Chris Cziesla

Chris specializes in regulatory compliance strategies and habitat restoration, and brings a tremendous combination of strategic and technical knowledge to his projects. He has conducted research and performed evaluations for infrastructure projects, shellfish aquaculture, waterfront modification, maintenance dredging, road and culvert improvements, and stream and marsh alteration and restoration. Chris has a scientific background in aquatic environments, including assessments and restoration of freshwater, marine, and estuarine systems. His regulatory compliance experience includes working with various federal agencies to develop guidance, conduct training, and streamline Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultations, as well as working with the Washington Office of Regulatory Assistance to establish the information requirements for all permits associated with the Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA). Chris has written numerous programmatic and project-specific biological assessments, natural resource sections of environmental impact statements, and habitat conservation plans. He has developed mitigation and restoration plans for sensitive species and habitats such as salmonids, shellfish, eelgrass, and wetlands.

“Chris has a great ability to stand firm on the client’s behalf in agency negotiations while maintaining a good rapport with all parties involved. He is very good at taking a lot of information and dialing down to the most significant issues, and then coming up with creative, workable solutions.” – Samuel W. (Billy) Plauché,   Plauché & Carr LLP–