Mitigation banks continue to support much-needed offset for unavoidable impacts to our Nation’s streams, but are we deploying the best methods for restoration of stream banks and enhancement of riparian areas?
According to the 2008 Mitigation Rule, All restoration and/or enhancement measures should be designed with the goal of improving integrity, habitat, and water quality using the most passive, least invasive techniques available.
In places like the Upper Yellowstone River watershed in Montana and elsewhere across the U.S., increasing flood frequency and duration are causing traditional bank stabilization and rechannelization efforts to fail wholly and catastrophically.
Yellowstone River
NEBA member, Trout Headwaters, Inc. (THI) recently published an article describing one example of a proven approach to reducing excess streambank erosion and restoring stream buffers that is lower-cost, lower-risk, and sustainable.
The Effects of Hardening the Artery – Rivers and Riprap by THI
Mitigation banking is often discussed in terms of credits—wetland credits, stream credits, or other units used to compensate for unavoidable environmental impacts. But the value of a mitigation bank extends far beyond the regulatory credit itself. Well-designed mitigation banks can provide a broad range of ecosystem services that benefit watersheds, wildlife, communities, and taxpayers.Cleaner Water •
Read MoreThe National Environmental Banking Association is proud to honor this year’s award recipients—leaders who exemplify innovation, integrity, and excellence in advancing mitigation banking and ecological restoration. These individuals and organizations are setting new standards for environmental outcomes, strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, and inspiring the next generation of restoration professionals.2026 Award WinnersAward for
Read More