Improving the Success of Wetland Mitigation Banking: Lessons Learned in Monitoring and Compliance

Date of Award

11-14-2007

Document Type

Undergraduate Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Applied Science

Organizational Unit

University College, Environmental Policy and Management

Disciplines

Environmental Policy & Mgmt

First Advisor

Kenneth Knox

Keywords

Clean Water Act, Compliance, Monitoring, Section 404, Wetland impacts, Wetland mitigation banking

Abstract

Wetlands that are lost to development are not effectively compensated by the current wetland mitigation banking regulatory program due to inadequate monitoring and compliance. Based on a critical investigation of two wetland mitigation banks in Colorado described herein, recommendations are given to improve the effectiveness of the wetland mitigation banking program. The recommendations to improve mitigation banking are to specify and follow comprehensive monitoring and reporting plans, develop solid contingency and adaptive management plans, utilize specially developed checklists and templates, and impose enforcement when compliance is not met. Implementing these recommendations will assist regulators and bankers in achieving more effective wetland mitigation and will help the United States reach its no net loss of wetlands goal.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

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