Raccoon River Mitigation Bank

Background

The Raccoon River Mitigation Bank is an active 77.573-acre mitigation bank sponsored by Raccoon Valley Acres, located near Sac City, Iowa. This ambitious project is designed to generate wetland credits through a multifaceted approach involving the restoration of emergent and forested wetlands, enhancement of existing wetlands, and establishment of native grasses and wildflowers throughout the property. Situated within the North Raccoon River watershed, the site plays a crucial role in draining an expansive area of 2,470 square miles. Historically, this land was utilized for farming, but it has now been repurposed to support environmental sustainability and biodiversity. 

Approach

The conversion from farmland to a mitigation bank is a significant transformation aimed at improving water quality, providing habitat for wildlife, and contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. Foth’s approach involves extensive efforts in restoring and enhancing the wetlands to ensure they function effectively and support diverse plant and animal life. This includes the restoration of emergent and forested wetlands, enhancement of existing wetlands, and establishment of native grasses and wildflowers across the property. 

Results

The project is expected to generate a total of 40.673 wetland credits, which will be instrumental in offsetting impacts to wetlands elsewhere and supporting regulatory compliance for development projects. These credits are a testament to the comprehensive efforts put into the project. Currently, the Raccoon River Mitigation Bank is in the construction phase. Although photographs of the completed site are not yet available, images documenting the ongoing construction efforts have been included. These images illustrate the significant progress being made and the meticulous work involved in developing this important environmental project.