Creating the Bank - Steps and Innovations
Creating this pioneer project required an intensive planning process.
Wildlands studied existing conditions at the property, which was mostly fallow agricultural land. We also identified goals, objectives, and specifications for habitat restoration.

The company then designed restoration plans, obtained permits, drafted agreements with regulatory agencies, and coordinated habitat construction (earthwork and re-vegetation).

Since this project was the first of its kind in the western United States, Wildlands laid much of the institutional groundwork with federal, state, and local agencies for the establishment and use of mitigation banks.

Description
The preserve is located 22 miles north of Sacramento in Placer County, California, encompassing 616 acres. It provides compensatory mitigation for the following habitats, which have been created and restored by Wildlands:

As of 2004, most of the bank's credits have been subscribed. Credits are still available for seasonal wetland habitat.

Over seventy species of plants indigenous to similar habitats in the local region flourish at the bank. Target wildlife species include the giant garter snake, western pond turtle, burrowing owl, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, and vernal pool fairy shrimp. Many other special-status species make use of the bank, including white-faced ibis, bald eagle, and Peregrine falcon.

Click to view Wildlands Mitigation Bank video