The Team
Cassandra Fligg
Partner
Mrs. Fligg received a master’s degree in science (biology) from Lakehead University. She has been qualified as an Ecologist with expertise in natural heritage and freshwater ecology by the Ontario Land Tribunal. Mrs. Fligg is proficient in the preparation of natural heritage reports in southern and central Ontario, particularly those that include policy of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, Greenbelt Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan. She has prepared species at risk screenings to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and assisted proponents in demonstrating avoidance to the harm and/or destruction of species at risk and their habitat, and navigated proponents through the overall benefit permit process where complete avoidance was not possible. Mrs. Fligg is a certified arborist as recognized by the International Society of Arboriculture, certified butternut health assessor as recognized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, certified level 2 backpack electrofisher (crew leader) and has completed a fish identification workshop, turtle identification and handling workshop, and diatom algae culture and isolation workshop.
Nathan Fligg
Partner
Mr. Fligg is a well-versed ecologist with more than 15 years experience in both plant and wildlife identification. He is actively building on his identification skills and knowledge through the review of relevant flora literature and the undertaking of field studies for Sumac’s natural heritage reports and species at risk screenings in southern and central Ontario. Mr. Fligg completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Sustainability and further went on to receive a master’s degree in science from Lakehead University. He is a provincially certified wetland evaluator, certified butternut health assessor, certified level 2 backpack electrofisher and is experienced in the safe handling and release of small mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles.
Michaela Sallows
Ecologist
Ms. Sallows earned an Honours Bachelor's degree in Environment and Resource Management from the University of Guelph. Building on this foundation, she pursued advanced studies in Environmental Sciences, graduating with an Honours Master's degree from the University of Waterloo. Her academic focus centered on human-wildlife conflict, as well as, resource governance and conservation across Ontario. Her professional experience spans a wide range of environmental sectors, where she has gained valuable expertise in natural heritage, educational and hydrogeology roles. She continues to enhance her identification and technical writing skills through the undertaking of various terrestrial and aquatic studies at Sumac, as well as, participation and volunteer services for local natural heritage outreach programs.