This handbook provides an overarching view of the ecosystem and economic benefits and cost savings associated with progressive approaches to the Clean Water Act or Endangered Species Act compensatory mitigation and compares these benefits and savings to traditional mitigation approaches. Several empirical examples of transferable tools, models, and frameworks used for innovative compensatory mitigation in use throughout the United States are provided. Innovative tools, methods, and frameworks are also provided on :
- landscape or watershed analysis of ecosystem functions
- progressive approaches that include the valuation of ecosystem services provided by compensatory mitigation.
Finally, tangible steps are suggested for transportation agencies, policy-makers, and the research community to facilitate and implement suggested progressive mitigation programs.
An electronic version of the handbook can be downloaded here.
