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Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Wetlands Mitigation Bank Act of 1993
Understanding the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Wetlands Mitigation Bank Act of 1993: Protecting Our Natural Resources
Definition & Meaning
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Wetlands Mitigation Bank Act of 1993 is a law designed to protect and preserve wetlands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley. This act allows developers to purchase credits from wetland banks, which are areas where wetlands are preserved or restored. This approach offers a viable alternative to traditional onsite mitigation efforts that may be less effective. The act recognizes wetlands as vital natural resources, providing essential habitats for migratory birds, endangered species, and other wildlife. Additionally, wetlands contribute to water quality improvement, flood protection, and recreational opportunities.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
This act is primarily used in environmental law and land use planning. It facilitates the development process by allowing developers to meet their mitigation obligations through wetland banking rather than onsite measures. This can streamline projects while ensuring that wetland areas are preserved and enhanced. Users may find relevant legal forms and templates on platforms like US Legal Forms to assist with compliance and documentation related to wetland mitigation banking.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
One example of the act in action is a developer planning to build a new residential community. Instead of creating small wetlands on-site, which may not be effective, the developer purchases credits from a wetland bank that has preserved a larger area of wetland. This allows for development while ensuring that wetland ecosystems are maintained and enhanced.
(Hypothetical example) A nonprofit organization could use funds to restore a degraded wetland area, creating credits that can later be sold to developers needing to offset their environmental impacts.
Relevant laws & statutes
The main statute governing this area is the California Fish and Game Code § 1776, which outlines the purpose and objectives of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Wetlands Mitigation Bank Act of 1993. This law emphasizes the importance of wetlands and establishes guidelines for their protection and management.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Difference
Wetland Banking
A system that allows developers to buy credits from preserved wetlands.
Wetland banking is a mechanism established by the act, while the act itself provides the legal framework for such banking.
Mitigation
Actions taken to offset environmental impacts of development.
Mitigation can occur onsite or through wetland banking; the act promotes the latter as a preferred method.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are a developer or landowner considering a project that may impact wetlands, it is essential to understand your obligations under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Wetlands Mitigation Bank Act. You may want to consult with an environmental attorney or use legal forms available on US Legal Forms to navigate the wetland banking process. If your project is complex, seeking professional legal assistance is advisable to ensure compliance with all regulations.
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