[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”|auto|-3px|auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
New Mitigation Bank Will Help Offset Wetland Impacts in Bozeman<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Sacajawea Audubon Society (SAS) is moving forward to establish a Wetland Mitigation Bank at the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve. 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.<\/p>\n With the help of Montana Freshwater Partners, SAS will restore the preserve 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\u2019re 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Bozeman\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Busy Beavers Upcoming Events<\/strong><\/p>\n The Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve Busy Beavers volunteers are gearing up for an eventful 2022 season! We have some exciting opportunities coming up for the month of March:\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Thursday, March 3rd from 12:00\u20131:00 pm:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cWhat the Heck is a Mitigation Bank?\u201d<\/strong> with Wendy Weaver from Montana Freshwater Partners. If you\u2019re interested in signing up, please RSVP at https:\/\/www.signupgenius.com\/go\/9040e4eaea823a7fa7-2022<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Wednesday, March 23rd at the Indreland Preserve from 5:30\u20137:00 pm. Watershed Ambassador Training:<\/strong> Bring your binoculars and learn about how you can help promote stewardship and host tours at the preserve! The Busy Beavers is teaming up with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust for this training event.<\/p>\n Volunteers will have another opportunity to monitor groundwater this season, starting in April. If you are interested in spending two hours a week collecting important data, please contact Heather at heather@gallatinwatershedcouncil.org<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n