Conservation and Regulation Working Together

About IPaC Associates

Conservation, regulation, and stewardship. These three critical considerations are integral to any 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 decisions, but rather, we must move forward collaboratively. This takes constructive dialog, understanding of diverse objectives, the sharing of information, and creative strategy.

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 deep understanding of the regulatory landscape. We begin in the regulatory space, with expertise in ESA Section 71, HCPs2, NEPA, and landscape planning. We also 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, 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.

Mike's Qualifications

Contact Us
(703) 801-5303
mhorton@ipacassociates.com