New Mitigation Bank Will Help Offset Wetland Impacts in Bozeman
The Sacajawea Audubon Society (SAS) is moving forward to establish a Wetland Mitigation Bank at the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve (IAWP). Our intent is to provide a local wetland mitigation option to help offset wetland impacts occurring specifically in the Bozeman and Gallatin Watershed area. Montana Freshwater Partners (formerly Montana Aquatic Resources Services) has been brought onto the project as a subcontractor to provide SAS with technical expertise and guidance on the cost-benefit-risk analysis of the proposed mitigation bank project, as well as technical guidance and regulatory expertise.
With the help of Montana Freshwater Partners, SAS will restore the IAWP as we also address the loss and degradation of other local wetlands and streams due to development pressure in the Gallatin Valley over the last 20 years. We’re working together on an innovative and creative approach to enhance, protect, and restore this valuable community asset while also providing a unique educational opportunity for the community to connect to wetlands and the critical habitat they provide for birds and wildlife.
Bozeman’s rapid growth over the past decade triggered a variety of costs and benefits to our community. Creation of this Wetland Mitigation Bank is one area where our growing community could potentially shift from negative to positive impacts on wetlands and waterways of the Gallatin Watershed.
IAWP Busy Beavers Upcoming Events
The Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve (IAWP) Busy Beavers are gearing up for an eventful 2022 season! We have some exciting opportunities coming up for the month of March:
Thursday, March 3rd from 12:00–1:00 pm: “What the Heck is a Mitigation Bank?” with Wendy Weaver from Montana Freshwater Partners. If you’re interested in signing up, please RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040e4eaea823a7fa7-2022
Wednesday, March 23rd at the IAWP from 5:30–7:00 pm. Watershed Ambassador Training: Bring your binoculars and learn about how you can help promote stewardship and host tours at the IAWP! The IAWP Busy Beavers is teaming up with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust for this training event.
Volunteers will have another opportunity to monitor groundwater at the IAWP this season, starting in April. If you are interested in spending two hours a week collecting important data at the IAWP, please contact Heather at heather@gallatinwatershedcouncil.org.
The stewardship of our community is what allows our local wetlands and watershed to thrive! To learn more or to sign up to become an IAWP Busy Beaver, please visit gallatinwatershedcouncil.org/volunteer.