Jennifer Shanks MSc Hons.
Director and Principal Ecologist
Jennifer is a scientist with over 30 years’ experience in botany and ecology. She has a particular interest in biodiversity offsetting and restoration ecology. Jennifer has broad experience and skills over a number of environmental disciplines particularly in the following fields:
- Baseline ecological assessments for a range of infrastructure projects including the Puhoi to Warkworth Road of National Significance and other NZTA projects.
- Baseline terrestrial ecology assessment for the proposed Mokihinui hydro power scheme, and numerous other development projects.
- Ongoing plant ecological monitoring to ensure resource consent conditions are being met.
- Mining and quarrying projects including scoping studies, mitigation for vegetation loss and liaison with water quality scientists for the management of acid mine drainage (AMD) and general water quality issues for receiving environments.
- Formulation of ecological compensation strategies that employ best practice approaches and innovative solutions to achieve realistic biodiversity goals. Outcomes are designed to meet the national goals of "no net loss” and "like for like”.
- Threatened species management with particular expertise in threatened plant management but also with experience in the overall management of threatened species. Able to access high quality expertise for specific fauna species as required.
- Assessment and management of threatened ecosystems such as wetlands, threatened forest types, coastal turfs, and coal measures vegetation.
- Preparation of restoration planting plans for various environments including riparian restoration.
- Preparation of weed and pest management plans as required by local government for various developments or subdivision proposals.
- Peer review of projects of national significance including the Mahinerangi Wind Farm in Otago and the Wairau River hydro scheme in Marlborough. Numerous peer reviews undertaken on behalf of the Auckland Council for various smaller projects.
- Project management, monitoring and oversight of the implementation of restoration planting projects to ensure clients receive quality services from weed management and planting contractors with the goal of achieving timely sign-off of development projects.
- Plant diseases of various plants species including kauri dieback disease and the biosecurity measures required to manage risks.
- Strong links with other environmental practitioners including scientsists specialising in native fauna, freshwater and marine environments.
- Jennifer considers that a high level of professional integrity and adherence to accepted best ecological practice is necessary to provide quality advice and services to clients. This is of crucial importance to achieve optimal outcomes during the resource consent process.
- Information is presented in a clear and unbiased form so as to provide clients with the best opportunity to formulate environmentally sound (and successful) proposals and designs.
- JS Ecology works with clients and councils throughout the consenting process and beyond to ensure the ecology aspects of resource consents are satisfied and we are also able to oversee implementation that will achieve final sign-off.
Memberships
Ecological Institute of Australia and New Zealand: full member (EIANZ)
New Zealand Ecological Society
Auckland Botanical Society
Waikato Botanical Society
Tane’s Trees Trust
New Zealand Plant Conservation Network
Auckland Geoclub