Brian Kopach has worked with MSES for 8 years as an environmental consultant, specializing in species distribution and quantitative ecology. Brian completed his doctorate degree in Ecology at the University of Calgary where he examined the ecological and evolutionary consequences of species interactions among alpine plants. Brian has gone on to lead research on multiple conservation-related projects and has done extensive work with bison herds in Alberta.
What initially interested you about the field of ecology, or got you into it?
I was interested in understanding how the world works, particularly why ‘things’ are where they are. The first pattern I ever noticed in nature was the tree line in the mountains and I wondered why that happened. Science seemed like the best way to search for those answers, and I liked being outside in wild places. Once I was in University and realized I was mostly interested in explaining the abundance and distribution of species then ecology was the obvious choice.
Who inspired you in the field of ecology, or mentored you along the way? How did they shape your path?
I’ve been lucky to find inspiration at many places along my journey. One of the first things my MSc supervisor said to me was that you can’t make management decisions without understanding the science. That has always stuck with me. But I think more than anything I have been really lucky to have a group of brilliant friends through graduate school and into my working life that constantly inform and inspire me.
What is an example of an interesting project that you have worked on? What made it interesting?
I worked on a project that utilized Indigenous Knowledge and western science to look at the potential impacts of development on a small herd of wood bison in northeastern Alberta. This project had a number of interesting aspects, from doing field work in Wood Buffalo National Park and taking trips to their home range with Indigenous land users, to getting the status of the herd changed so they were protected from non-Indigenous hunting pressure. This project has led to my continuing involvement on issues related to wood bison in northern Alberta.
What is something rewarding about the work you do?
The most rewarding aspect is working with Indigenous communities to use different ways of knowing to inform and improve environmental decision-making.
In your opinion, what is an ecological issue that more people should know about? What should we be doing about it?
Constant growth is a myth, there is always a carrying capacity in any system. That the constant growth paradigm underpins human socio-economics seems short sighted to me. Humans need to move beyond the idea that they are separate from nature and realize that we live in a world with finite resources and space so that as a society we can begin to adjust and manage our behaviour accordingly.
What has been a highlight for you while working at MSES?
Helping First Nations in northeast Alberta protect the Ronald Lake Bison herd.
What is your wildest experience while out in nature?
Taking my parents on their first (and only) hiking/camping trip. Unknowingly, we set up camp on a bison trail and had bulls bed down all around us that night and stick their heads in our open tent the next morning.
What does you optimal weekend in the Rockies look like?
My wife and I camping and playing somewhere with as few people around as possible.
Do you have a favorite species of animal/plant, or a special connection to one?
Not really. I just like being out in nature and wondering why something (plant or animal) is where it is.
What animal/plant species is under appreciated and deserves more love?
All of them. I don’t really have a favourite, and just think we under appreciate nature generally.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Biking, skiing, fly fishing, gardening and sitting around a campfire with friends.
What is the most interesting place you have visited and why was it interesting?
Anywhere, the first time. I just like going to new places to see new things. It could be big cities like New York to see what the pace and diversity of life is like, or it could be a new spot in nature to see something I haven’t seen before. It’s all good.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing”
-Socrates