ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT/FACILITATION
“I just wanted to pass along kudos to you all for your role facilitating and guiding the SLS and IT work over the last year+. We are seeing some good momentum, not without conflict (that is to be expected), but great to see the IT/SLS framework start to take shape and a robust work plan to direct this work. Thank you all for your efforts to advance integrated floodplain management and collaboration in these watersheds.”
Jessica Hammill, Project Specialist IV, Snohomish County Public Works
FACILITATION
“It was invaluable having you at the Ag Board… You provided the most informational 'download' to date on the Sustainable Lands Strategy, and I know they appreciated it.”
Bobbi Lindemulder Program Manager, Agricultural Engagement, Snohomish Conservation District
PUBLIC SPEAKING/CLIMATE CHANGE
"I want to thank you again for your climate risk talk at our annual dinner. It was very well done and exactly what I was hoping for. I think everyone was very engaged! I appreciate the knowledge and passion you bring to the subject."
Jeff McClure, Whatcom PUD Commissioner, Whatcom Public Utilities District
AWARD - Whatcom Peace Builder Environmental Award
"Congratulations on the Environmental Peace Builder Award for your great work on much needed climate and watershed work. You should be very proud. It is really very heartening to know that even in these terrible times with Trump and EPA trying to destroy our environment and our world, that good work continues to try to deal with climate change and its very clear destructive impact on our environment and world."
Fran McNair, Executive Director, Olympic Region Clean Air Agency
PUBLIC SPEAKING
“Just a note to thank you for joining us at the Farmers Breakfast as well as the Ag Board. I appreciated you sharing your extensive bio. You hit the points that resonated with the Board members. The members were quite appreciative of the status report on where you are in your work at the Sustainable Lands Strategy."
Ikuno Masterson, AICP/LEED AP | Manager, Long Range Planning, Snohomish County Planning and Development Services
PUBLIC SPEAKING
“David’s presentation to the Farmers Breakfast on the Snohomish Land Strategy was the most informative of any report on SLS we have had. My guess is it’s because of how forthcoming you were about the results of your survey.”
Marv Thomas, Long Range Planning Chair, Sustainable Lands Strategy
CLIMATE CHANGE/FACILITATION
"As the Legislative Analyst for the City of Bellingham, I worked with the Kulshan Services team for over a year on a large and complicated project to develop a climate strategic action plan for the City of Bellingham. Kulshan staff helped organize and facilitated all of the meetings of a Task Force selected to create the plan, produced planning frameworks and research to assist the Task Force in its work, and helped write and edit all final products. During this time I was impressed by Kulshan’s reliability, consistency, and steady commitment to excellence. Particularly toward the end of the project, when we had an overwhelming amount of work to do in a compressed period, not only did Kulshan cheerfully facilitate the final process of information gathering, writing, and editing, they were continually working to the very end, under tight deadlines, to improve the product. This work above and beyond the call of duty was essential in producing a quality, credible project. There was quite a bit of outside scrutiny of the project, as well as keen interest among local policymakers. In this high-pressure situation, Kulshan staff exemplified grace under pressure. I would recommend Kulshan without reservations for similar projects involving work of high analytical and political complexity, and with critical real-world importance."
Mark Gardner, City Council Legislative Analyst, City of Bellingham, Bellingham Climate Action Plan Task Force
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
"We have used {Peak} to assist us in facilitating community meetings for our Parks, Recreation and Open Space planning and for preparation of environmental assessments on park development projects. We have always found their staff to be professional, knowledgeable and easy to work with. They have a solid understanding of our needs and were able to fully deliver services within the scope, schedule and budget of the projects they’ve worked on."
Michael McFarlane, Director, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation
FACILITATION/STRATEGIC PLANNING
"The City of Blaine appreciates the meeting facilitation services [Peak} provided at the City Council’s retreat this past January. David Roberts was thorough, thoughtful, and was able to support the Council in determining priorities for the upcoming year. He prepared for the retreat by contacting Council members beforehand to establish a positive relationship with them which also provided a solid basis of information which he used during the retreat to establish common goals and Council priorities. The retreat was well-organized, respectful to everyone’s time, and enjoyable. I would recommend Kulshan Services and David Roberts for facilitation needs and retreats."
David Wilbrecht, City Manager, City of Blaine, WA
FACILITATION/CLIMATE ACTION PLANNING
"[Peak] has produced a technically-sound and politically-sensitive update to the City’s climate action plan. Their research, coordination and flexibility make for excellent project partners."
Clare Fogelsong, Natural Resource Policy Manager, City of Bellingham
FACILITATION
"David’s facilitation skills have been a tremendous asset to those of us working to integrate the needs of floodplain landowners with fish and flood interests. He has skillfully guided multiple stakeholders through 27 meetings keeping conversations civil and constructive."
Paula J (Cooper) Harris, River and Flood Manager, Whatcom County Public Works
REGULATORY WORK
"David and his team have done a great job addressing the complexities of our planning and permit process for the Swen Larson Quarry. Their ability to develop strategy and patiently communicate and advocate for Twin Sisters Olivine has smoothed the way in our negotiations with the regulatory agencies. As a result of their work, we now have predictability for our operations for many years to come. Call these folks if you need environmental services."
Corky Smith, Chief Executive, Olivine Corporation
FACILITATION
"Kulshan Services facilitated public outreach and stakeholder engagement activities on one of our watershed conservation planning projects. We found the Kulshan staff to be very engaging, proactive, and effective in carrying out their services. Their work was accomplished on time and in a professional manner."
Oliver Grah, Water Resources Program Manager, Natural Resources Department, Nooksack Indian Tribe
TECHNICAL WORK/STORMWATER
"We have partnered with Kulshan Services on several projects, primarily in the stormwater arena but also to support natural resource studies. We collaborated on many fronts using their facilitation skills as well as their technical and field services. The Kulshan team is very personable, responsive, and efficient in the execution of shared project components. We look forward to continuing our effective partnership."
Karen F. Welch, Principal Hydrologist, Welch Ecological Services, LLC
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
"[Peak] has consistently provided the Skagit Watershed Council with quality consulting services. We’ve come to rely on them for facilitation, research, program development, and documentation. They were instrumental in stepping up our community presence via development of a community engagement plan, social media campaign, photo contest, community member interviews, inventory of environmental and stewardship organizations in the Skagit, and the first ever publication of a Skagit Resource Guide for STEAM educators. They have also supported our strategic planning efforts, including highly-skilled facilitation services. We would highly recommend them to any organization seeking professional services."
Richard Brocksmith, Executive Director, Skagit Watershed Council
FACILITATION
"[Peak]'s facilitation and reporting services were essential in our organization’s ability to address critical issues among a diversity of topics and interests in the short time frame of our event. Their ability to formulate the issues and move the audience and agenda to address the critical issues helped us to formulate our next strategies and direction."
Arnie Klaus, Marine Resources Committee Coordinator, San Juan County Marine Resources
REGULATORY WORK
"Kulshan Services' work was instrumental for our organization to provide effective comments on what would have been a precedent-setting environmental policy."
Patti Segulja-Lau, Board Chair, Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA)
STRATEGIC PLANNING
"The Board strategic planning session facilitated by David Roberts was the best Board meeting we have ever had. We were very impressed with the outcomes of our strategic planning retreat. Discussion generated by ‘getting to why’ were particularly constructive."
Rich Bowers, Executive Director, Whatcom Land Trust
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/CITIZEN SCIENCE
"I have grown to rely without reservation on David Roberts' scientific expertise, his sound judgment and his highly developed interpersonal skills. Our congenial and productive relationships with our government and university partners can be attributed in large part to David's professionalism. He is masterful at successfully combining disparate ideas and partnerships into productive outcomes which benefit all concerned."
Betsy Gross, Director, People for Lake Padden
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
"It is a pleasure to work with [Peak]; we cannot thank them enough for what their team accomplished engaging landowners."
Jeff P. Johnson, Co-founder, Watershed Science and Engineering
FACILITATION
"I appreciate David's ability to focus the group and provide technical expertise that keeps our process moving forward. He is skilled at accurately and succinctly capturing key concepts and ideas and working with groups to address complex issues and relationships. He possesses the insights, expertise and unique ability to see the big picture."
Kevin Morse, Director, North Puget Sound Program, The Nature Conservancy of Washington
REGULATORY WORK
"NMTA members have relied upon [Peak] to negotiate leases for marinas. They know the rules and represent groups like NMTA. During this process, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that [Peak]’s team has saved our members thousands of dollars in lease fees. I know they have negotiated reduced bonds and secured longer term lease agreements. Their expertise is keeping our industry economically viable. I’m a big believer in this company."
Peter Schrappen, Vice President and Director of Government Affairs, Northwest Marine Trade Association
REGULATORY WORK
"I am glad the Northwest Marine Trade Association hired [Peak] to help them with Department of Natural Resources' HCP update analysis. They're good folks and they know the DNR."
Gerry O’Keefe, Senior Director, Environmental Affairs, WA Public Ports Association
REGULATORY WORK
"Navigating the muddy waters of the Department of Natural Resources shoreline management bureaucracy is extremely challenging, if not impossible for small business owners. [Peak] was THE critical component in our lease agreement negotiations with DNR. The final result was a quite favorable signed lease agreement and over $100,000 saved in back rent. No doubt, Seattle Marina will be using [Peak] in our next round of negotiations with DNR and City of Seattle."
The Seattle Marina
FACILITATION
"[Peak] has technical experience and background giving them an understanding of complex issues and potential unintended consequences of a range of actions. As a facilitator, David knows the importance of stakeholder engagement and how enduring agreements come from informed consensus. His company's work is thorough and exacting, their integrity is beyond reproach, and their work is efficient and effective.”
Lyn Wiltse, Owner and Lead Facilitator, PDSA Consulting, Inc.
STORMWATER
"Our Association I would like to sincerely thank you. We have reviewed your stormwater report in detail and found it most informative providing us with guidance on the issues our homeowner association needs to address. Further, we made an extensive report to the membership at our recent annual meeting and received approval of a dues increase to fund, in part, the outside vendors work to address issues with our stormwater system. We are very appreciative of [Peak]'s services."
Parkstone Board of Directors, Parkstone Neighborhood Association
|