About Us

Since 1997, Oxbow has partnered with private landowners, government entities at all levels, and conservation groups throughout the West, guiding the design, permitting, and execution of environmental restoration and enhancement projects.

As pioneers in stream and river restoration and environmental design, we've introduced impactful construction methods and durable value engineering improvements that harmonize the needs of landowners, stakeholders, and nature.

Our work in revitalizing lands and waters empowers our clients to become dedicated guardians of the environment, forging a sustainable legacy for the generations to come, while optimizing the allocation of investment resources for land value appreciation.

  • Brandon Lewis began his work in the mountains of West Yellowstone, Montana at age 15, guiding on horseback and maintaining remote trails and waterways using pack strings and hand tools. That early experience — working directly in the landscape without machinery — built a practical understanding of terrain, water movement, and land behavior that still informs his work today.

    As his career progressed, Brandon expanded into heavy equipment operations, applying that same land-first perspective to larger-scale projects. Over the past 30+ years, he has worked across the Rocky Mountain West on ranch and acreage development, combining field execution with a deep understanding of how land functions over time.

    In parallel, Brandon has led international conservation efforts through Pangaea World Foundation and worked as a documentary producer and cinematographer on projects supported by National Geographic. This dual background — field work and visual storytelling — gives him a distinct ability to evaluate, shape, and preserve natural landscapes with both precision and intent.

  • Todd Burke, with 30 years at the helm of design and construction firms, specializes in environmental and historic building construction, restoration, and civil infrastructure. His journey began in New England's foundries, where he honed his design and metal fabrication skills, later channeling this expertise into the historical preservation of numerous 18th and 19th-century structures alongside the Historical Building Society of Boston. Notable restorations include The Paul Revere House and The Massachusetts State House.

    Intrigued by the Old West and driven by a passion for environmental preservation, Todd relocated to Colorado in the mid-1990s, focusing on land, streams, and habitat restoration. His work, influenced by the styles of John Gaw Meem and indigenous and Spanish architecture, embodies a philosophy of minimal environmental impact. Among his significant projects are the restoration of Caribou Ranch, various Colorado parks, and recovery efforts from Boulder's 2013 flood, overseeing the restoration of 20 miles of stream and 20 bridges. Managing over $250 million in projects, Todd now lives in New Mexico, developing an off-the-grid ranch, continuing his commitment to blending architecture with nature.

  • A proud Colorado Native, Scott has more than 20 years of experience in civil engineering and construction. His career has taken him around the world overseeing advanced field inspections and preservation of some of the US and worlds most iconic and critical infrastructure.

    Eventually becoming President, Scott steered his previous company through a period of remarkable growth and operational scale. His strategic vision led to establishing multiple branch offices across the United States and the addition of new service lines, reflecting his adeptness in identifying and leveraging growth opportunities. His expertise spans not only the technical aspects of civil engineering but also project management and business development within the heavy civil infrastructure sector.

    After concluding his tenure in early 2024, Scott shifted his focus to his family, his passion for the equestrian lifestyle, and joining the Oxbow team. His track record of fostering business growth and his commitment to impactful engineering projects make him an invaluable addition to the Oxbow team, poised to drive forward the company’s mission with innovative solutions and strategic leadership.

  • Jess is a dynamic creative force at Oxbow, spearheading the production of both company and client marketing materials with a keen eye for detail and an artistic flair. As a talented photographer and underwater cinematographer, Jess collaborates with an international nonprofit organization to craft documentaries and content that spotlight conservation efforts, bringing critical environmental projects into the global conversation.

    At Oxbow, Jess leverages her diverse skill set to elevate client projects, utilizing websites, video, photography, and social media to showcase our work in its best light. Beyond her marketing prowess, Jess is actively honing her expertise in landscape design as an intern, mastering our design software to create detailed project plans and realistic renderings that captivate and impress our clients. Her multifaceted role not only enhances Oxbow’s project presentations but also contributes to our mission of harmonizing human and natural environments through innovative design and storytelling.


  • Steve is a distinguished wildlife biologist and wetland scientist with over 35 years of experience both nationally and internationally. Certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) by the Society of Wetland Scientists, Steve holds special permits for working with federally Threatened species like the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse and the Ute Ladies’-tresses Orchid, underscoring his expertise in sensitive environmental areas. His skills extend to wetland functional assessments, wildlife habitat surveys, and regulatory compliance with major environmental policies and acts, contributing to his proficiency in stream and lake restoration, wetland management, and endangered species protection.

    His involvement in significant environmental initiatives includes serving on a Mitigation Banking committee and the Atlantic Flyway Council, collaborating with key agencies like the EPA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on wetland assessment techniques. Additionally, Steve's hands-on experience with heavy equipment for over 30 years enhances his capability in managing construction and environmental projects, ensuring practical and effective restoration outcomes.

    Steve’s cooperative demeanor and comprehensive skill set make him an invaluable asset to any restoration project, blending extensive regulatory knowledge with practical experience to benefit stakeholders and the environment alike.

  • Robby is a seasoned professional with a rich background in urban and regional planning, geographic information systems (GIS), and real estate brokerage. Graduating with honors from Michigan State University in 2006, he began his career in GIS analysis at La Plata County, where he developed comprehensive GIS databases and provided crucial support and training in GIS technology to enhance county operations. His expertise in analyzing geographic data and creating relevant visualizations has been instrumental in informed decision-making processes within the county.

    Transitioning to urban planning, Robby served as Planner II for La Plata County, generating extensive land use plans that accounted for environmental considerations, community needs, and developmental objectives. His collaborative efforts with transportation, infrastructure departments, and external stakeholders ensured the integration of sustainable land use planning and economic development, while preserving the county's natural resources. Robby's ability to coordinate with local communities and conduct in-depth research on land use policies further solidified his reputation as a skilled planner dedicated to optimizing development and sustainability goals.

    Since September 2023, Robby has applied his diverse skill at Oxbow. Here, he focuses on supporting clients in land and ranch acquisitions, ensuring compliance with real estate laws, and evaluating prospective properties to accomodate client needs. His strong relationships with financial institutions and local businesses facilitate the financing process for buyers and generate leads through referral partnerships. Robert's proficiency in negotiation, mediation, and real estate contracts, combined with his comprehensive planning and permitting experience, positions him as a dynamic force in managing transactions across residential, commercial, land, conservation and ranch properties.


  • Over the past 30 years, Jeff has long been an advocate for the conservation of rivers and streams, driven by a deep understanding of the negative impacts of human attempts to modify natural watercourses. His journey in river conservation began with the establishment of the North Fork River Improvement Association (NFRIA) in 1996, focused on the North Fork of the Gunnison River in Colorado. This initial project laid the groundwork for a series of community-led conservation efforts, positioning Jeff as a prominent figure in the movement to restore rivers to their natural state while balancing social and economic stakeholder interests.

    A pioneer in river and floodplain restoration and watershed planning, Jeff has spearheaded numerous restoration projects and played a pivotal role in assisting communities with the organization and strategizing of river corridor management. His expertise became especially crucial following the devastating floods on the Colorado Front Range in September 2013. Jeff joined the Colorado Water Conservation Board to help affected communities identify needs, develop emergency stabilization projects, and engage in watershed master planning. His efforts were instrumental in advocating for natural stream restoration practices and leading the State's Technical Assistance Team in building consensus among diverse groups.

    Under Jeff's guidance, the team not only facilitated the establishment of eleven new watershed coalitions in the flood-impacted regions but also set criteria for master plans tailored to each watershed. They implemented emergency stream stabilization projects and continuously supported State officials and watershed coalitions in project reviews, budget analyses, and technical implementation strategies for $70 million in restoration projects. Jeff's contributions extend to ensuring compliance with federal grants and advising on cost-effective restoration treatments, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to marrying ecological restoration with community needs and stakeholder cooperation.