Westervelt Ecological Services
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Big Thompson Confluence Mitigation Bank

Big Thompson Confluence Mitigation Bank

Weld County, CO

Wetland and Stream Mitigation

At the confluence of the Big Thompson and South Platte rivers in Colorado, the Big Thompson Confluence Mitigation Bank was the first mitigation bank approved in the Denver metro area in 20 years. The  72.4-acre Bank provides a compensatory mitigation alternative for stream and wetland impacts in a region currently underserved with mitigation options.

The Bank provides habitat for sensitive species such as the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse, Orange spotted Sunfish, Golden Eagle, and Bald Eagle. Colorado Open Lands holds the permanent conservation easement. Additionally, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundations has the long-term endowment to fund site management activities.

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Mitigation Objectives

The principal objective of the site is to reestablish high-quality wetlands, which will include 34.76 wetland credits and 460 functional feet of stream credits to fulfill 404 mitigation requirements. Other objectives of the site include:

  • Increasing floodplain connectivity to increase refugia for native fisheries.
  • Food-web production.
  • Ecosystem services.
  • Improving flood resiliency of local communities.
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Service Area

WES wants to answer all your questions related to compensatory mitigation. Whether you have issues related to service areas, credit types, ratios, or agency approvals- we are here to help.

The primary geographical service area for this bank will encompass portions of the Middle South Platte-Cherry Creek 8-digit HUC 10190003 and the Big Thompson 8-digit HUC 10190006, as well as portions of adjoining 8-digit HUCs within the USACE Omaha District Regulatory Boundary. At the discretion of the US Army Corps of Engineers, credits may be approved outside of the primary geographic service area.

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