Ecosystem Restoration Flashcards

Which federal program established mitigation banking as a preferred form of compensatory mitigation for wetland impacts?

Answer: 2008 Mitigation Rule under Clean Water Act Section 404

The 2008 Compensatory Mitigation Rule established a preference hierarchy with mitigation banks first, in-lieu fee programs second, and permittee-responsible mitigation third.

What is the ecological rationale for using locally sourced seed stock in wetland restoration plantings?

Answer: Local genotypes are adapted to regional climate and hydrology and maintain genetic integrity of native populations

Local genotypes are adapted to local photoperiod, precipitation patterns, and soil conditions, improving plant establishment success and preserving regional genetic diversity.

In a tidal freshwater forested wetland restoration, which tree species would be a priority planting in the southeastern US?

Answer: Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica)

Bald cypress and water tupelo are the dominant canopy species in southeastern tidal freshwater swamps and are the ecologically appropriate restoration targets for this wetland type.

What is 'adaptive management' as applied to a long-term wetland restoration monitoring program?

Answer: Using monitoring data to identify underperformance and adjusting management actions to achieve restoration objectives

Adaptive management uses systematic monitoring data to trigger corrective actions (e.g., invasive species removal, hydrology adjustment) when performance standards are not being met.

Which factor most commonly causes long-term failure of restored wetland mitigation sites?

Answer: Chronic hydrologic deficits due to inadequate water source or altered watershed conditions

Insufficient or poorly designed hydrology is the leading cause of mitigation site failure, as vegetation and function cannot persist without the correct hydroperiod.

What is the 'service area' of a wetland mitigation bank?

Answer: The geographic area within which permitted impacts may be offset using credits from that bank

A mitigation bank's service area is the geographic region, typically defined by watershed or county boundaries, within which the bank's credits can be used to offset Section 404 impacts.

Which concept describes the minimum wetland area needed to support viable populations of wetland-dependent wildlife species?

Answer: Landscape context and habitat patch size requirements

Many wetland-dependent species require minimum patch sizes and landscape connectivity to sustain viable populations, making habitat patch size a critical restoration design consideration.