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Our Work

Habitat Conservation

Scientific and Technical Services for Fish and Wildlife Conservation in Alaska

Client:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 7 (Alaska) – Fisheries and Ecological Services

Challenge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Alaska manages a vast and complex portfolio of trust species and protected habitats under challenging field conditions. USFWS required a multidisciplinary team to deliver specialized scientific and technical support across programs ranging from fisheries management and habitat restoration to marine mammal protection, contaminants analysis, and proactive conservation planning, all while navigating remote field logistics and COVID-19 restrictions.

Our Solution

Lindahl Reed deployed a team of 14 full-time, part-time, and seasonal professionals—many with advanced degrees and 15+ years of experience—to provide expert services in biological data collection, habitat assessment, and technical analysis across multiple USFWS programs. Key responsibilities included:

  • Specialized Fisheries Staff: Field biologists to support seasonal monitoring, invasive species response, and restoration projects in remote aquatic systems.
  • Marine Mammal Conservation: Support walrus haul out monitoring, harvest data collection, species range mapping, and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) compliance reviews.
  • Data Governance and Quality Strengthening: Develop standardized data management plans, metadata documentation, and QA/QC protocols, and populate USFWS’s Regional Data Repository.
  • Contaminants Research and Long-Term Refuge Planning: Research and report on contaminants data at Kanuti and Arctic National Wildlife Refuges for long-term decision support.
  • At-Risk Species Protection: Build conservation matrices, outreach materials, and grant review protocols to protect at-risk and candidate species.
  • Habitat Restoration Design Services: Conduct engineering surveys, design development, and site inspections for fish passage and stream restoration projects.
  • Community-Facing Outreach Campaigns: Lead a Walrus Haul Out Disturbance Outreach Campaign engaging commercial and recreational vessel operators, publish materials in industry and community channels, and coordinate updates to nautical charts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

Results & Impact

  • Maintained High-Quality Support Through Adverse Conditions: Delivered program support services on time and to a high standard, despite the logistical challenges of COVID-19 and remote Alaskan fieldwork.
  • Provided Highly Credentialed Experts Beyond Contract Requirements: Provided expert staffing with credentials beyond contract requirements, including Ph.D.s and advanced technical certifications at no additional cost to the USFWS.
  • Enhanced Program Efficiency Through Innovation: Increased positive conservation impact through automation of photo analysis, development of machine learning tools, and use of geofencing and Geographic Information System (GIS) data for vessel activity tracking.
  • Advanced Mandate Compliance Across Key Environmental Laws: Successfully supported multiple USFWS mandates under MMPA, Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Wildlife Refuge System programs with measurable conservation outcomes.

Why It Matters

Lindahl Reed’s multidisciplinary team delivered integrated, field-proven scientific and technical services that advanced federal conservation goals across diverse ecosystems and operational environments. This work demonstrates our ability to adapt, innovate, and provide mission-critical support under complex conditions and evolving program needs.

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What our Clients Say...

“[Lindahl Reed’s staff] are doing excellent work. They have exceeded my expectations in most every way. I’ve received positive feedback from several biologists who have worked with them.”

Catherine Bradley, Ph.D., FES Regional Biometrician, USFWS Alaska Region
Markets:
Solutions Areas:
Capability Areas:
  • Data Stewardship, Environmental Compliance, Program Support, Scientific Research, Wildlife and Habitat Management