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Science for Every Landowner

Rooted in Maine's
Land & Water

From site evaluation to wetland permitting, we deliver precise ecological assessments that help landowners, developers, municipalities, and development teams make informed, responsible decisions about Maine's natural resources.

500+ Projects Permitted
16 Maine Counties
25+ Years Experience
A cleared Maine site assessment overlooking rolling forested hills under a bright summer sky
Latest Project
Solar Project HVAL Evaluation
8-acre field assessment · Gorham, ME
Soil Testing Site Assessment HVAL Evaluation

Ecological & Land Services

Full-spectrum bio-resource assessments grounded in Maine's unique ecosystems and regulatory environment.

All Services
Soil profile exposed in a test pit with a tape measure showing horizon depths

Soil Testing & Analysis

Comprehensive soil health assessments including nutrient profiling, pH, contaminant screening, and percolation tests for septic siting and agricultural use.

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A quiet Maine pond and wetland edge with autumn foliage reflected in still water

Vernal Pool Assessment

Certified identification and mapping of Maine vernal pools under DEP guidelines. Amphibian and invertebrate surveys, buffer delineation, and permit support.

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A calm wetland pond bordered by lush green trees and reflective still water

Wetland Delineation

Maine DEP-compliant delineation using hydrology, soil, and vegetation indicators. Jurisdictional determinations and impact analysis.

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A field crew taking measurements across an open Maine parcel

Land Surveys

Boundary surveys, topographic mapping, ALTA surveys, and GPS-based property line confirmation coordinated with licensed Maine surveyors.

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Two EcoLink staff in hard hats reviewing a cleared development site beside a stream

Environmental Permitting

Guidance and documentation for Maine's key environmental regulations — including Site Law, Shoreland Zoning, the Natural Resources Protection Act, and stormwater permitting. We handle agency coordination across Maine DEP, local boards, and federal bodies.

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A lush green Maine hayfield dotted with dandelions, framed by a treeline

HVAL Evaluation

High Value Agricultural Land (HVAL) evaluation assesses parcels for soil productivity, farmland classification, and agricultural potential — helping landowners, planners, and developers understand the farming value of a site before making land-use decisions.

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Four-person field crew conducting soil survey at a sandy Maine excavation site

Soil Survey

Detailed field-based soil surveys mapping soil series, horizons, and properties across a parcel. Used for site planning, agricultural assessments, septic design, and regulatory compliance — with full Munsell color analysis and lab coordination as needed.

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Two inspectors in safety vests surveying a large cleared site in Maine

Third-Party Inspection

Independent on-site inspections to verify compliance with permit conditions, erosion and sedimentation controls, wetland buffer limits, and construction specifications. Provides unbiased documentation for regulators, developers, and project owners.

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John Deere logging equipment clearing a forested site in Maine

Site Suitability & Constraints

Comprehensive evaluation of a parcel's development potential and restrictions — including wetlands, soils, setbacks, flood zones, and resource protections. Identifies opportunities and limitations early, so projects move forward with confidence and fewer regulatory surprises.

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Solar panel array with native vegetation at a permitted Maine project site

Local & Federal Permitting

Full-service permitting support across all levels of government — from municipal planning boards and shoreland zoning to Maine DEP Site Law, Army Corps of Engineers Section 404, and FEMA floodplain compliance. We guide your project through the process from application to approval.

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Why Choose Us

Science-Driven. Maine-Focused.

Dr. Dale F. Knapp
CSS, LSE, PWS, CEP, CPESC
Co-Founder
Sophia L. Knapp
Co-Founder
Our Story

"Built on a shared love of the land — and a belief that good science should be accessible to everyone."

EcoLink Maine was founded by Dr. Dale F. Knapp and his daughter Sophia L. Knapp, who share an unshakeable passion for environmental science and a commitment to serving their community. What started as weekend field walks and conversations about soil horizons became a business rooted in the same values: curiosity, integrity, and genuine care for the people and landscapes of Maine. Together, Dale and Sophia bring decades of combined experience and a family-first approach to every client relationship — because for them, this work has never just been a job. It's a calling.

Sophia L. Knapp matching soil color against a Munsell chart beside a freshly dug test pit
Sophia matching soil color in the field — reading horizons by hand.
A praying mantis resting on a hand in front of a solar array set in tall meadow grass
A native mantis at a solar HVAL site — healthy ground supports healthy habitat.
Team Expertise
Strategic Analysis & Planning Creative Problem-Solving Agency Negotiation Procurement Response Management End-to-end Project Administration Team Building & Leadership Regulatory Compliance Relationship Building Process/Performance Improvement
01

Deep Local Knowledge

We know Maine's terrain, regulations, and seasonal conditions. From Aroostook's potato country to the York County coast — no two sites are alike, and we've worked them all.

02

Regulatory Expertise

Fluent in Maine DEP, MDIFW, and local ordinance requirements so your project moves through the permitting process efficiently.

03

Transparent Communication

Plain-language reports, responsive communication, and no surprise invoices. You'll understand your site and your options at every step.

04

Certified Professionals

Our team holds active certifications aligned with current state and federal standards for wetland science, soil science, and environmental assessment.

Team Credentials
Licenses & Certifications
Licensed Site Evaluator (LSE) State of Maine
Certified Soil Scientist (CSS) State of Maine
Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Society of Wetland Scientists
Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) ECO Canada
Erosion & Sedimentation Control (CPESC) EnviroCert International
Notary Public State of Maine
Diversity Leadership Certificate University of New England
Certified Wilderness First Responder ASOLO
Professional Associations
Association of State Wetland Managers Member
Engineers Without Borders, UMaine Chapter Member
Maine Association of Professional Soil Scientists Member
Maine Association of Site Evaluators Executive Director
Maine Association of Wetland Scientists Past President
New Brunswick Environment Industry Association Member
Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England Professional Member
Society of Wetland Scientists, New England Chapter Chair
The Wildlife Society Member
Recent Work

Project Highlights

A snapshot of recent field work across Maine — every project is different, and we bring the same rigorous approach to each one.

Wetland Delineation · Buffer Mapping
Sanford Solar Project

A utility-scale solar development in York County required wetland delineation and buffer mapping across the proposed array footprint. EcoLink mapped jurisdictional wetland boundaries and buffer zones to support Maine DEP permitting and minimize impact to jurisdictional resources on site.

Sanford, ME Wetland Delineation Buffer Mapping
Wetland Delineation · Vernal Pool Assessment
Farmington Solar Project

A utility-scale solar development in Franklin County's forested outskirts of Farmington required comprehensive wetland delineation and vernal pool surveys across a large parcel. EcoLink mapped jurisdictional wetland boundaries, identified and certified significant vernal pools, and delivered a full NRPA permitting package to support Maine DEP review and responsible siting of the array.

Farmington, ME Wetland Delineation Vernal Pool Assessment
Soil & Wetland Assessment · Permitting Support
Bingham Wind Project

One of Maine's largest wind energy developments, sited across the remote highlands of Somerset County, required extensive pre-construction ecological assessment along proposed access roads and turbine pads. EcoLink conducted soil profile investigations, hydric soil identification, and wetland delineation across the high-elevation terrain to inform site design and support Maine DEP and Army Corps permitting.

Somerset County, ME Wetland Delineation Soil Assessment

Simple, Straightforward Process

From first call to final report, we guide you through every step clearly and professionally.

1

Initial Consultation

Free 20-minute call to understand your project, timeline, and regulatory context.

2

Custom Quote

Itemized proposal with clear scope, deliverables, and no hidden fees.

3

Field Assessment

On-site evaluation with sampling, GPS mapping, and photo documentation.

4

Data & Lab Analysis

Samples processed through accredited Maine labs with full chain-of-custody.

5

Final Report

Plain-language written report with GIS maps, photos, and permitting recommendations.

Get In Touch

Start Your Site Assessment

Ready to move your project forward? Reach out for a free consultation. We typically respond within 3–5 business days.

Service Area

Statewide — Maine's 16 counties

Response Time

Within 3–5 business days · Free initial consultation

EcoLink Maine is a family-run business. Reach out directly to Dale or Sophia — they're both in the field and happy to talk through your project.

DK
Dr. Dale F. Knapp
Co-Founder & Principal
(207) 631-9134 dalefknapp@ecolink.solutions
SK
Sophia L. Knapp
Co-Founder & Principal
(207) 213-8278 sophialknapp@ecolink.solutions

We serve all of Maine:

Androscoggin Aroostook Cumberland Franklin Hancock Kennebec Knox Lincoln Oxford Penobscot Piscataquis Sagadahoc Somerset Waldo Washington York