Did you know women comprise over 40% of WRA’s staff? As we continue to expand, that percentage is steadily growing! International Women’s Day is Sunday, March 8th, 2020. This year’s theme is #EachforEqual, with an emphasis on ‘collective individualism’ to create a gender equal world. “We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, … Continue Reading »
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Uncertainty Continues, Yet Status Quo Remains for California
By Jason Yakich and Patricia Valcarcel There are two pending updates in relation to the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and regulation of incidental take (unintentional capture or killing) of birds protected under the MBTA. Although these potential revisions may be contributing to uncertainty about protections elsewhere in the United States, California’s codes protecting … Continue Reading »
Sr. Geomorphologist, Virginia Mahacek to Present at 2020 River Restoration Northwest Symposium
WRA is a proud sponsor of the 2020 River Restoration Northwest annual Stream Restoration Symposium on February 3rd-7th in Stevenson, Washington. Virginia Mahacek, WRA Senior Geomorphologist and long time RRNW member (and past Board of Directors President) will be presenting a talk titled “Opportunities from the Ashes: Pursuing Multiple Benefit Community and Landscape Resilience to … Continue Reading »
Navigating Changes to Federal WOTUS Policy
By Justin Semion, WRA, Inc., Director of Technical Services On January 23, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) finalized the long-anticipated Navigable Waters Protection Rule that defines “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) and clarifies the limits of federal jurisdiction over wetlands, streams, and ditches under the Clean … Continue Reading »
Research Published on New Rare Jewelflower Discovered by WRA Plant Biologist
In 2011, while working on the former Corda Ranch in northern Marin County, Aaron Arthur came across an odd-looking Streptanthus sp. on a serpentine outcrop and was not able to identify the specimens with local and regional keys. In 2012, Doreen Smith of the CNPS Marin Chapter noted a unique population of Streptanthus sp. on the south … Continue Reading »
WRA Wildlife Experts to Present at 2020 California and Nevada Amphibian Populations Task Force Meeting
Two wildlife experts from WRA will present research at the 2020 California and Nevada Amphibian Populations Task Force Meeting in San Diego, CA on January 9-10. WRA Senior Wildlife Biologist, Rob Schell, will present his paper: Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sampling as a Method to Detect Rare or Elusive Aquatic Herpetofauna: Two Case Studies. In this … Continue Reading »
WRA Botanists to Exhibit at 2020 Northern California Botanists Symposium
WRA is a proud sponsor of the 2020 Northern California Botanists Symposium, January 13-14 in Chico. This year’s theme is “The Diversity of Northern California Botany: Challenges and Opportunities”. WRA botanists Aaron Arthur and Rhiannon Korhummel will attend and be on-hand between presentations at the WRA exhibitor table — please stop by and say hello … Continue Reading »
Bianca McCarron, VP, Finance Joins WRA
WRA, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Bianca McCarron as Vice President, Finance. Bianca has nearly 15 years of financial and operational experience in both the consulting and construction sectors. Bianca has successfully led teams through ownership transitions, process improvement, and growth. “Bianca is a great asset for the team as she has … Continue Reading »
WRA Announces Addition of Virginia Mahacek, Senior Geomorphologist
WRA, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Virginia Mahacek, Senior Geomorphologist. With 27 years of experience, Virginia brings a suite of expertise and skills that align perfectly with WRA’s Vision and serve the company’s current client base as well as cultivate new connections. “I am really excited to have Virginia join our team … Continue Reading »
New Research Published on Wetland Rapid Assessment Method
WRA Senior Biologist Kari Dupler is lead author of a research paper recently published called “Rapid Assessment of Wetland Condition Reflects Amphibian Community Composition”. Kentucky has lost over 80% of its wetlands, and because state-wide monitoring was historically minimal, this number is likely underestimated. The Kentucky Wetland Rapid Assessment Method (KY-WRAM) was developed by the Kentucky … Continue Reading »