Ecological Monitoring

Ecological monitoring involves documenting and characterizing the condition of ecological systems, and how these conditions change over time and space. Our monitoring of terrestrial ecological systems plays a vital role in ensuring that the impacts associated with development are effectively mitigated. Our team uses industry-standard protocols and also develops project-specific approaches to meet unique monitoring goals and objectives.

Our monitoring work includes wildlife, vegetation, ecological restoration, and disturbance monitoring across multiple scales.

D&A Approach

Our approach begins with identifying the questions, goals, and overall objectives  to be addressed by the proposed monitoring. We use this framework to develop scientifically-based monitoring programs that come from an understanding of the pre-disturbance site conditions and the scale and type of impact. Our methods are detailed and statistically rigorous, while being both time- and cost-effective.  The field work for the monitoring is carried out over the specified time frame, and then the data collected is analyzed.  We provide clients with a product that contains results that are easily interpreted and communicable to all parties involved.

D

&A Expertise

The team of ecologists at Dougan & Associates share extensive experience with monitoring a variety of ecological systems over periods 1-10+ years. We are experienced with standard protocols such as the Marsh Monitoring Program, Acoustic Bat Surveys, Breeding Bird Surveys, and Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network. Our ecologists are certified in Ecological Land Classification (ELC) for Southern Ontario, the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES), Butternut Health Assessment (BHA), and Tree Risk Assessment.

Our team is experienced with the application of software, such as ArcGIS and R, to perform statistical and spatial analysis. 

Examples of Our Work

• Wildlife Monitoring (bats, birds, herpetofauna, Species at Risk)
• Vegetation Monitoring (riparian vegetation, long-term forest and wetland)
• Restoration/Naturalization Monitoring
• Disturbance Monitoring