Mitigation banking is a method of countering the environmental damage done to ecosystems due to the improvement, repair, or new development of infrastructure and industry. More specifically, it’s a system of credits and debits based on the level of restoration and impact, respectively, especially in the loss of wetlands and destruction of streams from various development actions.
Co-presented by Kathy Hoverman, RES Engineer, and Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy from American Rivers in August 2024, this insightful webinar delves into how mitigation banking can be leveraged as a tool to fund dam removals and culvert replacements.
The discussion will cover the key components of mitigation banking and methods for crediting dam removal, including:
- Methods for developing stream credits with dam removal
- Understanding and purchasing credits
- Defining service areas for credit sales
- Regulatory oversight and compliance
- Conservation easements
In addition, it covers practical examples including specific case studies and examples of successful mitigation banking projects and the application of mitigation banking to dam removals and culvert replacements.
This webinar is particularly relevant for:
- Mitigation banking practitioners who haven’t yet undertaken a dam removal project
- Regulatory personnel participating in or advising an Interagency Review Team (IRT)
- Professionals seeking innovative funding strategies for dam removal projects
Speakers
Kathy Hoverman, P.E. Kathy Hoverman has 23 years of experience in engineering and ecological expertise, specializing in dam removal and aquatic organism passage. She is a registered Professional Engineer in multiple states and a senior project manager at Resource Environmental Solutions (RES). Kathy serves on several committees, including the Virginia Stream Barrier Removal Task Force and the Chesapeake Bay Program Stream Restoration Verification Team. Kathy has led four World Fish Migration Day events and was featured in the documentary "Love Flows." An alumna of the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute, she advocates for inclusive river and floodplain restoration. Kathy is a former professional soccer player, avid adventure racer, mom, and wife who loves the outdoors.
Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, AICP Lisa has been a dam removal project manager at American Rivers since 2008, during which time she has managed more than 100 dam removal design and construction projects in the Eastern US. Lisa’s responsibilities include identifying priority watersheds for dam removal investment, cultivating projects, engaging dam owners and the community to build support, procuring and contracting for professional services, fundraising, and engaging regulatory and resource agencies.
About the Committee
The Joint Committee on Fisheries Engineering and Science hosts a free webinar series as part of its mission to engage scientists and engineers on topics related to fish passage. The Committee consists of members of the American Fisheries Society Bioengineering Section (AFS-BES) and the American Society of Civil Engineers Environmental and Water Resources Institute (ASCE-EWRI). It was established in January 2011 to foster communication between the two groups, provide opportunities for engineers and biologists to share relevant knowledge and learn from one another, and to collaborate on projects related to fish passage.
