Wetland Mitigation Credits in South Florida

Big Cypress Mitigation Bank provides compensatory mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts within South Florida’s West Collier, East Collier, and Estero Bay basins. The bank offers freshwater forested and herbaceous wetland mitigation credits to support environmental permitting requirements for public and private development projects throughout its approved service area.

Permitted by both the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Big Cypress Mitigation Bank meets state and federal requirements for compensatory mitigation. By purchasing mitigation credits from an approved mitigation bank, permittees can satisfy regulatory obligations while contributing to the long-term restoration, protection, and management of ecologically significant wetlands.

Service Area and Available Credit Types

Located in southwest Hendry County, just north of Big Cypress Preserve, Big Cypress Mitigation Bank consists of two parallel properties totaling approximately 2,600 acres. The bank serves projects within the West Collier, East Collier, and Estero Bay basins, providing an efficient mitigation solution for developments requiring freshwater forested and herbaceous WRAP credits.

In addition to wetland mitigation credits, the bank provides Panther Habitat Units (PHUs) to address habitat mitigation requirements for projects affecting the federally endangered Florida panther. Each wetland credit includes 8.96 Panther Habitat Units, and additional PHUs are available to help meet project-specific permitting requirements while providing a cost-effective, comprehensive mitigation solution.

Restoring Wetlands and Wildlife Habitat

Before restoration, the property operated as an active citrus grove. Today, it has been transformed into a permanently protected landscape that supports native ecosystems and enhances regional biodiversity through extensive ecological restoration.

Restoration activities included the removal of citrus production, restoration of natural hydrology, planting and seeding native freshwater vegetation and trees, and the removal of invasive and nuisance plant species. These efforts have restored natural wetland functions, improved water quality, expanded wildlife habitat, and increased the property’s ecological value.

As a permitted mitigation bank, Big Cypress Mitigation Bank provides a sustainable alternative to permittee-responsible mitigation by delivering measurable environmental benefits while helping project owners meet regulatory requirements.

Supporting Florida Panther Conservation

Big Cypress Mitigation Bank plays an important role in regional conservation by expanding and protecting habitat that supports some of Florida’s most imperiled wildlife. The property connects to the more than 720,000-acre Big Cypress Preserve and lies near the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, creating an important landscape corridor for wildlife movement.

The bank’s Panther Habitat Units are recognized as regionally significant and contribute to the long-term conservation of the endangered Florida panther by helping preserve and connect critical habitat across Southwest Florida.

Long-Term Conservation Benefits

All land within Big Cypress Mitigation Bank is permanently protected through conservation easements and long-term management commitments. Ongoing stewardship ensures restored wetlands continue to provide ecological benefits for generations to come, including improved hydrology, enhanced wildlife habitat, increased biodiversity, and resilient freshwater ecosystems.

By combining high-quality wetland restoration with permanent land conservation, Big Cypress Mitigation Bank delivers reliable wetland mitigation credits while supporting the protection of South Florida’s unique natural resources.

Need wetland mitigation credits for a project in South Florida? Contact the RES Credit Sales team to confirm service area eligibility and current credit availability.