Wapato Valley Mitigation and Conservation Bank Wetland Support
Clark County, WA
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Cascade has been supporting the Wapato Valley Mitigation and Conservation Bank by providing wetland delineation, wetland functions assessment, plans for the project which have all been approved by the IRT and has assumed the role of gaining MBI approval and developing construction permit applications in 2022. The Wapato Valley Project study area includes nearly 900 acres of Columbia River floodplain, at the confluence with the Lewis River in Clark County, Washington.
Cascade staff led agency tours for Jurisdictional Determination review, including providing PowerPoint presentations on study methods, which were customized to streamline efforts for the large site and because fieldwork occurred during a low-water period on a highly altered site. Cascade reviewed 15 years of river gauge data to be able to interpret field results and determine wetland boundaries. The study area includes floodplain, pasture, levee-protected areas, and uplands. Cascade developed a site-specific functions assessment report that specifically addresses the proposed restoration actions, supported Plas Newydd Conservation Farm in developing the Mitigation Bank Instrument, and produced planting plans and specifications for project construction. Cascade now leads the effort for MBI approval and construction permitting. |