Jonathan Ruppert Email & Phone Number

I lead and manage the regional ecosystem and science team at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) as part of the Ecosystem and Climate Science research group. Our research team is charged with addressing scientific knowledge gaps that further TRCA strategic priorities alongside our partners within watersheds within the Greater Toronto Area. Specifically this includes aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems as well as wildlife connectivity within the region to support ecosystem health and biodiversity. Our team acitively develops innovative solutions and leads watershed planning, restoration planning, species movement and connectivity, water quality/quantity, natural heritage planning, water resource system planning, strategic development planning products.

Toronto, Canada Area

As a research scientist in the Watershed Planning and Ecosystem Sceince group at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority I lead the development and innovation of mapping water resource system features (e.g., ecologically significant groundwater recharge areas, wetlands, endangered species habitat, seepage areas and springs) critical to partners fulfilling municipal comprehensive reviews and support watershed planning initiatives. Additionally, I lead and support areas of watershed planning such as aquatic/terrestrial ecosystem quality characterization, water quantity assessments, and water quality assessments. Lastly, I also lead initiatives on strategic planning for stormwater management, ecohydrology risk assessments, aquatic habitat risk assessments, barrier removal prioritization, restoration performance assessments, road mortality risk assessments and ecopassage prioritization.

St. George Campus

Edmonton, Canada Area

Working with our industry partner (Canadian Natural Resources Limited) and consulting partner (Hatfield) I lead a research program to address knowledge gaps for aquatic ecosystem compensation. Alterations to freshwater ecosystems via development cannot be mitigated, industry are required to compensate for the loss of commercial, recreational and aboriginal (CRA) fisheries productivity. In the oil sands mining region of Canada, the management goal is often to design a compensation lake that is suitably productive to offset losses in CRA fisheries productivity. However, compensation lakes are a relatively new concept and it is not clear how the initial state of the system (e.g., species present, abiotic factors, etc.) may influence the ability of industry to meet management objectives. Further, our understanding of the processes that govern both compensation and natural fish communities may differ dramatically in the northern boreal region. Thus, building an understanding of whether and how these processes may differ, will aid our ability to meet productivity and habitat objectives. Ultimately, compensation lakes are the legacy of development on the landscape and ensuring that these legacies are lasting, robust, productive and resilient ecosystems will be a great service to future generations.

Faculty Of Forestry, Toronto, Canada Area

Working with management professionals at the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry we developed a long-term (100+ years) harvest scheduling model that balances woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) conservation and the economic needs of industry while accounting for uncertainties such as fire on the flammable boreal forest landscape. In addition, investigating the performance of aerial fire detection in Ontario and developing a plan to allocate finite detection resources across the province of Ontario.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Fisheries And Spatial Statistics

Activities and Societies: Timber Sports Team, Forestry Hockey Team, Squash Investigated the ecological role of exploited top-predator.

Hounours Bachelor Of Science (H.B.Sc.), Zoology Specialist

Bachelor Of Science (B.Sc.), Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Transferred to the University of Toronto after one year of studies.