Western EcoSystems Technology (WEST)

Join us in celebrating Carmen Boyd's 10-year anniversary at WEST!  Carmen began her WEST career in 2013 at the Cheyenne, Wyoming headquarters, starting in the Project Tracking and Data Team. She supported research on wind energy and wildlife and later transitioned to compliance support. Carmen has provided team, project, and program management. Currently, she conducts habitat impact assessments and supports compliance through the LEPC Habitat Conservation Plan. She values WEST's technical expertise and enjoys fieldwork whenever possible.    Read more about Carmen’s journey at WEST here: https://lnkd.in/eWZvxFtA

Please join us in celebrating Shay Howlin's 25-year anniversary at WEST!     Shay joined WEST 25 years ago as a statistician in Laramie, Wyoming. Shay has driven our growth with service improvements and training programs. In 2015, she became a Board member and later President, focusing on structural changes and inclusive leadership. When asked why she has stayed with WEST for 25 years, Shay says, "The people at WEST and their contributions to science." To learn more about Shay’s journey at WEST click here: https://lnkd.in/gxq9JD3b

We are so excited to welcome Melinda Conners and Brenda Bhatti to the WEST team! Melinda is a marine ecologist with more than 15 years of experience on offshore research projects. Her research focuses mainly on issues relevant to the conservation and management of seabirds and marine mammals through biologging technology and wildlife sensors. Brenda has been in wildlife and environmental consulting, land use, conservation, and project/business management for more than 25 years and has worked in a broad range of sectors that include transportation/infrastructure (e.g., bridges, airports), on/offshore wind and solar, energy/transmission, commercial/industrial development, and others. Learn more about Melinda here: https://lnkd.in/g_Z6DxRB Learn more about Brenda here: https://lnkd.in/g5vajvgH 

WEST Associate Biologist, Lea Selby is a co-author on the recently published research article, "Accuracy, accessibility, and institutional capacity shape the utility of habitat models for managing and conserving rare plants on western public lands", published in Conservation Science and Practice. Public lands are managed for various uses, including rare plant conservation. The article examines how Bureau of Land Management staff use habitat models. The study found no legal challenges or NEPA document citations of habitat models. Interviews revealed challenges with data organization, model quality, and staffing. Staff suggested improving access to models and developing models for more species to better inform conservation decisions. Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/geMnz97J

Happy Juneteenth from WEST! Juneteenth has become a time to honor African American heritage, culture, and achievements. This day marks a significant milestone in history, symbolizing freedom and the ongoing struggle for equality. Juneteenth is now a federal holiday celebrated by many at WEST. Our attendance at various local events including parades, cultural festivals, and educational activities honors African American heritage and resilience.

We are excited to announce the promotions of our Principal Biologists! Rhett Good joined WEST 26 years ago and now utilizes his experience to serve as Senior Advisor to WEST’s Bat Practice and Detection Dog Practice Groups.  He works with a variety of clients and WEST experts on bat related projects and currently leads WEST’s efforts to further our tools that clients can utilize to reduce the impacts of wind energy to bats. Amanda Hale joined WEST in 2022 and enjoys the team-based work environment at WEST and is thankful for her great colleagues who are willing to share their expertise to produce high-quality deliverables including scientific publications.  Hall Sawyer joined WEST in 2002 and has since led several long-term studies focused on migration ecology and energy impacts to big game. Congratulations Rhett, Amanda, and Hall!  Learn more about Rhett's promotion here: https://lnkd.in/gDbDkpp9 Learn more about Amanda's promotion here:  https://lnkd.in/gpgNbUFT Learn more about Hall's promotion here: https://lnkd.in/gJXGXFBj

WEST Senior Biologist, Chad LeBeau is a co-author on the recently published research article, "Trends in greater sage-grouse lek counts relative to existing wind energy development in Wyoming," published in Wildlife Society Bulletin. The article examines the impact of wind energy infrastructure on greater sage-grouse populations in Wyoming. WEST and University of Wyoming researchers analyzed 78 breeding sites near 10 wind energy facilities and found no significant decline in male sage-grouse attendance at these sites for up to 10 years following development. The findings suggest that careful siting of wind turbines can have important implications for sage-grouse conservation. Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/gr8Nwaay

Aligned with WEST's mission to support and foster inclusive career development opportunities, we're proud to attend the 2024 Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) conference. oSTEM is a non-profit professional association for the LGBTQIA+ STEM community and empowers members personally, academically, and professionally through supporting environments and communities that encourage innovation, leadership, and advocacy. #Pride #ostem #conferences

Please help us celebrate Kristina Hammond-Rendon's 10-year anniversary at WEST!    Kristina started at WEST in June 2013 as a seasonal bat biologist, conducting mist netting across the Midwest. She moved to Cheyenne in August 2013 to join the data team, writing access queries, and managing bat acoustic detectors. Notable experiences include mist netting on Cape Cod, training for unexploded ordnance, and testing innovative research methods like using drones for acoustics. She also helped with various wildlife surveys in the Rockies and Midwest. Now, Kristina focuses on project management, technical assistance, and mentoring new biologists. Thank you, Kristina, for your hard work and commitment. Here’s to many more years of success and adventure! Read more about Kristina’s journey at WEST here: https://lnkd.in/dkH9GYkg

World Oceans Day is celebrated every year on the eighth of June to celebrate and raise awareness on the importance of oceans. Oceans play a critical role in sustaining life on Earth, by supporting amazing biodiversity, facilitating global nutrient cycling, and regulating the climate.   World Oceans Day and offshore wind energy are connected through their shared focus on the health and sustainability of our planet. Offshore wind farms generate renewable energy by harnessing the power of consistent ocean winds, thereby reducing the overall reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.   WEST’s marine biologists and statisticians are busy providing consulting services for seabird, bat, and Endangered Species Act (ESA) issues in the ocean, including those relevant to offshore wind. WEST offers key services and expertise such as risk assessments, statistically-designed monitoring plans, due diligence reviews, and ESA and mitigation, as well as WEST's longtime expertise in bird and bat monitoring.