What does "mitigation banking" involve in wetland management?

Mitigation banking in wetland management refers to the establishment of wetland areas specifically to offset the losses that occur due to the destruction or degradation of existing wetlands. This practice operates under the principle that the adverse effects on one area can be counterbalanced by the creation or restoration of wetland in another area.

The primary goal is to achieve a net gain in wetland functions and values. Often, this involves creating new wetlands or restoring degraded ones in designated banking sites, which can be credited to developers or other entities that are responsible for impacts to other wetlands. This system allows for environmental gains while accommodating necessary development, thereby facilitating a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.

Creating new wetlands for habitat diversity, monitoring existing wetlands, or removing invasive species may contribute to wetland health and diversity but do not align specifically with the essence of mitigation banking, which is clearly focused on compensating for unavoidable impacts to existing wetland areas.