Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season. Wetlands may support both aquatic and terrestrial species.

In agricultural regions around the world, wetlands are often drained to make way for increased or more efficient agricultural production.

Wetlands are often underappreciated because they are viewed as being more valuable for their water and undeveloped land than the ecosystem services they provide. They are often drained to make room for agriculture or human settlements. And any wetlands nearby left untouched may lose their own water to this development.

Draining: Water is drained from wetlands by cutting ditches into the ground which collect and transport water out of the wetland. Development of springs: Pumping large quantities of water from springs lowers nearby groundwater and can result in the loss of wetland vegetation.

Destruction of wetlands can lead to serious consequences, such as increased flooding, extinction of species, and decline in water quality.

Mitigation area means any area or areas within the Conserved Lands designated as provided in the Ranch Agreement to satisfy a condition or requirement of any Project Approval (or any similar approval relating to a Potential Project) or required in connection with the Reserved Rights for Mitigation purposes.

As for cost, in LA wetland mitigation runs from a low of $10,000 – $15,000 per acre to $40,000 or more per acre… cheap by some state standards.

Louisiana does not have a state wetland program plan. Louisiana’s Statewide Conservation Plan requires no net loss.

Compensatory Mitigation Options

1. Purchase habitat credits from an OCM approved mitigation bank.
2. Purchase credits from an approved In-Lieu fee Mitigation Program.
3. Implementation of individual mitigation project.
4. Other options determined to be appropriate by the secretary which fully compensate for lost habitat values.

Section 404 nationwide permits by USACE are required for construction that encroaches on wetlands territory, though specific permit regulations vary by state, and national permits vary by property size and impact. They have a number of options to mitigate issues that arise during a wetlands assessment.

Mitigation fee means a charge or in-kind contribution that is based on the amount of harm and is paid or provided to a plan participant in exchange for mitigation credit to be used to comply with the federal act.

A mitigation action is a specific action, project, activity, or process taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards and their impacts. The actions to reduce vulnerability to threats and hazards form the core of the plan and are a key outcome of the planning process.

During a Hurricane or Typhoon

• Listen to the radio or TV for information and keep your weather radio handy.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.