Wetland Banking
Steps to Establishing a
Wetland Banking Project
The WCA Rules contains all of the requirements for planning, approving, conducting and monitoring wetland banking projects. A synopsis of the steps is shown below:
- Select a feasible location for the wetland to be restored
or created for banking.
- Secure property rights (e.g. purchase, permanent easement)
subject to delineation.
- Delineate and classify any remnant or adjacent wetland
areas.
- Determine approximate wetland size and type to be created
or restored. The concept plan should take into account the original landscape,
soils, and hydrology of the site.
- Request that the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) review
the delineation and concept plan to offer recommendations and ensure WCA
compliance.
- Develop specific construction and maintenance plans
for the project addressing the data items required in the WCA Rule. For
restorations, refer to the "Native
Vegetation in Restored and Created Wetlands" guide for site selection,
design and construction recommendations.
- Distribute the banking plan for public notice and comment.
- Modify the plan if necessary based on pubic review and
comment.
- The LGU reviews the plan and either approves, approves
with conditions or rejects the proposal.
- If approved, complete the structural work, grading,
and seeding as per the final plan.
- Have the LGU certify that the construction conforms
with the approved project plans.
- After the required waiting period and after the wetland is functional, have
the TEP determine the resultant wetland type and size. The TEP will determine
the amount of new and public value wetland credits available for deposit.
- Complete the deposit form and have the LGU send it to
BWSR for deposit of wetland credits in the state wetland bank.
- Wetland credits may be transferred between accounts and held for future use or resale.
