Elkhorn River Mitigation Bank Approved

Scribner, Nebraska – May 5, 2026 - Westervelt Ecological Services (WES) is pleased to announce the approval of the Elkhorn River Mitigation Bank, a new wetland and stream mitigation bank located in Dodge County, Nebraska. The bank was approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Omaha District, in coordination with state and federal resource agencies, and now has mitigation credits available for purchase.

The Elkhorn River Mitigation Bank encompasses approximately 241 acres along the Elkhorn River and Pebble Creek, approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Scribner, Nebraska. The site lies within the Elkhorn River watershed and was selected for its ability to restore historic floodplain, wetland, and riparian functions within the watershed.

The Elkhorn River Mitigation Bank is designed to provide high-quality compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts to waters of the United States. The site generates 106.8 wetland credits and 299,658 NeSCAP stream credits within the approved service area, which includes the Elkhorn River watershed (HUC 102200).

Restoration activities at the site will include wetland re-establishment and enhancement, stream restoration, floodplain reconnection, invasive species management, and the establishment of native wetland, riparian, and upland vegetation communities. Together, these efforts will improve water quality, reduce erosion and sedimentation, enhance floodplain connectivity, and provide habitat for native plant and wildlife species.

“The development of the Elkhorn River Mitigation Bank will further enhance WES’ mitigation footprint in the State of Nebraska and supply this area of east-central Nebraska with mitigation credits to benefit local ecology and the local economy. We are excited for the strong conservation and ecological outcomes but are equally excited for the economic development opportunities that this Bank will assist by providing compensatory mitigation solutions. This project and its rapid timeline of advancement through permitting and into construction is a great example of the excellent staff and processes present at the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers in Nebraska.”

Will Duggins – Director, Rocky Mountain Region

The Elkhorn River Mitigation Bank will be permanently protected with a conservation easement and supported by long‑term management funding to ensure the site’s ecological functions are maintained in perpetuity. Mitigation credits are available now to support permitted projects in the area.

For additional information about the project please reach out to our team or visit the project page - Elkhorn River Mitigation Bank