Wetland Mitigation Programs:Challenges, Opportunities and Partnerships Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition. alaskawatershedcoalition.org

1. Wetland Mitigation Programs:
Challenges, Opportunities and Partnerships
Southeast Alaska Stakeholder Meeting
October 22, 2011
Steve Sego
Habitat Bank NW

2. Mitigation Programs
• History
• Multiple jurisdictions, layers-
– USACE/EPA
– Services
– State
– Tribes
– Burroughs/Cities
– Others
• Banking is the preferred off site solution – 2008
Federal Rule

3. Challenges
• Failed mitigation
• Confusion about programs
– Sequencing
– Impacts
• Layers of jurisdiction
• Watershed approach vs. sub-basin
• Agency support
– Compliance
– Coordination
• Cost
• Lack of certainty, timelines and permitting

4. Opportunities - Alaska
• SAWC
• Demand
• Supportive agencies
• Track record/history to build on
• Compliance concepts/rules in place
• Timing

5. Checklist
• Demand
– Location: Service Area
– Public/private impacts
• Site selection
– Condition
– Size
– Restoration cost
– Local jurisdictions, neighbors
• Prospectus
• MBI/ILFI
– Credits, release schedule
– Design
– Performance Standards
• Conservation Easement, long term M & M
• Construction
• Marketing
• $$$$

6. The Right Partners
• The right consultants
• Land trusts/easement holders
• Experienced restoration contractors
• Partners that need credits
• Partners with valuable skills
• Good legal advice

7. Next Steps
• Consolidated commitment from agencies
• Constructive relationship with sponsors,
agencies, permitted applicants
• Public education
• Third party alliances
• More is better
– More interested bankers/ILF sponsors the better
– Replicate success