State's first wetland-fish bank approved

Washington state’s first joint wetland and fish habitat bank was signed into operation May 5. This landmark event certifies that the 302-acre mitigation bank along the Coweeman River will now protect wetland functions and create habitat for several life-stages of salmon.

The Washington Department of Ecology and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) have certified the Coweeman River Mitigation Bank to operate in the Lower Columbia River floodplain and the Cowlitz River watershed. Once developed, this wetland bank will provide an option for developers to purchase credits to mitigate for unavoidable impacts to wetlands or aquatic resources. The bank will re-establish, rehabilitate and enhance wetland functions across the site. In addition, the bank will create off-channel rearing, refuge and potential spawning habitat for Endangered Species Act listed salmon as they migrate along this reach of the Coweeman River.

The Coweeman River Mitigation Bank project provided an opportunity for Ecology and the Corps to partner with NOAA Fisheries and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The agencies also worked closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cowlitz County, City of Kelso, and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

Wetlands are essential for protecting Washington waters. They support and protect communities and businesses by filtering drinking water, holding flood waters, providing fish and wildlife habitat, and supporting wildlife-related recreation. Wetland mitigation banks are an important strategy for engaging the private sector and power of the marketplace to sustain Washington’s remaining wetlands.