Date of Graduation
Winter 12-13-2024
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)
College/School
College of Arts and Sciences
Department/Program
Environmental Management
First Advisor
Amalia Kokkinaki
Abstract
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, providing essential ecological functions. These functions include water purification, flood protection, shoreline stabilization, and more. Due to increasing urbanization and development, preserving wetlands is critical. Mitigation Banks combat the loss of wetland acreage from unavoidable development. Mitigation banks were developed to offset the adverse effects of development on wetlands. However, more research is needed on the effectiveness of these mitigation banks in restoring ecologically significant wetland acreage.
Key metrics, including soil health, hydrology, and microbial functionality, were analyzed from literature and restoration project reviews to identify opportunities for improving mitigation bank practices and ecological outcomes. Literature findings suggest mitigation bank projects would benefit by incorporating ecological health considerations. This project aims to assess management strategies based on literature and case study analysis to provide recommendations to improve mitigation banks to ensure California produces valuable wetland acreage to align with the "no net loss" goal overseen by the Army Core of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency. The project evaluated mitigation bank restoration strategies by analyzing success metrics. Key findings emphasized the need for ecosystem-specific approaches, such as incorporating belowground metrics, hydrological modeling, and ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling, while this is also necessary to address challenges like inconsistent criteria, limited monitoring, and regulatory constraints. Recommendations include using standardized success criteria, expanding long-term monitoring, integrating ecosystem functions into assessments, and establishing centralized databases for sharing knowledge and improving restoration outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Novoa, Alexandra I., "Assessing Ecosystem Health of a Completed Mitigation Bank Projects in California: Case Study Analysis" (2024). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1847.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1847
