SB 6221 - DIGEST

Finds that the existing federal and state regulatory framework for wetland mitigation is an important tool used to offset impacts to aquatic resources.

Finds that national and state studies have shown that additional measures are needed to ensure the long-term success of compensatory mitigation sites. Because impacts to aquatic resources often take place on state-owned aquatic lands, the department should implement new strategies to ensure that individual compensatory mitigation sites and mitigation bank sites on state-owned aquatic lands are properly planned for and permanently protected.

Finds that establishing mitigation banks on state-owned aquatic lands and securing funding for permanent management of compensatory mitigation sites and mitigation bank sites will improve the environmental success of compensatory mitigation through appropriate site selection, long-term management, and consolidation of multiple small mitigation sites into larger, comprehensive mitigation sites.