Structural and Functional Loss of Wetlands in Montana: Rethinking Compensatory Mitigation Strategies for the Nation

Abstract

Wetlands provide vital services that contribute to the health and well-being of humans. Yet, throughout the history of the United States, these ecosystems have been disturbed, drained, filled, and destroyed in the midst of urbanization and land conversion. Despite the nation’s longstanding goal of no net loss of wetlands, there continues to be a need for improved standards and guidance for compensatory mitigation of wetlands today. Current legislation surrounding compensatory mitigation emphasizes a watershed approach but fails to use clear language in defining a ‘watershed’, which has allowed for the local loss of wetland functions and services. Therefore, to highlight the shortcomings of compensatory mitigation regulations, I analyze current and proposed mitigation options in the Missouri Headwaters HUC-6 located in Montana by primarily using data from the Regulatory In-Lieu Fee and Banking Tracking Information Systems (RIBITS). Additionally, I compared the Upper Missouri Mitigation Bank in Twin Bridges, Montana to the proposed Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve in Bozeman, Montana. Through this comparison, I found that current compensatory mitigation legislation is allowing for the consolidation of impacted wetlands across Montana into a few, scattered mitigation sites across the state. Limitations in mitigation options are leading to the permanent loss of functions of the original wetlands in their immediate environments and watersheds. These results demonstrate the need for a more localized watershed approach. Accordingly, I recommend that Gallatin County officials set aside land for wetland mitigation as soon as possible, as urbanization and inflation will only continue to increase the cost and value of land, and thus the cost of wetland credits. Ultimately, a redefined wetland approach is needed across the nation to ensure that wetlands impacts are being properly mitigated and that the goal of no net loss is being met.