|
THE
SUNFLOWER LAND TRUST HAS TWO UNIQUE MITIGATION PROGRAMS TO OFFER THE KANSAS
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
The
Sunflower Land Trust has an interest in developing good mitigation programs
in the State of Kansas. In the past mitigation projects have appeared
in a sporadic fashion. Although they do mitigate for some natural
losses, the dotted pattern they create on the landscape limits the overall
effectiveness of a consolidated program. Therefore ten years ago the
Sunflower Land Trust began to develop ways to improve the mitigation
process as it appeared in Kansas. Today, thanks to the efforts of
several Regulatory Agencies and the Corps of Engineers along with the
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to new ways exist to provide for
habitat losses in a way that builds a stronger mitigation program for
Kansas businesses and citizens.
IN
LIEU FEE PROGRAM
The
Sunflower Land Trust (SLT) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have
developed an In Lieu Fee (ILF) program for applicants using the 404 Permit
process. This one of a kind program is an agreement between SLT and
the USACE that allows the applicant to utilize the SLT as a mitigation
agent for mitigation associated with wetlands and streams falling under the
Corps jurisdiction. The process can be used only if the USACE permits
it as a mitigation process. Once approved, the applicant and
SLT can enter into an agreement where the SLT performs the mitigation
duties while the applicant receives his permit and moves ahead with the
project. The process may sound simple however the negotiations
regarding such a transaction must take into account the fact the SLT is to
locate, purchase, develop, monitor and provide permanent protection for the
mitigation site in perpetuity.
The
ILF program is designed for use in conjunction with the Corps 404
permits. The process is designed to focus with stream or wetland
losses. It can have a secondary purpose of providing a comprehensive
site for cumulative mitigation measures. Similar to a mitigation bank
but without having all the upfront expenses associated with the banking
process. The program can benefit applicants having a reoccurring need
to mitigate for capital improvement projects, road improvements, lake and
watershed construction, commercial endeavors and corporate
activities. In addition to the commercial aspects of the ILF program,
the process can be used by individual applicants to serve their mitigation
needs.
HABITAT
MITIGATION
Various
projects often displace the habitat of Threatened and Endangered animal
species within the State of Kansas. In many cases, the consultant for
a specific project is required to secure additional habitat to replace the
losses being created by their project. The Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks often require that the new site fall under the permanent
protection of an agent with specific land protection abilities. The
Sunflower Land Trust has begun to work with representatives from
engineering and planning firms to find sites suitable for habitat creation.
SLT can help locate sites, perform mitigation services and provide
for the permanent protection of the newly created site.
In
some areas, the SLT may have land that can be used for mitigation
purposes. This can save project costs by not having to spend time
looking for suitable sites. Currently the SLT has over 12 miles of
buffers, two miles of riparian areas, and hundreds of acres of land for
mitigation purposes. In additions, the Sunflower Land Trust has the
ability to create mitigation sites when there is an extensive need for
habitat replacement activities.
In
2006, a mitigation site was established to handle a habitat loss for the
Eastern Spotted Skunk. The SLT acquired the land, made the habitat
adjustments, actively monitors the site and will provide permanent
protection for the newly created habitat. If you or your firm is
seeking assistance with habitat mitigation it might be wise to contact SLT
to see how we can serve your habitat needs.
|
