east and Canada’s far north. Most of Dan’s project experience however is in BC’s southern interior with a focus on the Okanagan Valley.
Dan’s GIS expertise has been applied to large ecosystem mapping projects and environmental assessments, basin wide hydrologic modelling projects, key transportation and infrastructure projects, major mine projects spanning the entire mine lifecycle from inception to reclamation and countless other applications. GIS is just the tool he uses to get any job needed done.
When not working, Dan enjoys spending time with family, and when time permits, he enjoys getting out on anything with two wheels, hiking and skiing, as well as searching out new and delicious wineries in the valley.
Jordyn Battista
R.B.Tech In Training
Environmental Scientist
Jordyn joined Ecoscape Environmental Consultants as a Natural Resource Biologist in November 2022 with an academic background in Environmental Management. Previously, she worked in forestry doing block layout and ecosystem mapping.
Originally from Ontario, Jordyn fell in love with BC during a snowboarding trip in 2013 and finally made the move to call BC home in 2020. Jordyn’s focus is environmental monitoring as she loves to be out in the field getting hands on experience. Jordyn has a keen interest in freshwater macroinvertebrates and benthic sampling and hopes to gain more experience with water quality projects.
Outside of work Jordyn in a bookworm and enjoys all the outdoor activities that the beautiful Okanagan has to offer, mostly so she can enjoy a hazy ipa at a local brewery afterwards.
Carter Case
B.I.T.
Junior Biologist
Carter joined Ecoscape Environmental Consultants as a Natural Resource Biologist in November 2022. He has previous experience as a conservation biologist and animal husbandry intern in Costa Rica. He has also previously worked as research technician with Black Bears and Snowshoe Hares in both Alberta and the Yukon. At Ecoscape, Carter’s has primarily been working in environmental monitoring with a focus on wildlife surveys.
Originally from Alberta, Carter moved to BC and has since never looked back. He has a bachelor’s degree in Ecology from the University of Alberta and has always been passionate about conservation and outreach education. He is always happy when in nature and loves his various field work based projects.
When not at work, you can find Carter enjoying his time outside lounging at the beach, swimming, hiking, running, or skiing. If not outside, he is most likely enjoying a cold beverage while watching a football game.
Fabian Cid Yanez
M.Sc.
Intermediate Research Analyst
Fabian joined Ecoscape Environmental Consultants Ltd. (Ecoscape) as GIS and Data Analyst in 2021. He graduated from Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Concepcion, Chile. He then completed a M.Sc. in Wood Science from Université Laval, Québec, Canada, and reached PhD Candidacy in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies at University of British Columbia, Kelowna. During his career in academia, Fabian has acquired a wide variety of analytical and computational skills. Besides studying and teaching experiences, he has worked in projects related to natural resources and sustainability in Chile, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Fabian’s core skills are related to the modelling of socio-ecological systems. Before joining Ecoscape, his research focused on the modelling of movement and survival of Boreal Caribou under alternative Forest Management Scenarios. He has also co-lead the Bee Ambassador program; a project for the Conservation of Native Bees in Urban settings in Kelowna and Richmond, BC; and contributed to the development of educational tools for communicating Wildlife Connectivity issues in the Okanagan.
Fabian enjoys the outdoors, hiking, canoeing and taking his children camping as much as possible.
Luke Crevier
M.Sc.
GIS and Data Analyst / Data Team Lead
Luke has been with Ecoscape since July 2019 as a GIS technologist and Data Analyst. His biology background combined with his technical mapping and data analysis skillset makes him well-suited to the management and interpretation of biological and spatial data. Luke’s experience includes modeling population cycles, individual-based modeling of wildlife movement, fly-camp soil sampling, as well as diverse mapping and data analysis projects.
For data analysis, Luke works primarily in R but leverages Python where needed for tasks such as the automation of spatial analysis using ArcPy. He emphasizes a reproducible and repeatable workflow for all analysis tasks through comprehensible, modular code. Luke also aims to reduce menial or manual work where possible for office tasks ranging from field data entry to accounting analysis and formatting.
Outside of work, Luke enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, hanging out with his dog, 3D modelling, fine-tuning his 3D printer, playing D&D, and providing instructional workout videos https://youtu.be/H7-YvJietGo
Gwenn Farrell
R.P.Bio.
Senior Environmental Scientist, Environmental Compliance and Remediation
Gwenn has an academic background in microbiology and environmental engineering, with over a decade of experience in the contaminated sites industry. Her portfolio ranges from urban development sites to remote and limited access decommissioning projects, with a focus on projects that require legal instruments or other submissions to the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy under the Contaminated Sites Regulation. Gwenn’s position at Ecoscape includes management and execution of environmental due diligence and remediation projects of all types and sizes. Gwenn moved to the Okanagan in 2019 and spends her time outside of work exploring trails in her new home with her dog or on her bicycle, learning new recipes, working in her garden, and building low tech planted aquariums. Prior to the pandemic, she was also an avid international traveller.
Brie Fisette
R.B.Tech In Training
Environmental Scientist
Brie joined Ecoscape Environmental Consultants as a Natural Resource Biologist in May 2022 with an academic background in Environmental Management. Prior to beginning her career, she spent the majority of her 20s travelling the world and dipping her toes in various industries including farming, tourism, restaurants, management, sustainability and conservation. Here at Ecoscape, Brie’s focus is Environmental Assessments, and she is also part of the Environmental Monitoring team. She aspires to become a project manager, and gain more experience in environmental restoration and rehabilitation.
Brie is originally from Winnipeg but has found her home here in the Okanagan with the mountains in her backyard. When she’s not working, she spends her time outside enjoying what the Okanagan and neighbouring Kootenays has to offer. Her favorite pastimes are snowboarding, camping, kayaking, and hiking
Kyle Hawes
R.P.Bio.
Senior Natural Resource Biologist, Principal
Kyle Hawes is a Senior Natural Resource Biologist and Principal of Ecoscape Environmental Consultants Ltd. (Ecoscape). With over 21-years’ experience, he has conducted numerous field studies within aquatic and terrestrial habitats throughout British Columbia, Ontario, the Northwest Territories, and Alberta. Kyle has provided services to a broad sector base from mining, to forestry, natural resource projects, transportation, urban land development, and various research and conservation initiatives.
Kyle acts as the logistical field lead and senior biologist for numerous large complex biological programs and is responsible for field coordination/logistics, study design, data collection, and crew safety. He is a very well-rounded biologist with demonstrated skills in fisheries and aquatic habitat studies, fish and benthic taxonomy, amphibian and reptile inventory and life history studies, bird inventories/counts from BC through to Ontario, terrestrial ecosystem mapping and vegetation surveys, wetland evaluations/classifications, Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping, small mammal surveys, and stream and wetland restoration.
Kyle has worked closely with regional, provincial, and federal inventory specialists to develop and refine inventory protocols and data collection requirements and standards.
When not working Kyle keeps active trying to stay ahead of his three boys racing triathlons, mountain biking, back packing/camping, alpine skiing and touring, and coaching nordic ski racers.
Kim Hinz
B.Sc. Hons.
Data Analyst
Kim has been with Ecoscape since November 2022 as a Data Analyst. Her academic and work background consists of monitoring agricultural soil, determining the genetic diversity of crop variants and microbes, and modelling climate data. With Ecoscape, Kim uses R in diverse data analysis projects. A few examples include applying environmental guidelines, statistical modelling, and creating R Shiny apps and tools to improve monotonous tasks.
Kim was born and raised in Edmonton, AB and received her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in biology at the University of Regina. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, snuggling her cat, and escaping to the Rockies whenever possible.
Lexee Kerry
B.Sc, B.I.T.
Junior Biologist
Lexee started with Ecoscape in May 2022 as a Junior Natural Resource Biologist. Lexee’s past work experience consists of invasive plant management, lake stock-assessments, spawning Kokanee enumerations, and the handling and care of a variety of animals. Since starting with Ecoscape, Lexee’s focus has been environmental monitoring, with a focus on large infrastructure projects throughout BC.
Lexee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus. Born and raised in the Okanagan Valley, Lexee likes to spend her time outside of work running, hiking, mountain biking, exploring local breweries, playing volleyball, and practicing yoga.
Scott McGill
B.Sc., R.P.Bio., CISEC
Intermediate Biologist
Mr. McGill has 9 years of environmental experience and is a Natural Resource Biologist with Ecoscape. Scott has considerable experience working on many multi-disciplinary engineering, environmental assessment, scientific research, natural habitat inventory and impact assessment projects across Ontario and British Columbia in the transportation, oil and gas, industrial and land development sectors.
Mr. McGill has conducted a variety of aquatic sampling programs including but not limited to benthic invertebrates collection/analysis and water quality monitoring related to construction and aquatic species at risk. Scott has supervised crews for fisheries research projects involving underwater documentation, passive and active fish capture techniques, tagging and marking, acoustic and telemetry surveys, age and growth analysis, and creel surveys. He has also provided sediment and erosion control inspection services on several projects where fisheries mitigation and compensation measures were implemented. Scott has provided onsite guidance in and around watercourse features for the installation and maintenance of sediment and erosion control measures as well as fish and fish habitat mitigation measures including by-pass channels, site isolation and dewatering, and fish rescue operations. He has diverse experience in assessing post-construction monitoring conditions and reporting on-site stability and natural feature protection following construction.
When not working, Scott enjoys fishing/hunting, hiking, camping, hockey, snowboarding, and competitive bass angling.
Kris Mohoruk
B.Sc. Dipl.Tech, R.P.Bio.
Intermediate Biologist
Kris Mohoruk is a natural resource biologist with Ecoscape. He has worked in various capacities since joining Ecoscape in 2019 and has work experience in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, including environmental monitoring and reporting, dock assessments and mussel surveys, water quality and CABIN sampling, fish and wildlife salvages, ecological restoration, and permitting.
His diverse background in recreation, fish, wildlife, and ecological restoration has enabled him to be involved in many different projects at Ecoscape.
When not in the office, he can be found out fishing, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and biking.
Vivien Nagy
Data Analyst / GIS Technician
Vivien has been with Ecoscape since March 2024 as a GIS Technologist and Data Analyst. She has a mathematics and programming background combined with an interest in environmental analytics and conservation. She has worked on past projects relating to agricultural sustainability, wildfire research, and habitat classification.
Her past experience has led her to be a part of a wide variety of projects at Ecoscape from environmental assessment mapping to coding and spatial data analytics using R and Python. She continues to expand her skill set on the projects she works on using various programs both individually and with her team.
Having lived in Kelowna for most of her life, Vivien has developed a deep appreciation for the Okanagan, which has fueled her passion for local conservation efforts. Aside from spending the workweek in the office, Vivien spends as much time outdoors as possible, enjoying activities like hiking, skiing, climbing, and playing volleyball.
Mary Ann Olson-Russello
M.Sc., R.P.Bio.,
Senior Biologist, Principal
Mary Ann is a Senior Biologist and Director with Ecoscape. She started working at Ecoscape in 2007, after relocating to Kelowna from Connecticut, USA. Mary Ann became a Registered Professional Biologist in 2009 and has since garnered ample experience in aquatic productivity research, environmental assessment, wildlife inventory, ecosystem mapping, watershed management, parks planning, and species-at-risk. She also has a broad range of project management experience, having overseen multi-year, large-budget projects for organizations such as BC Hydro and Barrick Gold.
Mary Ann is experienced in a variety of different scientific disciplines. Prior to consulting, she worked for nongovernmental organizations, including the Zoological Society of San Diego and the Wildlife Conservation Society, where she worked to improve the reproductive success of captive endangered species, most notably the giant panda. While her Master’s research used molecular techniques to assess population differentiation within a marine worm, Hobsonia florida, in light of the geologic history of the Long Island Sound.
In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, travel, bird watching, road biking, and spending time with family and friends.
Shane Pedersen, B.Sc., EPt
B.Sc., EPt
Environmental Scientist/GIS Technologist
Shane has been with Ecoscape since January 2022 as an Environmental Scientist and GIS technologist. His earth and environmental sciences background and technical mapping skills have allowed him to work alongside several different groups within Ecoscape. Shane’s experience includes mapping ecosystem services, modelling climate change impacts, surveying, limnological laboratory work, and small- and large-scale construction projects.
Shane is detail oriented and takes a holistic approach to environmental science. He aims to be an effective and efficient member of all the teams he is on.
Outside of work, Shane enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, sports, roasting coffee beans, giving his cat nicknames, and playing board games and D&D with his friends.
Nikita Planz
M.Sc. B.I.T.
Junior Biologist
Nikita joined Ecoscape in September 2023 as a Junior Biologist. She conducted her M.Sc. research under joint supervision from UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers University, where she examined the legacy effects of biosolids on grassland restoration. Before that, her undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology had a large focus on mycorrhizal associations and ecosystem restoration. Previous work experience focused on science outreach and aquatic invasive species within the Okanagan. At Ecoscape, she is involved in planning, research, and environmental landuse planning projects.
Beyond work, Nikita has been involved with recreation programs for children with varying support needs for many years. Additionally, she enjoys playing recreational volleyball, being outside, cooking, listening to good music, and paddleboarding.
Lee Ringham
M.Sc. P.Geo.,
Senior Hydrogeological Consultant
Lee has over 34 years’ experience working as a hydrogeologist both in Canada and overseas. During his extensive career and as a staff hydrogeologist in government positions in British Columbia and New Zealand, he has specialized in the collection and interpretation of groundwater quality and quantity data. He has completed water quality studies, water supply assessments, groundwater resource assessments, and surface water – groundwater water interaction assessments, and aquifer mapping and evaluation studies. Lee is now consulting (Chinook Arch Geoscience Inc.) and dedicates much of his time serving as Ecoscape’s Senior Hydrogeological Consultant.
Lee has extensive experience in analyzing pumping and groundwater quality data for large- and small-scale hydrogeological assessments. Lee has designed and implemented numerous groundwater exploration programs for rural developments on Vancouver Island and throughout BC. He has developed groundwater exploration programs; wellhead protection plan; and recommended pumping strategies to lower potential drawdown impacts for large groundwater users.
Although Lee has spent much of his career focused on water supply and water resource projects, he also carries experience in stormwater/wastewater disposal to groundwater assessments, solid waste management and landfill hydrogeology including leachate plume migration.
Lee enjoys golfing, hiking, backpacking, camping and mountain biking in summer and snowshoeing and riding a snowboard in the winter.
Jason Schleppe
M.Sc., R.P.Bio.
Senior Biologist, Principal
Jason is a Senior Biologist and Principal with Ecoscape and started the company with Kyle to work on interesting and exciting projects. He has numerous published technical and prepared peer reviewed publications. Jason has worked on a variety of different projects in terrestrial, lake and stream ecosystems. Working with all sectors, Jason has been effective at collecting, interpreting, and analyzing biological data.
Mr. Schleppe is a leader in the province in the development Foreshore Inventory and Mapping (FIM) a methodology that was developed with local, provincial, and federal Government agencies, that is now being used as the template for lake inventory and mapping projects. Jason has developed important spatial risk assessment tools for Source Water Protection Planning in the Okanagan, working with local and provincial agencies to ensure adequate source water protection. Finally, Jason has been involved on numerous water infrastructure projects, such as dams, bridges, culverts, and instream habitat restoration. The above highlights his ability to work with Governmental agencies to develop practical solutions by integrating biological principles into land use planning and engineering design.
When not working, Jason escapes with his family to camp and fish at his many “undisclosed” trophy lakes throughout BC.
Misty Schleppe
Office Administrator & Bookkeeper
Misty is the face behind the front desk, the voice on the other end of your phone calls, and the sender of many, many emails. She has been taking care of the day to day business administration and bookkeeping and trying to keep the Ecoscape team in line since 2009.
When not in the office, Misty can be found driving her children to their extra-curricular activities, working outside on hers and Jason’s property or, even better yet, spending quality time with family and friends. She enjoys a variety of exercise, personal development and outdoor activities; topping the list are: running, yoga & meditation, horseback riding, paddle boarding, cross-country skiing, and camping.
Mike Schutten
M.A.Sc., P.Geo.
Hydrogeologist, Principal
Mike Schutten is a Groundwater Scientist with over seven (7) years of geoscience, water resource, environmental and contaminated site experience in both British Columbia and Ontario. As a graduate of McMaster University’s Master’s of Applied Science program, his skill set largely pertains to physical and contaminant hydrogeology, and contaminant fate and transport.
Sustainable groundwater exploration and development, aquifer management, groundwater quality studies, and environmental impact assessments are a major focus of Mike’s groundwater-related projects. Mike also works closely with engineers, planners, land developers, property owners and regulators to evaluate, design and permit wastewater and/or stormwater to ground disposal systems using practical and environmentally conscious techniques. Mike is well versed in both the Sewerage System Regulation and Municipal Wastewater Regulation as they relate to hydrogeological and environmental impact studies.
Mike also has extensive technical and regulatory experience in contaminated sites assessment (Stage 1 and 2 Preliminary Site Assessments and Detailed Site Investigations) and remediation in British Columbia, and he regularly assists landowners and responsible parties in complying with applicable environmental site investigation and remediation guidelines and regulations to help meet future site development goals.
Mike enjoys cycling, hiking, camping and anything that else that takes him outdoors with his wife, son, and pup.
Jamie Trottier
B.Sc., R.P.Bio.
Intermediate Biologist
Jamie was born and raised in the Okanagan but ventured out to Vancouver Island from 2019-2024 and has recently returned home. While living on the island, she worked for another consulting firm where she developed good relationships with people in the industry and is looking forward to making new connections here. Jamie is a Registered Professional Biologist with a broad range of skills ranging from environmental monitoring of construction projects, bird nest surveys, reporting/permitting, erosion and sediment control and wildlife salvages. Jamie is passionate about all things nature but especially wildlife, and enjoys any project where wildlife is involved.
Jamie’s sidekick is her goldendoodle Frankie and when she’s not working you’ll likely find her enjoying the outdoors either hiking, paddleboarding or snowboarding.
Robert Wagner
Chief Technical Officer, Principal
Mr. Wagner is a GIS Specialist/Environmental Scientist with Ecoscape. He brings over 17 years of experience completing spatial mapping, field inventories, GIS models and analysis associated with terrestrial and aquatic habitats, watershed assessments, and topographic/bathymetric modeling. Mr. Wagner specializes in data management, utilizing GPS for field data collection, geomatics, and GIS for processing and analysis. He is highly skilled in GIS applications and has extensive experience with Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping, watershed assessments, and Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping inventories, and spatial analysis.
Having a multi-disciplinary background allows Mr. Wagner to contribute to all projects, by performing orthophoto interpretation, environmental monitoring, ecosystem mapping, land surveying, bathymetric surveying, preparation of environmental construction management plans (e.g., erosion and sediment control), AutoCAD, GIS, and a variety of other tasks, as needed. As the primary GIS analyst and mapping specialist, Mr. Wagner has the experience necessary to more than adequately manage and analyze the range of data collected for the various types of Ecoscape projects.
Mr. Wagner is also the Chief Technical Officer within Ecoscape. He is responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of computer hardware and software, computer networking, data security and redundancy, software training, and information technology.
Devon Wyszkowski
Environmental Scientist, Environmental Compliance and Remediation
Devon has an undergraduate academic background in Biology and French Language & Linguistics and a post-graduate degree in Environmental Science. He began his career in environmental compliance and enforcement with the City of Toronto and helped develop its groundwater management policies and bylaws during the construction boom of the mid 2010s. Devon then moved to the private sector where he has enjoyed several years carrying out contaminated sites and remediation related projects throughout British Columbia.
Devon is working towards his Registered Professional Biologist designation and hopes to continue to combine a multi-disciplinary approach to solving complex environmental, toxicological, and ecological problems informed by sound data collection and project design.
In his spare time, Devon enjoys exploring the vast backcountry on his dirt bike and on foot, enjoys playing drums and guitar, and participating in competitive organised sport such as baseball and hockey.
