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Ecopa Environmental Ltd.
Ecopa Environmental addresses two needs within the field of natural resources management. Firstly, our commitment is to deliver comprehensive training for environmental professionals. We prioritize practical field experience coupled with a solid grasp of natural history and pertinent legislation, ensuring that our trainees are well-equipped to navigate real-world scenarios and challenges.
Secondly, Ecopa stands out for providing high-quality environmental consulting services that ensure assessments that are reliable, transparent, and trustworthy. Our seasoned team brings a wealth of experience and boasts a robust background in all aspects of environmental assessments.
We partner with leading organizations, agencies and consulting groups to drive sustainable environmental solutions.
Meet the Team
Paul Ashley
Paul Ashley is the founder of Ecopa Environmental and a professor at Fleming College. He has extensive knowledge of ELC, EIA, wetland evaluations, ornithology, and wildlife ecology and has taught these subjects to hundreds of students. With over 20 years of experience with the Canadian Wildlife Service's Protected Areas Program, as an ecosystem scientist for Parks Canada's Eastern Arctic National Parks and a tenure as a senior terrestrial ecologist for Hatch (a consulting engineering company), Paul brings a wealth of practical environmental expertise to his workshops and consulting services. Additionally, Paul is a member of the Ontario Association for Environmental Impact Assessment and has years of international experience, having developed and taught courses in ecological monitoring and environmental impact assessment in Ontario and for the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria.
Doug McRae
Doug McRae is an accomplished ornithologist with over 40 years dedicated to the study of birds and wildlife. He has led more than 100 birding tours worldwide, sharing his passion and expertise with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Doug conducts engaging field trips and workshops focused on bird identification, fostering a deep appreciation for avian species among participants.
In addition to his tours, he has actively participated in various research programs, concentrating on shorebirds in the Hudson Bay Lowland and contributing valuable insights to the understanding of these vital ecosystems. Through his company, Shrew Solutions Inc., Doug provides comprehensive biological assessments and expert testimony at environmental review hearings, ensuring that ecological considerations are prioritized in development projects.
Recently, he began teaching Ornithology and Wildlife courses at Fleming College, where he inspires the next generation of wildlife biologists and conservationists. Doug’s extensive experience and passion for avian studies not only enrich his teaching but also empower students to engage meaningfully with wildlife conservation and ecology.
In addition to his tours, he has actively participated in various research programs, concentrating on shorebirds in the Hudson Bay Lowland and contributing valuable insights to the understanding of these vital ecosystems. Through his company, Shrew Solutions Inc., Doug provides comprehensive biological assessments and expert testimony at environmental review hearings, ensuring that ecological considerations are prioritized in development projects.
Recently, he began teaching Ornithology and Wildlife courses at Fleming College, where he inspires the next generation of wildlife biologists and conservationists. Doug’s extensive experience and passion for avian studies not only enrich his teaching but also empower students to engage meaningfully with wildlife conservation and ecology.
Shawn Morgan
Shawn Morgan is a GIS specialist who actively implements and designs GIS systems, a field he has dedicated himself to since 1994. He has taught GIS at Fleming College, Conestoga College, and the University of Waterloo. With decades of international consulting experience, Shawn collaborates with private and government agencies across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Shawn focuses on making data accessible to professionals outside the GIS or IT fields. He delivers practical solutions for biologists, foresters, enforcement officers, urban planners, and others who need to collect and manage data. His expertise lies in explaining the "how" and ensuring its execution, driven by his passion for teaching everything from the basics to advanced spatial data science.
Shawn focuses on making data accessible to professionals outside the GIS or IT fields. He delivers practical solutions for biologists, foresters, enforcement officers, urban planners, and others who need to collect and manage data. His expertise lies in explaining the "how" and ensuring its execution, driven by his passion for teaching everything from the basics to advanced spatial data science.
Derek Morningstar
Derek is a Senior Ecologist and the owner of Myotistar and partners with Ecopa to provide bat survey techniques training. He has 20 years of professional experience and a Master’s degree studying bats in Ontario. As a Project Manager and field technical specialist, he has led numerous field investigations for bats and other taxonomic groups, including habitat assessment, acoustic surveys, roost surveys, mortality surveys, capture and radio-tracking and migration monitoring among many other research topics. Much of his current work is focused on helping Indigenous People, NGO’s and governments develop their own bat monitoring programs on their land. Derek has contributed to Species at Risk Monitoring Reports, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Studies and Natural Heritage Evaluations, leveraging his expertise in bat-related projects across seven countries since 2007. Additionally, Derek has published bat research in peer-reviewed journals, provided expert witness testimony for species at risk and provided guidance and content for government survey protocols and has written countless technical reports. He is an active member of bat-focused organizations, including the North American Society for Bat Research and the Ontario Bat Network and has undergone formal survey training in Canada and the USA before becoming a bat specialist. He is a certified professional wetland scientist (PWS) and holds certifications in Ecological Land Classification (ELC), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and several other flora and fauna techniques.
Andrew O'Neill
Andrew is a Fish and Wildlife technician with a strong foundation in ecological principles, wildlife management, applied field techniques, species identification, habitat assessment, and ecological monitoring.
Andrew began his career with the Ministry of Natural Resources as a fisheries technician, contributing to a wide range of fisheries projects throughout the Great Lakes and surrounding watersheds. His work has included population surveys, habitat evaluations, data collection for long-term monitoring programs, and assisting with research initiatives aimed at improving fisheries management strategies. These experiences have given him a deep appreciation for the complexity of aquatic ecosystems and the importance of evidence-based management.
In addition to his hands-on work in the field, Andrew has trained hundreds of students in fish identification and the safe and effective use of backpack electrofishers. His training sessions not only cover the technical aspects of operating this specialized equipment but also emphasize the importance of ethical practices, fish welfare, and rigorous safety protocols during sampling activities. Andrew takes pride in helping emerging professionals build confidence and competence in fish sampling methods, and he remains committed to fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and stewardship in aquatic resource management
Andrew began his career with the Ministry of Natural Resources as a fisheries technician, contributing to a wide range of fisheries projects throughout the Great Lakes and surrounding watersheds. His work has included population surveys, habitat evaluations, data collection for long-term monitoring programs, and assisting with research initiatives aimed at improving fisheries management strategies. These experiences have given him a deep appreciation for the complexity of aquatic ecosystems and the importance of evidence-based management.
In addition to his hands-on work in the field, Andrew has trained hundreds of students in fish identification and the safe and effective use of backpack electrofishers. His training sessions not only cover the technical aspects of operating this specialized equipment but also emphasize the importance of ethical practices, fish welfare, and rigorous safety protocols during sampling activities. Andrew takes pride in helping emerging professionals build confidence and competence in fish sampling methods, and he remains committed to fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and stewardship in aquatic resource management
Barb Elliott
Barb Elliot is a certified taxonomist in identifying aquatic insects to the Family level with the Society of Freshwater Science, a North American-wide accreditation body. She is also a provincial trainer in the OBBN (Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network) protocol. Since 2008, she has offered training and certification opportunities in OBBN to hundreds of students and resource professionals.
Barb holds a B. Sc. from the University of Guelph and a Master’s degree from Athabasca University and was instrumental in developing the Ecosystem Management Program at the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at Fleming College in Lindsay, Ontario. She received the Pascal Award for Excellence in Teaching from Fleming College where she taught for 28 years and the Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2017, she received the Environmental Excellence Conservationist Award from the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority in recognition of her many years of volunteer work in the environmental field, and, in 2021, the American Fisheries Society Outstanding Mentor Award in recognition of her contribution to the development and education of students. Most recently, she was the joint recipient of the Joyce Chau Ecospark Legacy Award for Environmental Leadership in June of 2023. She now owns and operates her own environmental consulting business.
Barb holds a B. Sc. from the University of Guelph and a Master’s degree from Athabasca University and was instrumental in developing the Ecosystem Management Program at the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at Fleming College in Lindsay, Ontario. She received the Pascal Award for Excellence in Teaching from Fleming College where she taught for 28 years and the Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2017, she received the Environmental Excellence Conservationist Award from the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority in recognition of her many years of volunteer work in the environmental field, and, in 2021, the American Fisheries Society Outstanding Mentor Award in recognition of her contribution to the development and education of students. Most recently, she was the joint recipient of the Joyce Chau Ecospark Legacy Award for Environmental Leadership in June of 2023. She now owns and operates her own environmental consulting business.
Sam Pethick
Sam Pethick is a highly skilled GIS cartographic specialist who is an expert in all things mapping. With his knowledge of GIS technologies, combined with his exceptional attention to detail, Sam is an invaluable asset to the company. He is dedicated to producing high-quality maps and visualizations that accurately and effectively communicate complex information. Whether it's creating custom maps or conducting spatial analysis, Sam is always up to the task and ready to deliver results that meet and exceed our client's expectations.
Ian McBain
Ian McBain is a Fish and Wildlife
Over the course of his career, Ian has worked in a wide range of roles, including wildlife technician, survival instructor, turtle conservation technician, and outreach coordinator, giving him a broad and adaptable skill set. Ian prides himself on being a “jack of all trades” who is always willing to assist students and colleagues—regardless of the topic or challenge.
Ian has extensive experience delivering and supporting a variety of technical training programs, including Ecological Land Classification (ELC), the Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN), Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP), and Electrofishing certification
Over the course of his career, Ian has worked in a wide range of roles, including wildlife technician, survival instructor, turtle conservation technician, and outreach coordinator, giving him a broad and adaptable skill set. Ian prides himself on being a “jack of all trades” who is always willing to assist students and colleagues—regardless of the topic or challenge.
Ian has extensive experience delivering and supporting a variety of technical training programs, including Ecological Land Classification (ELC), the Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN), Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP), and Electrofishing certification
Matt Purvis
Matt is a graduate of Fleming College and the University of Northern British Columbia, with a strong academic and professional background in wildlife management and ecosystem assessment. He brings over 17 years of experience with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and other public and private sector organizations, where he specialized in wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, and natural resource planning.
Through his company, Muskrat Consulting, Matt continues to conduct wetland evaluations, wildlife inventories, and habitat assessments across Ontario, contributing to responsible environmental management and conservation decision-making.
Through his company, Muskrat Consulting, Matt continues to conduct wetland evaluations, wildlife inventories, and habitat assessments across Ontario, contributing to responsible environmental management and conservation decision-making.
Zack Harris
Zack Harris is a terrestrial ecologist and botanist with over 18 years of experience in Ontario. He specializes in plant identification, restoration ecology, GIS, ecological monitoring, and data analysis. Zack has conducted a wide range of ecological surveys, including Ecological Land Classification (ELC), Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) wetland delineations, Marsh Monitoring Program (MMP) surveys, and Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) protocols.
Zack regularly conducts vegetation surveys across Ontario in diverse natural and cultural landscapes and provides guidance on restoration projects ranging from urban forests to tallgrass prairies. His experience includes botanical inventories, wetland delineation, Species at Risk and invasive species monitoring, tree inventories and arborist assessments, and monitoring wetland and riparian vegetation communities. Zack completed his Master’s degree at the University of Guelph in 2015, where he studied remnant tallgrass prairies in Ontario and examined how population size and density influence pollination and reproduction in Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii).
Zack regularly conducts vegetation surveys across Ontario in diverse natural and cultural landscapes and provides guidance on restoration projects ranging from urban forests to tallgrass prairies. His experience includes botanical inventories, wetland delineation, Species at Risk and invasive species monitoring, tree inventories and arborist assessments, and monitoring wetland and riparian vegetation communities. Zack completed his Master’s degree at the University of Guelph in 2015, where he studied remnant tallgrass prairies in Ontario and examined how population size and density influence pollination and reproduction in Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii).
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