Little Clear Creek

On behalf of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s In Lieu Fee program, RES supported construction, maintenance, and monitoring of the Little Clear Creek Wetland In Lieu Fee Project. The project was implemented in accordance with federal compensatory mitigation requirements under 33 CFR Parts 325 and 332 and 40 CFR Part 230.

The objective of the project is to replace wetland functions and values previously lost or degraded due to anthropogenic disturbance. Restoration and enhancement activities were completed on the EBX-EM and DNR parcels, including 34.61 acres of wetland enhancement to improve ecological function. Efforts focused on addressing invasive species encroachment, including cattails, Autumn Olive, Reed Canary grass, and Multiflora Rose, as well as correcting impacts associated with past agricultural use and livestock grazing.

In addition to enhancement activities, 0.40 acres of wetland were reestablished where ditching, draining, and agricultural practices had removed or altered wetland function. Across the site, habitat, hydrology, and microtopography were restored, enhanced, or preserved to support long-term ecological performance and mitigation compliance.