Anna R. Keenan
Anna Keenan is a Wildlife Biologist and Threatened & Endangered (T&E) Species Specialist at Terracon, based in Omaha, Nebraska. She has been with Terracon since August 2024, bringing nearly two years of experience conducting regulatory reviews for threatened and endangered species compliance, Section 7 consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bald eagle permitting, biological assessments, and NEPA work. Anna also conducts field surveys for T&E species, with a recent focus on bats as she works toward her 101A permit to handle them, alongside a strong background in avian work, including raptor nest and migratory bird surveys with species such as northern goshawks and red-shouldered hawks.
Before joining Terracon, Anna spent two years as an environmental scientist and staff scientist at another consulting firm and five years as a wildlife technician with the U.S. Forest Service in the Hiawatha and Colville National Forests, studying goshawks. She has also collaborated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a National Wildlife Refuge conducting research with bison and prairie dogs. Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Research Management with a minor in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and an Associate of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Fisheries Management from Minnesota North College, equipping her with a strong understanding of wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and field research techniques.
Anna’s passion lies in connecting people with wildlife and finding ways for both to coexist. One project she is particularly proud of involved helping a community affected by severe flooding in 2019 replace their wastewater treatment plant and wellheads while also protecting a bald eagle nest perched above one of the water transmission lines. Balancing the needs of the community with wildlife conservation highlights her commitment to sustainable solutions, proactive collaboration, and using her expertise to positively impact both people and the natural environment.
• NEPA Essentials Workshop
• Advanced NEPA Workshop
• Introduction to NEPA and Transportation Decision-making
• Being SMART About Bats at Wind Farms (Beginner) Certificate
• Biological Assessment Essentials Section 7 Training Course
• Combined Field Survey Techniques for Bats
• Wetland Training Institute Certification
• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - BS, Wildlife Ecology and Research Management, Biology Minor
• Minnesota North College - AS, Wildlife Ecology and Fisheries Management
• Keynote speaker at Vermilion Community College graduation for natural resource students
• The Wildlife Society
• Youngest volunteer at Fontenelle Forest nature center
• Helping with raptors and snakes for environmental education
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible mentors I've had throughout my journey who really encouraged me to stay on this path and go all in. I had a mentor who gave me my first pair of binoculars that he passed down to me, along with field guides, and I got to help with banding birds when I was young. I've been really blessed with mentors who supported my passion, and now I want to pay it forward by being a mentor to others as well. I also learned to never let somebody tell me what I can or can't do, because only I know what I'm capable of. When I was discouraged early on and told I couldn't be a biologist because of my math scores, I eventually decided that advisor was wrong, went back to school, and proved him wrong by getting my second bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology. I've kept that mantra with me throughout my career - when I feel like I'm doubting myself or somebody else is saying I can't do something, I remember that only I know what I'm capable of. That's really helped me go farther in my career and boost my confidence. I've also gotten better at speaking up for myself and knowing my own worth, which is really important.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say don't ever let somebody tell you what you can and can't do, because only you know what you're capable of. I think it's really important to encourage young people to speak up for themselves and know their own worth - don't let other people take advantage of you. When I gave a keynote speech at Vermilion Community College, I told the graduating class exactly that, and I've kept that mantra with me throughout my career. I also want young women to know that being a wildlife biologist is an option, because I had no idea this was a career choice when I was growing up. It was never on any of those quizzes about what you should be when you grow up, and I didn't even know it was out there. I think it needs to be shared with a lot more young people that this is something you can do, and there are a lot of women that do this type of work. Traditionally, it was a man's job to be a biologist, but we've come a long way since then. It would be really important to me to be a mentor to another young person coming up in this field and help stoke their passions, because I had such great mentors and I want to pay it forward.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is connecting people with wildlife and helping both people and wildlife coexist together. This is really my passion - I love being able to serve the community while also protecting wildlife at the same time. For example, with the bald eagle nest project where we're helping a community get clean drinking water while protecting the eagle nest, the community is really invested in the eagle nest too, and that's really rewarding for me. I feel like I'm actually doing something to benefit the environment and benefit people, and that's what makes my work meaningful. I also really value being able to help clients navigate complicated regulatory compliance - I've realized that a lot of people really do care and they really do want what's best for the environment, and it's been really rewarding to work with them and guide them through these federal regulatory steps.