Mike Robinson, M.Sc, R.P.Bio

Biography

Mike has been working in the field of aquatic sciences for over 19 years. During this time he has become recognized in two key fields: the ecology of Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration. His work with Westslope Cutthroat Trout has covered most of their range in British Columbia and Alberta. Mike completed his MSc degree where his thesis investigated, for the first time, the ecological consequences of hybridization between native Westslope Cutthroat Trout and introduced Rainbow Trout. This study in part, considered the effects of human-impacts, such as habitat degradation, on the fish community and the potential spread of introduced species. This work was completed in the Oldman River watershed. Later on, Mike completed two years of genetic inventory and mapping work for the Government of Alberta from 2007-2008, mapping the remnant Westslope Cutthroat Trout population in Alberta, and support their SARA listing.

As a consultant, Mike’s career has focused on Ecological Restoration and Environmental Assessments. Regarding Ecological Restoration, Mike has experience designing and implementing habitat restoration prescriptions and Fish Habitat Offsetting Plans. He is currently leading a multidisciplinary team in identifying and designing habitat offsetting projects throughout the Elk River watershed. A key project in Mike’s experience is acting as the Project Manager and lead Biologist for Teck Coal’s ongoing fish habitat offsetting strategy, since 2007. Mike strongly urges clients to incorporate bioengineering into conventional instream habitat and bank erosion structures. In regards to Environmental Assessment Mike has been involved in multiple projects, often acting as the Fish and Fish Habitat discipline lead. He has been an author on gap analysis reports, baseline work plans, and Baseline Assessment reports. Mike has also completed environmental effects studies, including assessing the effects of substrate manipulation on benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Mike has lead projects investigating fish distributions in British Columbia and Alberta, to assist with Federal Species At Risk recovery plans. Mike has a strong understanding of scientific design and statistical analysis, and provides a balance of research, education and experience.

Areas of Expertise

• Ecological Restoration - Development and implementation of aquatic habitat rehabilitation prescriptions
• Bioengineering – Design and implementation of various soil bioengineering techniques
• Environmental Assessment – Baseline assessments and impacts assessment 
• Freshwater fish and invertebrate ecology including biotic-abiotic interactions, behaviour, and migration
• Federal and Provincial permitting
• Proposal writing, experimental design and advanced statistical analysis
• Fish sampling via backpack and boat electrofishing, seining, snorkel surveys, mark-recapture, fish fence, gill netting and trapping

Education

• M.Sc., Fisheries Ecology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB (2007)
• B.Sc., Earth and Environmental Science, Okanagan University College, Kelowna, BC (2002)

Professional Experience

• 2010 – present. Lotic Environmental. Senior Aquatic Ecologist, Owner
• 2004 – 2010. Interior Reforestation Co. Ltd., Cranbrook, BC. Aquatic Biologist.
• 2004. Kootenay Trout Hatchery, Cranbrook, BC. Auxiliary Fish Culturalist
• 2002. DWB Forest Consultants, Prince George, BC. Fish stream assessment

Relevant Training and Recent Professional Development

• BC Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation – Research presentation (2018)
• Soil bioengineering (Terra Erosion 2016)
• Swift Water Rescue Technician (2013, 2016)
• Winter Survival Course (2012)
• UTV Training Course (2012)
• Applied Fluvial Geomorphology (Rosgen 2012)
• Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1) (2011)
• Onsite Mine Supervisor
• Stream Restoration Design (Newbury 2008)
• Design and Analysis of Mark-Recapture Studies (Schwartz 2007)
• Soils Bioengineering (Pollster 2007)
• Electrofishing Supervisor Certification

Professional Memberships, Awards, Special Recognition

• Registered Professional Biologist - Association of Biologists of Alberta (2016)
• College of the Rockies Math and Science Advisory Council (ongoing)
• Columbia Basin Trust Environmental Strategic Planning Committee (2013)
• American Fisheries Society Lifetime member since 2010)
• Registered Professional Biologist - Association of Professional Biologists of British Columbia (2008)
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Postgraduate Scholarship (NSERC) (2006)
• Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research (CCFFR) (presentation 2006 and 2007)
• Alberta Conservation Biodiversity Grant (2006)
• Trout Unlimited Canada Coldwater Conservation Trust Fund recipient (2005 and 2006)
• Alberta Ingenuity Conference for Water Research AGM (presentation 2005)

Publications/Technical Reports/Thesis

1. Robinson, M.D., Gordon, S. and M. Otto. 2022. Teck Coal Ltd. 2021 Calcite Monitoring Program Annual Report. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd. by Lotic Environmental Ltd. 45 pp + appendices.
2. Hildebrand, M., Robinson, M.D.  and Otto, M.  2022. Alexander Creek Westslope Cutthroat Trout Population Study. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for NWP Coal Canada. 26 pp.
3. Thorley, J.L., Kortello, A.K., Brooks, J. & M. Robinson. (2022) Upper Fording River Westslope Cutthroat Trout Population Monitoring 2021. A Poisson Consulting, Grylloblatta and Lotic Environmental report prepared for Teck Coal Ltd., Sparwood, BC.
4. Thorley, J.L., Kortello, A.K., Brooks, J. & M. Robinson. (2022) Grave and Harmer Creek Westslope Cutthroat Trout Population Monitoring 2021. A Poisson Consulting, Grylloblatta and Lotic Environmental report prepared for Teck Coal Ltd., Sparwood, BC
5. Robinson. M.D., Smithson, J., and K. Baranoska. 2019. Michel Creek Coking Coal Project Proposed Loop Ridge Mine Fish and Fish Habitat Baseline Report. Prepared for North Coal Ltd. Lotic Environmental Ltd. 239 pp + append.
6. Robinson, M.D., J. Clarke, R.J. MacDonald, D. Dobson, D. Polster and M. Keefer. 2018. Carbondale River Rehabilitation Concept Designs Report. Prepared for Alberta Environment and Parks. Lotic Environmental Ltd. 27 pp.
7. Robinson, M.D., J. Clarke, R.J. MacDonald, D. Dobson, and M. Keefer. 2018. Lyons Creek Rehabilitation Detailed Design Report. Prepared for Alberta Environment and Parks. Lotic Environmental Ltd. 18 pp.
8. Robinson, M.D. and D. Dobson. 2018. Apetowun Creek Fish Exclusion Project – Design Report. 15 pp.
9. Roulston, B. and M.D. Robinson. 2018. South Saskatchewan FISHES Program – Silvester Creek Rehabilitation Project Final Construction Report. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for Alberta Environment and Parks. 16 pp + appendices.
10. Frederiksen, P. and M.D. Robinson. 2018. South Saskatchewan FISHES Program - Waiparous Creek Rehabilitation Project. Final Construction Report. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for Alberta Environment and Parks. 18 pp. + appendices.
11. Baranowska, K. and M.D. Robinson. 2017. LCO Phase II Fish Habitat Offsetting Project – As-Built Report. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. and Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. for Teck Coal Ltd. 23 pp.
12. Smithson, J. and M.D. Robinson. 2017. Lake Koocanusa Burbot Enumeration (UF-F16-113) – Year 2 (2016) Summary report. Prepared for Fish and Wildlife Compensation. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. 13 pp. and 3 Attachments.
13. Robinson, M.D , Gaboury , M., Cope , S., and E. Parkinson . 2016. ABNFESMON5 - Fish Entrainment Offsetting – Preliminary Design. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd., LGL Ltd., Westslope Fisheries Ltd., and E. Parkinson. Prepared for BC Hydro. 18 pp.
14. Robinson, M.D., J. Clarke, R.J. MacDonald, D. Dobson, D. Polster, and M. Keefer. 2016. Waiparous Creek Rehabilitation Project Design Report. Prepared for Alberta Environment and Parks. Lotic Environmental Ltd. 26 pp.
15. Robinson, M.D., J. Clarke, R.J. MacDonald, D. Dobson, T. Smedsted, D. Polster, M. Gaboury, and M. Keefer. 2016. Silvester Creek Rehabilitation Designs Report. Prepared for Alberta Environment and Parks. Lotic Environmental Ltd. 38 pp.
16. Robinson, M.D. 2016. Alexander Creek Bank Stabilization Design Report. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for the Elk River Alliance. 5 pp.
17. Robinson, M.D., R.J. MacDonald, and S.J. McPherson. 2016. RDEK Elk River Priority Flood and Erosion Mitigation Sites – Conceptual Design Report. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. and Elk River Watershed Alliance for the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).
18. Robinson, M.D., L. Watson, M. Gaboury, C. Sutherland, and E. Ellis. 2016. Fish Habitat Offsetting Plan for the Line Creek LCO phase II Project Environmental Assessment. Prepared by Teck Coal Ltd. and Lotic Environmental Ltd. Cranbrook BC. 
19. Robinson, M.D., L. Watson, M. Gaboury, C. Sutherland, and E. Ellis. 2016. Fish Habitat Offsetting Plan for the Line Creek LCO phase II Project Environmental Assessment. Prepared by Teck Coal Ltd. and Lotic Environmental Ltd. Cranbrook BC. 
20. Robinson, M.D. and R.J. MacDonald. 2015. Teck Coal Ltd – Elk Valley 2014 Calcite Monitoring Program. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd by Lotic Environmental Ltd. 6 pp + appendices.
21. Robinson, M.D., M. Gaboury, C. Sutherland, and E. Ellis. 2015. Fish Habitat Offsetting Conceptual Design Report for the Swift Project Environmental Assessment. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd. Lotic Environmental. Cranbrook BC. 6 site-specific design reports.
22. Robinson, M.D., M. Gaboury, C. Sutherland, and E. Ellis. 2015. Fish Habitat Offsetting Conceptual Design Report for the Greenhills Creek Spoil Failure. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd. Lotic Environmental. Cranbrook BC. 1 site-specific design reports.
23. Robinson, M.D., M. Gaboury, C. Sutherland, and E. Ellis. 2015. Fish Habitat Offsetting Conceptual Design Report for the Line Creek LCO phase II Project Environmental Assessment. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd. Lotic Environmental. Cranbrook BC. 4 site-specific design reports.
24. Robinson, M.D., M. Gaboury, C. Sutherland, and E. Ellis. 2015. Fish Habitat Offsetting Conceptual Design Report for the West Line Creek Treatment Facility construction project. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd. Lotic Environmental. Cranbrook BC. 4 site-specific design reports.
25. Smithson, J., Baranowska, K., Robinson, M.D. and S.J. McPherson. 2015. Elkview Operations Baldy Ridge Extension Project - Fish and Fish Habitat Baseline Assessment Report. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for Teck Coal Ltd. 244 pp. + 25 appendices.
26. Smithson, J., Baranowska, K. and M.D. Robinson. 2015. Greenhills Operations Cougar Pit Extension Project - Fish and Fish Habitat Baseline Assessment. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for Teck Coal Ltd. 79 pp. + 11 appendices.
27. MacDonald, R.J., Boon, S., Byrne, J.M., Robinson, M.D. and J.B. Rasmussen. 2014. Potential future climate effects on mountain hydrology, stream temperature, and native salmonid life history. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 71(2): 189-202.
28. Robinson, M.D. 2014. Elk River Watershed Juvenile Westslope Cutthroat Trout Population Assessment. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for Teck Coal Ltd. 29 pp.
29. Robinson, M.D. 2014. Crown Mountain Project – Fish and Fish Habitat Baseline Assessment Work Plan. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for NWP Coal Canada. 18 pp.
30. Robinson, M.D. and T. Arnett. 2014. Elk River Watershed Longnose Sucker (Catostomus catostomus) Population Assessment. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd for Teck Coal Ltd. 13 pp.
31. Robinson, M.D., and R.J. MacDonald. 2014. CanAus Michel Creek Coking Coal Project – Aquatic Baseline Assessment Work Plan. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for CanAus Coal Ltd. 27 pp + appendices.
32. Robinson, M.D. and R.J. MacDonald. 2014. Teck Coal Ltd 2013 Calcite Monitoring Program – Elk Valley operations summary report. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. 12 pp + appendices.
33. Robinson, M.D. and S.J. McPherson. 2014. CMO2 Baseline Fish and Fish Habitat Assessment Field Assessment. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for Teck Coal.
34. McPherson, S.J. and M.D. Robinson. 2013. S. Half Diamond Ranch (Premier Lake) Shoreline Protection Plan. Prepared by Lotic Environmental for S. Half Diamond Ranch. 15 pp + appendices.
35. Robinson, M.D. and S.J. McPherson. 2013. Elkview Operations Baldy Ridge Extension Project - Fish and Fish Habitat Baseline Environmental Assessment Study Design. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. for Teck Coal Ltd. 29 pp.
36. Robinson, M.D. 2012. Elk River Fisheries Enhancement Program – 2012 Program Summary Report. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd. and the Elk River Fish and Fish Habitat Committee. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. 24 pp.
37. Robinson, M.D. 2012. Swift Project Environmental Assessment - Fording River fish and fish habitat survey. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd – Fording River Operations. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd.
38. Rasmussen, J.B, M.D. Robinson, A. Hontela and D.D. Heath. 2012. Metabolic traits of native westslope cutthroat, introduced rainbow trout and their hybrids in an ecotonal hybrid zone along an elevational. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 105: 56-72.
39. Arnett. T. and M.D. Robinson. 2012. 2011 Line Creek Aquatic Health Monitoring Program. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd, Line Creek Operations. Prepared by Lotic Environmental Ltd. 
40. Robinson, M.D. 2011. Elk River Fish Distribution and Longnose Dace Tissue Assessment. Prepared for the Elk Valley Selenium Task Force. Prepared by Interior Reforestation Co. Ltd.. 72 pp.
41. Robinson, M.D. 2010. Effects of calcite deposition on benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Prepared for Teck Coal Ltd. 18 pgs.
42. Rasmussen, J.B, M.D. Robinson and D.D. Heath. 2010. Ecological consequences of hybridization between native westslope cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) and introduced rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss) trout: effects on life history and habitat use. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 67(2): 357–370.
43. Good, C.E. and M.D. Robinson. 2009. Remnant westslope cutthroat inventory for southern Alberta, 2008. Report prepared for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development by Interior Reforestation Co. Ltd. 227 pp.
44. Robinson, M.D. 2008. Remnant westslope cutthroat trout population inventory for southern Alberta, 2007. Report prepared for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 545 pp.
45. Robinson, M.D. 2008. Upper Elk River Fisheries Enhancement Project – Phase 1: Desktop Study Report. Consultants report prepared by Interior Reforestation Ltd. Co. Prepared for the Elk Valley Coal Corporation.
46. Robinson, M.D. and M.L. Polzin. 2008. Cork Province Tailings Site Reclamation: Final Site Revegetation Design Report. Prepared for SRK Consulting and Quantum Remediation. Consultants report prepared by Interior Reforestation Ltd. Co. 
47. Robinson, M.D. 2007. Prescription design for Phases 1, 2 and 3 of the 2007 works on the Yankee Girl Tailings Site – Stream channel, erosion control and habitat mitigation project. Prepared for The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands of British Columbia. Consultants report prepared by Interior Reforestation Ltd. Co.
48. Robinson, M.D. 2007. The Ecological Consequences of Hybridization Between Native Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) and Introduced Rainbow Trout (O. mykiss) in South Western Alberta. M.Sc. Thesis. The University of Lethbridge. 

Robinson, M.D. and J. Wright. 2005. Line Creek 2004 Fisheries Investigations Program. Prepared for Elk Valley Coal Corporation, Line Creek Operations. Consultants report prepared by Interior Reforestation Ltd. Co.