Guidelines for Wetlands Mitigation in Ohio Released by USACE

On July 20, after more than three years of development, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released guidance for the establishment of mitigation banks in Ohio.  The guidance was developed by the Interagency Review Team (IRT) which includes staff from the following agencies: USACE; United States EPA; Ohio EPA; Ohio Department of Natural Resources; United States Fish & Wildlife Service; and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. While this document will provide some increased predictability in the review process, it will also have a significant economic impact on the cost of development of mitigation banks in Ohio. Ohio Wetlands Foundation (OWF) anticipates the additional criteria included in this document will likely result in an increased cost of mitigation credits by 25 percent or more. OWF believes that the additional requirements and associated costs place an unreasonable burden on permit applicants in Ohio (adjacent states do not have such stringent requirements for the development of mitigation banks). Click here to read the guideline in its entirety.

OWF To Lead Tour of Two Mitigation Banks During EcoSummit 2012

EcoSummit 2012 – an international conference to explore innovative science-based strategies to create, manage, and restore ecosystems – is scheduled for September 30 – October 5, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio. The conference will bring together the world’s most respected minds in ecological science to discuss restoring the planet’s ecosystems. During the conference, Ohio Wetlands Foundation (OWF) President Vince Messerly will lead a tour of two wetland mitigation banks in central Ohio to view and discuss various protection, restoration and enhancement techniques. The trip will provide an opportunity to discuss the evolution of mitigation banking policy and wetland engineering/design improvements over the past 20 years.

Field trips vary from several hours, to a full day and evening. All field trips will depart from and return to the conference venue— the Columbus Convention Center.  Click here for more information about EcoSummit 2012 and registration information.

USACE Issues Federal Public Notice for NWPs

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued public notices for Nationwide Permits (NWP) in February, 2011. Renewed every five years, the current set of NWPs is set to expire in March, 2012. Click here for the current Federal Public Notice for the proposed NWPs as well as the Ohio Corps District’s public notice for regional conditions specific to NWP’s for impacts in Ohio.

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