Two Dot Consulting | Montrose Environmental Group

As winter is in full swing across the Rockies, ungulates like mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, and big horn sheep are finding refuge in winter concentration areas. These state-mapped areas provide the resources that these species need to survive during harsh winter conditions. In Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, winter concentration areas are vital for wildlife and promote a healthy ecosystem. Protecting these areas during development requires collaboration, innovation, and respect for the ecosystem and species that inhabit it. With certain exceptions involving species-specific needs and locations, these state agencies enforce seasonal stipulation periods for Ungulate Winter Concentration Areas:? *Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW): December 1 - April 30 *Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR): November 15 - April 15 *Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD): December 1 - April 30 Here’s how 2DOT can assist you with projects within Winter Concentration Areas: ? Coordinating with wildlife agencies to ensure that construction schedules are integrated with seasonal closures. ? Informing our client on species-specific seasonal stipulations throughout the winter. ? Incorporating habitat preservation measures into project plans, and safeguarding important winter ranges. Agencies like CPW, UDWR, and WGFD are working hard to manage these critical areas through habitat restoration, seasonal closures, and partnerships with private landowners. These state agencies are ensuring the long-term health of our wildlife populations and diverse ecosystems. ?? Have you encountered wildlife in their winter concentration areas? Share your experience and help raise awareness! #WildlifeConservation #WinterRange #UngulateWinterConcentrationArea #ColoradoWildlife #UtahWildlife #WyomingWildlife #CPW #UDWR #WGFD #RockyMountains #Ungulates #TwoDotConsulting #MontroseEnvironmental Photo Credit: Abigail Robinson

2DOT biologists prepare for yet another migration season as Rough-legged hawks leave and Swainson’s hawks arrive to breed. Rough-legged Hawks (RLHA; Buteo lagopus) breed in the tundra of North America and Eurasia, spending winters in temperate regions across the United States. Swainson’s Hawks (SWHA; Buteo swainsoni) migrate up to 14,000 miles annually between their North American breeding grounds and wintering areas in South America. RLHAs and SWHAs swap geographic locations during migration, minimizing competition.? In the fall, RLHAs begin migrating south from their Arctic breeding grounds to the temperate zones of North America, including the U.S. SWHAs leave their breeding grounds in North America starting in August. They migrate as far as Argentina, completing their journey by late November. In the spring, RLHAs head north again, returning to the tundra by May for the breeding season. SWHA migration begins in February and March, with most reaching their North American breeding areas by late April to early May. 2DOT works with both of these species through large bird point counts, nest surveys, and migration surveys. Avian biologists are adept at identification. Most energy projects throughout the Front Range (e.g., oil & gas, solar, wind, and other renewables) require this effort to ensure that these species are protected. We help our clients mitigate their project’s risk and effect on these key species. 2DOT can help you minimize your project’s risk to these species and ensure the Project is in compliance with the correct rules and regulations. #Energy #birdmigration #hawkmigration #solarenergy #windenergy #oilandgas #swainsonshawk #roughleggedhawk #hawks #springmigration #Biology #avianbiology

We are so fortunate to have Nichole Wollesen working with our 2DOT compliance team in Windsor! Nichole has recently earned her promotion to "Environmental Specialist II"! Nichole continues to excel with each task she works on from landfill waste audits to SPCC drawings, or cut-n-cap soil sampling to stormwater inspections to bald eagle nest surveys! Nichole is willing to take any work challenge and run with it! We can't wait to see what is in store for Nichole over the next year!! #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

We are excited to announce that Keenan Winger has been promoted to Field Lead in our Windsor Office!! Keenan has been a rockstar since he started working with the 2DOT compliance Team just over two years ago! Keenan is a hard-working, positive team player, who is always willing to help where needed whether it is creating GIS maps, conducting wildlife surveys, performing Stormwater inspections, or SPCC inspections - he has even volunteered to go is in Texas in the summer to get the job done for our client! Our team and everyone around him is better for knowing him and working with him!! Thanks, Keenan!! #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

Madison Alsbach has been with 2DOT for almost 2 years and has surpassed every goal set! While starting as an Environmental Specialist II - Wildlife Biologist she gave us no choice but to promote her to Field Lead with her work ethic and attention to detail. She has continued to perform at an exceptional level and has now been promoted to Project Coordinator! Madison has been working on all things natural resource related: community outreach, wetlands, wildlife surveys, socioeconimic reports, permit matrix, bat reports, and 1041 permits (just to name a few). Keep up the amazing work, Madison! We are so fortunate to have you on our 2DOT Team!! #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

It has been very rewarding to watch Madelene Lockner grow professionally over the past few years! Maddie started working with our compliance team performing stormwater inspections as an Environmental Specialist I in 2021! Since that time Maddie has continued to advance into an Environmental Specialist II, Environmental Specialist III, Project Coordinator, and now we are proud to announce that Madelene Lockner has earned the title "Project Manager"! She is well-versed in ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, wildlife mitigation, avian and wildlife surveys, environmental inspections, wetlands work (and has earned her WPIT), and much more! Keep your eye on Maddie! She is going to continue to do great things! Please take a moment to congratulate Maddie on her recent promotion to Project Manager! #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

Be sure to congratulate Jackson Strobel! He was just promoted to Environmental Specialist III - Avian and Wildlife Biologist!! Jackson continues to advance our avian and wildlife field inspections, as well as developing our visual simulations for renewables clients! He also schedules fun birding events with our 2DOT team outside of work! Thank you for everything you do, Jackson!! #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

Congratulations are in order for John (Jack) Pritchett! Jack recently earned his new title of SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER!! Jack is an outstanding project manager and thoughtful mentor for our Natural Resource / Renewables team here at 2DOT! Jack continues to lead by example and has really helped grow our team into the amazing group that it is today! Thank you, Jack! You are a rockstar!! #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

After more than a decade of building and leading our incredible team of biologists, engineers, and scientists, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the retirement of our founder and fearless leader, Todd Spivey. Todd’s vision, dedication, and leadership have been the foundation of our success, shaping our organization into what it is today. His passion for innovation and commitment to excellence have not only driven groundbreaking advancements but have also inspired each and every one of us. While we will deeply miss his guidance, we are forever grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. Please join us in celebrating Todd’s remarkable career and wishing him all the best in his well-earned retirement!

The “State of the State” panel of powerful leaders in Colorado presented crucial information for navigating this landscape in the near term. Thank you to the panelists: Julie Murphy (ECMC), Kait Schwartz (API), Stefanie Shoup (CDPHE), & Lynn Granger (COGA)!!