DEC explains wetland mitigation ratios and species protections for development

DEC’s regional director described how wetland mitigation ratios are determined and how species protections are incorporated into permits. Using a simplified average for explanation, she said the wetland mitigation ratio for the project averaged about "2.24 to 1," meaning roughly 2.24 acres of mitigation for each acre of wetland disturbed, while emphasizing that forested wetlands carry higher ratios and the final ratio varies by wetland type.

On species protections she said the threatened-and-endangered 'take' permit addressed grassland habitat for the northern harrier with specific mitigation properties and monitoring requirements, and that tree-cutting restrictions reflect bat-protection windows to avoid harming pups; DEC staff will coordinate with US Fish and Wildlife Service on monitoring and research requirements.