When I look across ESA’s work, one thing resonates loud and clear: technology is enabling us to do things we couldn’t do before with our teams, partners, and our clients.
In the field, mobile data collection and real-time monitoring continue to deliver faster, clearer insights. Meanwhile, our custom tools are tackling key challenges head-on. Our Groundwater Accounting Platform gives water managers the ability to track budgets and usage in near-real time, creating a stronger foundation for sustainable resource planning. Our latest platform, Beacon, is our compliance-tracking hub that simplifies planning, documentation, and monitoring across complex projects. We’ve also rolled out the Riparian Data Engine for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, a spatial decision-support tool that brings science-based clarity to riparian system restoration.
Plus, our Technology Services practice has been approaching our work in artificial intelligence (AI) in a thoughtful, grounded way. Through our Innovation Program and ESA Labs (our research and development program), we’re actively developing and experimenting with new systems and tooling that help us understand emerging technologies and how they can be applied in our everyday work. Our approach to AI is all about responsible co-innovation: we start small, with pilot projects that demonstrate value while lowering risks. By testing ideas internally first, we have been able to build confidence in their real-world applications and then bring that value forward to our clients with their awareness and collaboration along the way.
Technology alone isn’t the answer. It’s how we use it, together with clients, that makes a real impact. That’s what energizes me and our team of developers, designers, and data analyst experts. We look forward to co-innovating with you and unlocking new possibilities to protect the environment and empower communities.
Mike Leech
Technology Services Practice Leader
