Conservation Biology Research

OUR MISSION

Conservation Biology Research (CBR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing natural resource management information essential to the preservation of biological diversity at the organismal, community and ecosystem levels. We conduct field research to determine the status, natural history, and ecology of rare or endangered plant and animal species and their habitats.

OUR EXPERIENCE

CBR scientists have extensive experience identifying natural areas, special interest areas and areas of critical environmental concern. We conduct studies related to the restoration of degraded biological systems. We provide recommendations on the management of forests, grasslands, streams and wetlands based on analysis of quantitative information. CBR conducts ecological research studies and provides training and education on principles of conservation biology to natural resource agency personnel and the general public.

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About Us

NONPROFIT STATUS:

In 1988 CBR received nonprofit status under Title 35, Chapter 2 of the Montana Codes Annotated known as the Montana Nonprofit Corporation Act. We also are a publicly-supported organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations, bequests and payments for research to CBR are tax deductible.

BOARD/STAFF:

The board of directors of CBR also serves as its principal scientists. We have extensive experience conducting field research in the Northern Rocky Mountains and Northern Great Plains. Office and support facilities are provided as needed by our principal scientists. Our organization is open to participation by other biologists with concurrence by the board of directors. Additional information on CBR can be obtained from Peter Lesica at lesica.peter@gmail.com or in general at: conservationbiologyresearch@gmail.com

Stephen V. Cooper has a Ph.D. in Botany. Currently he is the plant ecologist for the Montana Natural Heritage Program. Steve has conducted vegetation classification studies throughout the Intermountain West and parts of the Northern Great Plains. His primary interests are conservation biology, vegetation classification and landscape ecology.

Joe C. Elliott has a Ph.D. in Botany. He has been a private consultant specializing in plant ecology and plant-animal interactions in Montana and throughout the western U.S. and Canada for the past 25 years. His primary interests are in bryology, disturbance ecology and plant succession.

Peter Lesica has conducted surveys for endangered plant species and consulted on natural areas identification and vegetation monitoring for public agencies and private conservation organizations throughout Montana for the past 30 years. He has conducted research on the genetics, demography and ecology of endangered plants.

Scott Mincemoyer has conducted surveys for endangered plant species and performed plant survey inventories for public agencies and private conservation organizations throughout Montana for the past 20 years. He was the Botanist for the MT Natural Heritage Program from 2004-2012 and still continues to consult with them on various research on the taxonomy and ecology of endangered plants.

David Stagliano holds a M.S. in Aquatic Ecology. Currently he is owner of Montana Biological Survey after being the Aquatic Ecologist for the MT Natural Heritage Program for 12 years. Dave has conducted aquatic zoological and classification studies throughout the Intermountain West and Northern Great Plains for 26 yrs. His primary interests are invertebrate conservation and ecology, fisheries and stream classification.

Shane Sater holds a BA in Environmental Science from Carroll College (Helena, MT, USA). His background is in environmental science and field ecology, with a focus on plants, animals, and insects in the northwestern United States. He is a skilled Naturalist, Writer and Storyteller and hosts the website: https://wildwithnature.com/

Scott Miles. Scott passed away in July 2022, he was charter member of Missoula Bachelor Botanists and Conservation Biology Research.

Consulting Services, REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Consulting Services

Our team has conducted surveys for threatened, endangered (T&E) plant and animal species and consulted on natural areas identification and vegetation monitoring for public agencies and private conservation organizations in Montana and across the West. We are regional specialists in plant, community and invertebrate identification, taxonomy and ecology.

Peter's REPRESENTATIVE REPORTs

Lesica, P. B. McCune, S. V. Cooper and W. S. Hong. 1991. Differences in lichen and bryophyte communities between old-growth and managed second-growth forests in the Swan Valley, Montana. Canadian Journal of Botany 69: 1745-1755.

Lesica, P. 2020. Feral horses are associated with a decline in a rare semi-arid grassland plant. Journal of Arid Environments 179: 104180.

Lesica, P., Miles, S. 2001. Growth limits on tamarisk at the northern margin of its range in Montana. Wetlands 21: 240-246.

Lesica, P. and S. V. Cooper. 1999. Succession and disturbance in sandhills vegetation: constructing models for managing biological diversity. Conservation Biology 13: 293-302.

Lesica, P. 2009. Can regeneration of green ash (Fraxinus pensylvanica) be restored in declining woodlands in eastern Montana? Rangeland Ecology and Management 62: 564-571.