Home
Meet Wayne S. Wright, PWS
  
Title
Principal Fisheries and Wetlands Scientist

Expertise
Fisheries science
Wetlands science
Wildlife science
Habitat design
Permitting
Agency negotiations

Location
Seattle, WA

Hired
2003

Wayne’s first natural resources project came early. “In 1972, I coordinated the clean-up of Chambers Lake (on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA). We removed over 10 tons of garbage and debris, and then restored damaged portions of the shoreline,” he recounts, adding, “Experiencing that project’s positive impact inspired me to study for a career focused on natural resources.”

At GeoEngineers, Wayne wears two hats: He is a technical expert who works with teams on complex natural resources issues and he develops new business. In addition, Wayne sits on several national committees and travels nationally to represent GeoEngineers and present papers on current projects.

Wayne values the freedom GeoEngineers provides to develop teams and pursue challenging projects. One of his team’s notable projects was design and construction of the Beaver Creek Culvert Replacement in Manchester, WA. “This project was one of our first design-build projects at GeoEngineers. We removed fish passage barriers, restored an estuary and recovered a floodplain. This work was recognized by the US Navy for a national stewardship award.”

Wayne volunteers his professional expertise as a lecturer at the University of Washington and local elementary schools. He also volunteers at the Boeing Classic Golf Tournament and is active in Rotary. He appreciates spending time with family and with friends who share his enjoyment of golf, Mariners games and gourmet food. To satisfy his artistic side, Wayne recently started a side business, an online photo sales company that features photographs from his travels.

Awards

  • ACEC-Washington, Bronze Award, Engineering Excellence Awards, Knapp-Wham Irrigation Diversion Improvement, Chelan County, WA, 2010 
  • ACEC-Idaho, Excellence in Engineering Award, 45 Ranch Habitat Restoration, Southern Idaho, 2009
  • National Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Project of the Year, 45 Ranch Habitat Restoration, Southern Idaho, 2009

Presentations & Articles

  • “45 Ranch River Bottom Enhancement,” presented at the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) California Water Conference, Sacramento, CA, 2009

  • “Shoreline Master Plans: Resource Management and Community Growth–Can We Find Synergy?” presented at the North American Lake Management, Spokane, WA, 2011

  • “Bremerton Marina Expansion Boater and Business Benefits,” presented at the Washington Public Ports Association, Birch Bay, WA, 2009

  • “Getting from Planning to Construction,” presented at the Road Builders Conference, Coeur d’Alene ID, 2007

  • “Adaptive Management on the Middle Fork of the Hood River, Oregon,” presented at the American Water Resources Association, Missoula, MT, 2006

  • “Dogfish Creek Culvert Removal and Estuary Restoration,” presented at the River Restoration Northwest Symposium, Skamania, WA, 2004

Recent Field Notes

Redefining Success
By Wayne S. Wright, Feb 20, 2012
Every once in a while we all take a moment to catch our breath and take...
 
view all profiles