CWD Conservation & Sustainability 4

Question 1

Under the U.S. mitigation rule, which type of compensatory mitigation is given the HIGHEST preference?

Accepted Answer

Mitigation bank credits

Answer

Mitigation banks are preferred because credits are drawn from already-restored or protected sites, providing greater certainty of ecological success before impacts occur.

Question 2

Which wetland type stores the greatest amount of carbon per unit area globally?

Accepted Answer

Peatlands (bogs and fens)

Answer

Peatlands accumulate organic matter over millennia and hold roughly 30% of global soil carbon despite covering only about 3% of land area.

Question 3

The concept of 'functional lift' in wetland restoration refers to:

Accepted Answer

The improvement in ecological functions achieved by a restoration project compared to the degraded baseline condition

Answer

Functional lift measures the net gain in wetland functions resulting from a restoration action relative to the pre-project degraded condition.

Question 4

Which federal agency co-administers the Section 404 permit program alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers?

Accepted Answer

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer

The EPA shares authority with the Corps under Section 404, including the power to veto permits under Section 404(c) if a project would cause unacceptable adverse effects.

Question 5

Which conservation tool allows a landowner to voluntarily restrict development on their wetland property while retaining ownership?

Accepted Answer

Conservation easement

Answer

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land to protect its conservation values.

(CWD) Certified Wetland Delineator Practice Test

(CWD) Certified Wetland Delineator Practice Test

CWD Conservation & Sustainability 4