Ecosystems Connections Institute, LLC

Ecosystems Connections Institute, LLC is a woman-owned small business located in Denver, Indiana, that specializes in ecological restoration, environmental research, and aquatic ecosystem management. Registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) since October 2017, the company is certified as a small disadvantaged business and focuses on environmental conservation projects. The firm works closely with federal agencies to develop and implement strategies for improving stream and river ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on dam removal, fish passage restoration, and habitat reconnection.

The company has consistently received cooperative agreements from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3, primarily through the National Fish Passage Program (CFDA 15.685) and Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance program. Their projects predominantly involve removing low-head dams and fish passage barriers across Indiana's river systems, including the Wabash River, White River, Eel River, and other tributaries. These projects aim to reconnect stream miles, improve fish habitat, enhance aquatic species migration, and increase ecological resilience. Specific work includes detailed feasibility studies, dam removal engineering, biological surveys, habitat restoration, and ecosystem monitoring. The firm collaborates with multiple partners such as the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lake and River Enhancement, The Nature Conservancy, and local county commissioners to execute these complex environmental restoration initiatives. Their projects have demonstrated significant ecological improvements, including increased fish indices, habitat restoration, and reconnection of hundreds of stream miles across various watersheds.