Ryan F. Colyer
Fisheries Biologist/Fluvial Morphologist
Mr. Colyer’s primary responsibilities at Biota include the design and implementation of fisheries and stream restoration projects. Ryan graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Biology, specializing in ecology, conservation, and evolution, and later completed the Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program in Geographic Information Systems at Pennsylvania State University. Ryan is currently a certified Technical Service Provider with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and he utilizes numerous software packages (GIS, CAD, HEC-RAS) to design and complete restoration and enhancement projects with fisheries, hydraulic, and wetland emphasis. He has experience designing, implementing, and managing fishery assessment projects, conducting fluvial measurements, using laser and GPS-based survey equipment, and performing habitat condition analyses. Ryan has used and trained others in the use of the PIBO riparian habitat monitoring protocol, Wolman pebble counts, Rosgen stream type classification, Pfankuch stream reach stability system, bankful identification, riparian vegetation community type mapping, bank stability analysis, LWD classification, macro-invertebrate sampling, periphyton sampling, transit and total station survey techniques, electro-fishing and snorkel surveying techniques, and the sedation and identification of various salmonid species. Ryan has worked in the fisheries field throughout the Northwest, including Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Nevada, and Oregon. He has worked for government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private companies.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2006-Present           

Fish Biologist/Fluvial Morphologist
Biota Research and Consulting Inc., Jackson, WY
Assess current biological and physical conditions of potential project locations.
Design, model, and implement fishery, riverine, and wetland restoration projects.
Acquire federal and state permits for wetland, stream, and riparian projects. Perform qualitative and quantitative hydrologic monitoring. Devise and conduct post-restoration project monitoring.

2005-2006              

Project Coordinator
Friends of the Teton River, Driggs, ID
Coordinate electro-fishing survey to quantitatively assess trout populations in upper Teton River watershed.
Develop and implement a protocol for stream habitat assessment that analyzes various aspects of fluvial geomorphology, botany, and ecology.
GIS analysis, including determination of sample sites, creation of layers, and production of maps summarizing results.
Train crew members in Rosgen stream type classification and the Pfankuch stream reach stability system.
Cooperate with local Forest Service, Idaho Fish and Game, Wyoming Game and Fish, Henry’s Fork Foundation, and local landowners in order to access field sites and utilize acceptable and effective sampling methods.

2001-2005              

Biological Science Technician,  GS-6
USDA Forest Service, Effectiveness Monitoring Project
Rocky Mountain Research Station, Logan, UT
Regional supervisor of four crews working to quantify various aspects of riparian habitat in order to monitor effectiveness of federal management techniques. Develop accurate and repeatable protocol for fish habitat assessment and monitoring.
Train all crew members to be proficient in the use of the PIBO protocol for riparian habitat monitoring, including methods such as Wolman pebble counts, bankfull identification, riparian vegetation community type mapping, bank stability, LWD classification, macro-invertebrate sampling, periphyton sampling, and tripod level survey techniques.
GIS work, including the calculation of physical attributes of sampled sites, such as road densities, stream densities, topographic relief, watershed area, etc.
Use knowledge of fluvial geomorphology and fish biology to determine field sites for monitoring.
Calculate stream reach characteristics such as residual pool volume, sinuosity, width-to-depth ratio, and various Wolman pebble count results (i.e. D16, D50, D84).
Collect detailed fluvial geomorphology data using Total Station laser survey equipment.
Use data points gathered with the Total Station to conduct detailed GIS analysis of longitudinal profiles, cross section diagrams, floodplain delineations, flood prone areas, terrace outlines, riparian vegetation maps, and detailed site maps.

1998-2000              

Laboratory Technician
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Montlake Research Center, Seattle, WA
Isolate, culture, and reproduce algal strains involved in red tide and paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Collect samples and data both independently and on small crews along the Olympic Peninsula and the Washington coastline study area.
Train new technicians on methods and objectives in both the laboratory and the field environment.

1998-1998     

Field Technician
University of Washington Fisheries Department, Seattle, WA  
Electro-fish in coastal systems in order to determine habitat types and characteristics utilized by juveniles of various salmonid species.
Sedate, handle, measure, and identify all captured fish.
Establish site locations and reaches for electro-fishing block net depletion surveys.