Wildlife Management in the Bioeconomy

When one thinks about the bioeconomy, wildlife management is probably not the first thing to come to mind. Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms certainly have experts in biofuels and renewable fuels, and the more common areas like biomaterials, biomass and biomass power, feedstocks, and bio technologies.  In these larger consulting groups, one will also find expertise in other biofuels like algae biofuels, aviation/biojet fuels, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, advanced biofuels, biodiesel, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, renewable and biochemicals, biogas, syngas, biochar, bio coals, biobutanol, pyrolysis oil, and producer gas, wood pellets.  However, as we rely more and more on renewable energy in an effort to be more environmentally responsible, it is important to understand the connection this has with native biodiversity.  Successful wildlife management is largely dependent on managing the habitat in which wildlife species eat, breed, shelter, and use space across all phases of their life cycle. Therefore, the production of bioenergy crops across space and time will have important consequences on the wildlife that inhabit those regions.

Certified Wildlife Biologists® meet the minimum educational, experience, and ethical standards adopted by their professional society (The Wildlife Society) for professional wildlife biologists. They have demonstrated expertise in the art and science of applying the principles of ecology to the conservation and management of wildlife and its habitats. Wildlife biologists with expertise in habitat management, landscape ecology (i.e., arrangement of habitat across space and time), risk assessment, and environmental compliance are particularly useful in the renewable energy space. They can conduct both field and desk research to advise clients of the potential impacts of their activities on threatened and endangered species, biodiversity, and other environmental factors that may contribute to the long-term sustainability of native wildlife populations.

Habitat fragmentation and competition with invasive species (both flora and fauna) are major contributing factors for the listing and possible extinction of threatened and endangered species.  Some bioenergy feedstocks currently being developed share many of the characteristics of invasive species (e.g., rapid growth, ability to out-compete other plants, resistance to pests and disease, etc.) and are being targeted for production on marginal lands – lands that currently serve as habitat for many wildlife species that have been pushed out of ideal habitat as a result of urbanization and agricultural development.  If ever there has been a need for the assistance of professional wildlife managers in the renewable energy space it is now.

Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms like Lee Enterprises Consulting will certainly have experts in wildlife management. They also offer a wide range of services in the general areas of biofuels, biochemicals, biotechnologies, biomaterials, synthetic biology commercialization, feedstocks, and hemp/cannabis, and will have specialized business and financial services like due diligence, feedstock availability, grants, and loans and bio market research.  A big consulting group like this should also offer technical and engineering-related services like techno-economic analysis, environmental evaluations, feasibility studies, risk analysis, and expert witness engagements, and have solid strategic partnerships in place to assist clients with insurance, legal, accounting, plant fabrication, feedstock procurement.   With over 150 experts worldwide, Lee Enterprises Consulting has experts in many specific clean and renewable areas. Look at our experts and the services we provide.

Most of our experts are also available to advise and serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation matters.  For the larger projects, we specialize in putting together full-service, interdisciplinary teams with one point of contact.  See a video about LEC here.  Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.