Conservation and Regulation Working Together

About IPaC Associates

Conservation, regulation, and stewardship; these three critical considerations are integral to modern land use decisions, as we face challenges that many could not have imagined even 10 years ago. Regulations are confusing, social expectations are changing, and the role of ecosystem services is becoming clearer by virtue of scarcity. We can no longer afford to have winners and losers in these complex situations, but rather, we must move forward collaboratively. This takes constructive dialog, understanding of diverse objectives, the sharing of information, and creative strategies.

IPaC Associates is a regulatory conservation consulting company committed to the principle that successful conservation can be incorporated into any business endeavor, through "best practices" and a deep understanding of both the regulatory and decision-making landscape. We begin in the regulatory space, with expertise in ESA Sections 7 and 10, (HCPs, etc.), NEPA, and landscape planning. We employ deep experience in stakeholder collaboration, government regulation, science, and ecosystem services in the real world and among real user groups. Our solutions are creative, targeted, Scientifically informed, and purpose-driven.

We are committed to promoting conservation-based planning efforts that integrate environmental conservation needs with those of project proponents.

About Michael Horton

Michael spent more than 25 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where for 10 of those years he served as the National Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation Coordinator. He also led development of their IPaC decision support system, which facilitates applicants' ability to incorporate species information early in the planning processes, while maximum flexibility exists. He has extensive experience in complex and creative environmental problem-solving, impact assessment, conflict resolution and related social planning, as well as expertise in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) arenas.

Much of Michael’s tenure with USFWS was spent working with the Service’s consultation program, guided by the philosophy that the consultation process should be a collaborative partnership, helping involved parties work together toward shared solutions. Michael continues to advance this initiative through client projects at IPaC Associates.

About Catherine Liller

After spending more than 20 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Catherine recently spent two years in service to the Federal Highway Administration as an Environmental Protection Specialist with deep expertise in the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and other environmental laws. In this role, Catherine led the development of environmental compliance and permitting strategies, provided technical assistance to the States, and delivered training courses to better streamline the environmental review process for complex infrastructure projects. While with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Catherine spent 15 years serving as the National Transportation Liaison to the Federal Highway Administration. In this role, Catherine worked closely with the Federal Highway Administration and State Departments of Transportation to promote environmental stewardship in transportation planning and project delivery, provided guidance on Federal environmental regulations, and advanced nation-wide partnership and conservation initiatives. She is skilled at interagency collaboration, stakeholder engagement, training development and delivery, technical writing, and conflict resolution. Catherine's experience has made her an expert in advancing infrastructure development through regulatory processes, developing impact assessments, and guiding ecologically responsible project planning. Catherine earned her B.S. from Florida International University, and her M.S. from the University of Denver. She currently resides in Denver, Colorado and enjoys spending time with her family camping in the mountains and snowboarding..