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Science for Every Landowner

Rooted in Maine's
Land & Water

From soil health to wetland delineation, we deliver precise ecological assessments that help landowners, developers, and municipalities make informed, responsible decisions about Maine's natural resources.

400+ Sites Assessed
16 Maine Counties
10+ Years Experience
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 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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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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Wetland Delineation

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

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Land Surveys

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

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Environmental Permitting

Guidance and documentation for Site Law, Shoreland Zoning, Natural Resources Protection Act, and stormwater permitting across Maine's regulatory agencies.

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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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Why Choose Us

Science-Driven. Maine-Focused.

Dale Knapp
Dale F. Knapp
CSS, LSE, PWS, CEP, CPESC
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 Dale Knapp and his daughter Sophia 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.

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
Education — Dale F. Knapp
Ed.D. Transformational Leadership — University of New England, Portland ME
M.S. Organizational Leadership — Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester NH
B.S. Soil Science & Geology — University of Maine, Orono ME
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
Partner Agencies
Maine DEP MDIFW NRCS SWCD
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.

HVAL Evaluation · Wetland Delineation
Sanford Solar Project

A utility-scale solar development in York County required a full High Value Agricultural Land evaluation to assess soil productivity and farmland classification across the proposed array footprint. Wetland delineation and buffer mapping were completed concurrently to support Maine DEP permitting and minimize impact to jurisdictional resources on site.

Sanford, ME HVAL Evaluation Wetland Delineation
Soil Testing · Environmental Permitting
Quinebaug Solar Project

This solar development along the Quinebaug River corridor required detailed soil profile analysis to characterize drainage classes and hydric soil conditions across a mixed agricultural and forested parcel. Findings informed stormwater management design and supported the environmental permitting package submitted to state regulators for project approval.

Oxford County, ME Soil Testing Permitting Support
Vernal Pool Assessment · Site Evaluation
Constitution Solar Project

Prior to construction of a community solar installation, a certified vernal pool assessment was conducted to identify and map significant wildlife habitat on and adjacent to the project site. Amphibian surveys, pool classification, and 250-foot buffer delineation were delivered to satisfy Maine DEP Natural Resources Protection Act review requirements and guide final panel siting.

Kennebec County, ME Vernal Pool Assessment NRPA Review

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 one business day.

Service Area

Statewide — Maine's 16 counties

Response Time

Within 1 business day · 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.

Dale Knapp
Dale Knapp
Co-Founder & Principal
(207) 631-9134 dalefknapp@ecolink.solutions
SK
Sophia 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