The remaining acreage will be restored as upland buffer to protect the integrity of the wetland ecosystem. Banks are an environmentally friendly solution to the regulatory requirement for mitigation compensation. Banks can also consolidate many small, isolated wetland mitigation projects into a single, large-scale ecosystem. Banks also have the opportunity to include riparian restoration components as part of an ecosystems approach. The significant technical and financial resources that go into establishing and operating a mitigation bank guarantee a high degree of success.
Banks are also a developer-friendly solution.
A substantial amount of time and money can often be saved by purchasing wetland credits rather than building one's own wetland. Additionally, the risks inherent with habitat development and maintenance are passed on to the bank sponsor. The Mile High Wetland Bank is currently home to two juvenile nesting bald eagles. Located just five miles from the South Platte River flyway, it soon will be host to even more migratory and resident waterfowl. Both large and small mammals enjoy the open space as they travel between the bank and Barr Lake State Park along the Beebe Draw.