1. Kevin “Doc” Hoover Water’s Edge Hydrology, Inc.
Wetland Mitigation
Approaches
Kevin “Doc” Hoover
Water’s Edge Hydrology, Inc.

2. Mitigation Categories
Creation – conversion of existing uplands to wetlands.
Restoration – recovery of historic wetlands from disturbed conditions.
Enhancement – improving the functions and values of wetlands.
Preservation – protection of wetlands from future impacts.

3. “Wetland Triangle”

4. Conversion Considerations

5. Creation Can use excavation, fill, or both Avoid creating open water.
Use sloping margins.
Consider adding organic amendments
Mitigation Ratio = 1 to 1 max.

10. Restoration Remove fills from historic wetlands.
Impound artificial surface drainage.
Break up subsurface drainage.
Re-fill excavated areas to restore vegetation.
Mitigation Ratio = 1 to 1 max.

12. Enhancement Remove invasive species.
Plant to upgrade category (i.e. emergent to scrub/shrub).
Plant adjacent uplands for fringe habitat.
Add habitat features (bird boxes, nesting platforms, brush piles).
Mitigation Ratio = 3 to 1 max.

15. Preservation Allowable only for certain situations.
High value wetland
No practical alternative
May be component with other mitigation types
Use by landowners restricted.
May require fencing or signage.
Mitigation Ratio = 4 to 1 max.

18. Other Considerations Total area requirements Deed restrictions
Post-construction monitoring
Repairs and maintenance
Permit expiration dates
Completion reporting

19. AVOIDANCE
Saves
Time
Effort
MONEY!