Robert Coats, Ph.D.
Dr. Coats has over 40 years of experience focusing on the
hydrologic and ecological effects of land management on aquatic ecosystems.
This work has concentrated in two areas: wetlands and forested watersheds. In
both areas, he has drawn on his background in hydrology, ecology, and soil
science. His long-term research interests are focused on nitrogen cycling and
biogeochemistry at the watershed level, and impacts of climate change. He recently served as guest editor for a Special Issue of Climatic Change, focusing on “climate change and water resources in the Sierra Nevada.”
Dr. Coats' work with wetlands
has included the design of numerous wetland restoration and enhancement
projects; analysis and testimony as an expert witness in cases involving
wetland jurisdiction and spread of contamination in wetlands; and preparation
of management plans for habitat of two endangered wetland plants.
In
the area of forested watersheds, his experience includes research on the
effects of land disturbance on water quality; evaluation of the effects of
silvicultural activities on both site quality and water quality; review of
proposed timber harvest plans and National Forest plans; reclamation and
hydrologic aspects of strip mining; evaluating the hydrologic and water quality
effects of hydropower projects; analyzing the effects of post-fire salvage logging on soil hydrologic properties; and developing monitoring programs and habitat
conservation strategies for two Habitat Conservation Plans (pursuant to the
Endangered Species Act) in north coastal California..
Much of Dr.
Coats' work has involved management of large projects involving major resource
conflicts and institutional complexity. In addition to project management, Dr.
Coats' experience includes personnel management and directing a professional
development program.
Education |
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|
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Ph.D. |
Wildland Resource Science,
specializing in watershed management and water quality, University of
California School of Forestry and Conservation, Berkeley, and Division of
Environmental Studies, Davis, 1975 |
|
M.S. |
Forestry, specializing in
soils and plant ecology, University of Minnesota, 1967 |
|
B.S. |
Forestry, University of
California School of Forestry, Berkeley, 1965 |
Awards |
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|
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1978-1979 |
Rockefeller Foundation
Fellowship in Environmental Affairs |
|
1969-1971 |
The National Science
Foundation Traineeship |
|
1965 |
Faculty Citation, University
of California School of Forestry |
Professional Experience |
|
2004-present |
Visiting Scholar at University of California at
Davis (Associate in the Agric. Exp. Sta., Department of Environmental Science
& Policy) |
|
1999-present |
Independent consultant |
|
1997-1999 |
Senior Scientist, Stillwater Ecosystem, Watershed
& Riverine Sciences, Inc. Berkeley, CA |
|
1986-1997 |
Principal, Philip Williams & Associates,
Ltd., San Francisco, CA |
|
1983-1986 |
Senior Associate, Philip Williams &
Associates, San Francisco, CA |
|
1982 |
Visiting Lecturer, Department of Soil and Plant
Biology, University of California, Berkeley |
|
1978 -1983 |
Staff Scientist, The John Muir Institute,
Berkeley, CA |
|
1974-1978 |
Teaching Associate, Department of Conservation
and Resource Studies University of California, Berkeley |
|
1972-1974 |
Research Associate, University of California,
Davis |
Professional Affiliations
American
Geophysical Union American Association for the Advancement of Science
Journal of Water and Climate
Environmental Management Editorial Board
Society for Ecological
Restoration
Tahoe
Environmental Research Center |