Wilson Ecological Consulting has a diverse clientele representing a variety of client types. In some instances, Wilson Ecological Consulting works as a sub-consultant to another firm (architect, engineer, or surveyor) but in many circumstances Wilson Ecological Consulting works directly for the client as the prime contractor. When necessary, Wilson Ecological Consulting will sub-contract specialized services to other consulting firms, such as minor engineering assignments. Some examples of recent projects completed by Wilson Ecological Consulting are summarized below.
Wilson Ecological Consulting performed a botanical survey in search of an extremely rare plant, short-hair sedge (Carex crinita var. brevicrinis), that is listed as endangered in Pennsylvania and is considered critically imperiled in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, and Illinois and imperiled in Ohio. In Pennsylvania, the species has only been documented from a few sites in two adjacent southeastern counties in the past 25 years. Surveys were conducted at a municipal reservoir site in central Pennsylvania where the species was previously recorded growing in a large wetland at the head-end of the reservoir in the early 1950s and the early 1990s. The survey documented short-hair sedge growing in the same wetland and in some places, it is growing as a dominant species. The study concluded that proposed improvements to the reservoir will have no impact on the short-hair sedge population.
Water Intake Permit
Wilson Ecological Consulting performed environmental studies necessary to obtain Nationwide Permit 58 (Utility Line Installations for Water) authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a client to withdraw water from the Tuscarawas River in Ohio for the purpose of maintaining water levels in a nearby private pond that occupies about 50 acres. The water intake was necessary because the pond has no surface water connection to the river and the applicant needs to withdraw water periodically from the pond for other purposes. To avoid impacting aquatic life in the pond, two intakes along the adjacent river will periodically pump water from the river to the pond using flexible pipes that are placed on the ground surface. The intakes were designed such that they float and remove surface water only and this is because there are bivalve species of concern known to occupy the benthos of the river at the intake locations. The permit was approved and the applicant is currently refilling the private pond as needed.
Wilson Ecological Consulting performed botanical surveys in several wetlands with habitats suitable for the endangered northeastern bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus). The species was confirmed in one of these wetlands and was found to be growing in areas that are dominated by buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus), and purple-leaf willowherb (Epilobium coloratum). This wetland is on a municipality-owned parcel that is managed as a public park so there is no immediate threat to the northeastern bulrush population. The only nearby human disturbances are foot trails that pass by the wetland. One potential threat to the northeastern bulrush population that was noted is the presence of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) in the wetland. However, Japanese stiltgrass tends to occupy the rim of this wetland where inundation is less common and soil saturation is limited to only the wettest times of the year. The northeastern bulrush occupies areas of the wetland where seasonal inundation is common, and soil saturation is nearly year-round. For this reason, the presence of the invasive species was not considered a great threat to the northeastern bulrush population.
Forest Stewardship Plan
Wilson Ecological Consulting performed natural resource studies as necessary to prepare a Forest Stewardship Plan for a proposed outdoor recreational area improvement project near Pittsburgh, PA. The project area totals about 366 acres and includes lands that are primarily forested with miles of hiking trails as well as a few other outdoor recreational facilities like a dog park, baseball field, and overlooks of the Allegheny River. Primarily, field studies were conducted to document the composition and health of the forested habitats and these studies followed standard forest assessment protocols. Additionally, wetlands and streams were identified and mapped as were any other notable unique habitats like upland meadows. A report was generated that summarized the results of field studies and offered recommendations and best practice methodologies that the land managers can follow to improve the habitats of the site for consistency with public recreation (i.e. trails, nature watching, etc.) while at the same improving conditions for native plants and wildlife species. This study was done in collaboration with landscape architects who prepared planning documents for public recreation improvements at the site.