We at Riverstone Environmental are natural environment consultants, experienced in assessing the significance of landscape features, including but not limited to lakes, watercourses, wetlands, grasslands, and forests. We provide a wide range of ecological consulting services for public and private sector clients. Our primary goal is to evaluate and manage environmental risk to achieve practical solutions
RiverStone understands the increasing emphasis placed on protecting the natural environment. Our staff are experienced in reviewing projects in the context of the ever evolving environmental policy and legislation that govern land use change and direct development in a sustainable way.
Provincial and municipal policies recognize the evaluation of the natural environment as a key component of the decision making process when land use change is proposed (e.g., for severance, subdivision, or re-zoning). Ecological consultants must have an in-depth understanding of planning requirements and of the necessary supporting studies to effect a timely and successful development application. RiverStone has the expertise to coordinate and complete the natural environment components of development applications for all scales of projects, starting with due diligence, through the natural heritage and impact assessments, to the effective communication of the results to the agencies involved.
Ecological consultants are often among the first professionals to assess a property prior to development. RiverStone has a comprehensive understanding of the environmental data that is required and the policy and legislative elements that are critical to the success of a project. With this understanding, we ensure that the necessary studies are conducted within appropriate timeframes, avoiding costly time delays.
RiverStone’s terrestrial, wetland, and aquatic ecologists provide a full range of ecological services from general wildlife surveys to detailed inventories that assess the significance of natural features and their associated ecological function. We have extensive experience conducting radiotelemetry studies on a variety of species including snakes, turtles, and fish.
Proper study design by appropriately qualified personnel is essential in environmental research and ecological or construction monitoring programs. RiverStone has extensive experience designing both detailed research studies and more simplified construction monitoring programs. No matter what the scale our studies are designed to be practical and defensible, ranging from small, volunteer-based research projects to detailed studies of water chemistry, benthic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and breeding birds. RiverStone also has experience developing and implementing cost-effective construction monitoring and supervision programs. We have RAQS-certified ecologists on staff, allowing us to work on projects administered by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
Water Quality & Aquatic Toxicology – RiverStone has experience developing, implementing, and evaluating water quality and aquatic toxicology monitoring programs. We have completed projects for a variety of stakeholders, including lake associations, golf courses, municipalities, and development groups. Our staff includes an experienced limnologist and aquatic toxicologist to address any of our clients’ water quality issues.
RiverStone’s ecologists have a diverse range of academic and applied skills. We strive to remain current with recent scientific literature and environmental legislation, maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base for peer-review of ecological studies, expert testimony at Ontario Municipal Board hearings, and other services requiring environmental expertise. We regularly update our certifications and are actively involved in our communities, providing both professional and volunteer support.
Literature and Peer Review, Specialty Work, & Expert Opinion – RiverStone routinely completes peer reviews of ecological studies and reviews of the scientific literature for natural heritage projects. Our Species at Risk specialists are proficient in the preparation of applications for Endangered Species Act permits. Members of RiverStone’s senior staff are highly qualified to provide expert services, including expert testimony at the Ontario Municipal Board and other tribunals.
At RiverStone, we strive to provide our clients with the means to achieve their objectives, while ensuring the appropriate protection of the natural environment. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality professional services in a cost-effective manner. Our solutions are defendable from both planning and natural heritage perspectives. We are committed to creating a productive and progressive work atmosphere that encourages novel thinking and alternative environmental and planning solutions.
