 HIGHWOOD's team of professional biologists and terrestrial ecologists are experienced in vegetation and wildlife surveys for parks and protected areas, oil and gas developments, restoration and reclamation projects and for site-specific environmental assessments. Our environmental professionals believe that appropriate management must include an understanding of the relationships between soil conditions, vegetation communities, wildlife and wildlife habitat, and the impacts of human use on terrestrial ecosystems.  At HIGHWOOD we focus on applying our core strengths to your requirements by providing 
 HIGHWOOD's environmental scientists and ecologists have experience in conducting vegetation baseline inventories, range health assessments (carrying capacity, browse levels) and riparian health assessments. HIGHWOOD has assessed and mapped the ecological components of terrestrial ecosystems across western Canada. We choose mapping methods appropriate to the location and nature of the project, including Ecological Land Classification, Alberta Vegetation Inventory and GIS, to evaluate existing conditions and predict development impacts for environmental assessments. Recent projects have been completed for oil sands developments, municipalities and pipelines.  HIGHWOOD's terrestrial ecologists have conducted rare plant surveys in prairie, aspen parkland, boreal and montane vegetation communities using approved methodologies. Herbarium collections are used to verify species identification based on collections, descriptions and/or photos. Recent surveys have been conducted for pipelines, oil sands development in wetland areas and alternative water storage options in upland areas.  HIGHWOOD is experienced in conducting helicopter and ground-based wildlife surveys, including winter wildlife tracking, amphibian surveys, owl surveys and small mammal trapping. Our interdisciplinary team uses vegetation baseline information and knowledge of wildlife ecology to assess wildlife habitat suitability. Wildlife survey data and on-site incidentals are taken into account to determine indicator wildlife species for environmental impact assessments. Experience and knowledge of disturbances affecting wildlife allows HIGHWOOD to provide appropriate best management practices and mitigation measures for our clients. Recent projects include wildlife studies for pipeline projects and oil sands developments.  HIGHWOOD has selected and monitored terrestrial environmental indicators to establish baseline conditions, and set future objectives and targets for corporations and government agencies. We have experience reporting on scientific monitoring results to the general public, and recently completed baseline vegetation monitoring studies for the Town of Banff's first State of the Environment Report.  HIGHWOOD prepares reclamation and restoration plans for decommissioned facilities and environmental assessments. Our knowledge of terrestrial ecology ensures that restoration activities are set in a trajectory that will lead to appropriate native vegetation communities. Reclamation or restoration planning provides target areas for rehabilitation, soil replacement volumes, suggested native vegetation species, and best management practices. Recent projects have been completed for decommissioned facilities in montane settings.      |
Terrestrial ecological planning services tailored to individual project requirements
HIGHWOOD provides support during project planning, implementation and monitoring activities related tothe terrestrial environment. Biophysical services include
