A seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience contributing to the management of the nation’s biological resources, imperiled species, and natural ecosystems.  Possesses a unique set of skills and abilities derived from his experience as a private consultant, state wildlife agency, and federal wildlife agency employee.  Frequently works on complex, controversial and highly contentious environmental projects across the United States (US).   Specializes the evaluation, assessment and quantification of potential anthropogenic impacts, and associated mitigation, resulting from perturbations to a large variety of ecosystems and the species they support.  Has extensive (50+) project experience utilizing, improving and developing sound scientific methodologies to assess potential impacts while creating innovative mitigation measures required to offset those impacts.  Efforts resulted in many valuable scientific reports/publications that contributed to assessing and offsetting impacts to natural resources and imperiled ecosystems.  Is a leader in promoting the use of quantitative tools that integrate economic, social, and natural resource values. Developed many innovative proactive approaches for resolving contentious natural resource management conflicts.  Recognized as an expert on natural resource management, instream flow determinations, imperiled species conservation, and ecosystem restoration.  Provides strategic guidance and practical solutions to implementation of Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) guidelines and procedures.  A recognized and often sought-after skilled mediator and strategic advisor.  Served on multiple interagency advisory teams across the US associated with offsetting environmental impacts to ecosystem processes and functions. Taught ESA compliance classes at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) and the University of California (UC Davis).

Mr. Slack is a Principal responsible for researching, developing, and implementing cost-effective field investigations and project coordination involving threatened and endangered species effects analyses and surveys, wetland delineations, stream habitat assessments, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Clean Water Act permitting.  His daily responsibilities include managing large projects and staff, writing and editing project reports, designing study plans using the most current scientific methods, and qualitative/quantitative interpretation of project data.  Prior to joining CEC in 2010, Mr. Slack spent 16 years with other firms in the private environmental consulting arena, supervising field investigations for large and small research projects.