Mission Statement
Harvesting Trust, Cultivating Sustainability
Our mission is to preserve the environment and promote sustainable practices through the innovative use of drone technology, providing reliable and impactful solutions to environmental challenges across industries and communities.
Our Story
Drone & Ecological Specialists
MBL is a privately held firm specializing in innovative drone solutions, ecological and environmental research, management and conservation.
Since 1984, our team has been at the forefront of tackling a wide range of environmental challenges. We are leaders in this space, and with the integration of state-of-the-art drone technology, we now offer:
- Enhanced land monitoring with high-resolution imagery
- Cost-effective resource management
- Up-to-date, accurate, and efficient terrain mapping
- Safe and efficient access to hard-to-reach areas
- Birds-eye visibility without negatively impacting the environment
To compensate for the required vehicle use within each program, MBL purchases carbon offsets from Neighbours United (formerly the West Kootenay EcoSociety).
As stewards of this environment, we conduct chemical control on a last-resort basis. Small research trials are consistently conducted to reduce reliance on chemical control. Biomass is left in systems as long as possible to allow for enhanced biodiversity.
MBL believes in giving back to our communities through volunteer work because we’re passionate about preserving nature and optimizing land use for a better future — and there’s always more work to be done. We’re especially committed to protecting the habitats we work with through restoration, research, invasive species removal, and more.
Dirk Lewis
Lead Biologist, Owner
With a BSc in Biology from UBC and over 30 years of experience in mosquito/invasive plant control, Dirk brings a wealth of diverse expertise to MBL. Dirk’s passion for wetlands, biodiversity, and the innovative use of technology to make a positive environmental impact means he works his dream job every day. As the firm’s head drone pilot, Dirk holds a Transport Canada’s Drone Pilot License — Advanced Operations and Special Flight Operation Certificate (SFOC).
In his free time, you’ll find Dirk enjoying the great outdoors. A passionate mountain biker and remote control enthusiast, he enjoys tinkering with vehicles of all kinds. Dirk’s dedication to staying active and exploring new skills and thrills reflects who he is as a father, as he tries to keep up with his kids on skis or bikes.
Shaun Calver
Operations Manager, Owner
Shaun has a BSc and a MEd in Science and Physical Education. He began working with MBL in 2002 as a summer student and became the Operations Manager in 2015. Shaun is now a certified agrologist, ensuring the company can legally make professional recommendations for all things agriculture and environmental science. This key resume addition complements his experience in large-scale mosquito and invasive plant control project management throughout southern BC. When Shaun isn’t slogging through swamps, he’s likely playing soccer, going for runs, and spending time with his family in nature.
Barry McLane
GIS Manager
Barry has an Advanced Diploma in GIS and is currently working towards his bachelor’s degree. With a background in construction, a wealth of experience in the geospatial field, and a passion for cartography, Barry joined MBL in 2016. He stays busy managing operations data, building field-ready GIS applications, and developing interactive maps. In his spare time, he loves to build and maintain mountain biking trails, (which is what led him to a career in mapping!), snowboard, and spend time with his family.
