wetland mitigation programs by steve sego (southeast alaska watershed coalition)
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Wetland Mitigation Programs:Challenges, Opportunities and Partnerships Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition. alaskawatershedcoalition.orgTRANSCRIPT
Wetland Mitigation Programs:Challenges, Opportunities and Partnerships
Southeast Alaska Stakeholder MeetingOctober 22, 2011
Steve SegoHabitat Bank NW
Mitigation Programs• History• Multiple jurisdictions, layers-–USACE/EPA– Services– State– Tribes– Burroughs/Cities–Others
• Banking is the preferred off site solution – 2008 Federal Rule
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
Opportunities - Alaska
• SAWC• Demand• Supportive agencies• Track record/history to build on• Compliance concepts/rules in place• Timing
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• $$$$
The Right Partners
• The right consultants• Land trusts/easement holders• Experienced restoration contractors• Partners that need credits• Partners with valuable skills• Good legal advice
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