Ducks Unlimited’s ECM program provides conservation-based solutions to help projects meet federal and state environmental requirements beyond traditional wetland/stream mitigation under Section 404 CWA. From EO 11990 wetlands protection to NEPA, Biological Assessments, and threatened/endangered species, our team delivers proven offsets that satisfy regulatory obligations and advance habitat goals.
ECM is the process of offsetting or minimizing the environmental impacts of projects to meet legal requirements beyond standard wetland or stream mitigation. ECM supports compliance with federal and state laws and policies like Executive Order (EO) 11990 for wetlands protection, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), NEPA, and threatened or endangered species conservation requirements.
Unlike compensatory mitigation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, ECM applies to projects that may affect wetlands, species, or habitats in other ways. By partnering with Ducks Unlimited, project sponsors can fulfill these obligations more efficiently through proven conservation measures that deliver real ecological benefits.
DU’s ECM program streamlines the process of meeting federal and state environmental compliance requirements by providing proven, conservation-based solutions. Instead of developing mitigation or conservation measures from scratch, sponsors can tap into DU’s habitat delivery network and trusted regulatory partnerships, saving time and reducing project risk.
By working with DU, project sponsors can:
DU’s ECM services have helped renewable energy developers comply with NEPA mitigation measures for migratory bird impacts, allowing projects to move forward on schedule while protecting critical habitat.
Our ECM services cover:
As part of DU’s ECM program, we offer species and habitat mitigation solutions, including conservation banking. Conservation banks protect and restore habitat for federally threatened or endangered species while providing project sponsors with certified credits to offset unavoidable impacts.
For example, DU is working toward approval of the first Dakota Skipper Conservation Bank in North Dakota. This project will restore and protect native prairie habitat for the imperiled Dakota Skipper butterfly while helping developers meet species mitigation requirements.
Decades of proven habitat delivery experience
Deep regulatory partnerships with numerous Federal and State agencies
Species conservation banking approvals in priority landscapes
Revenue reinvested in durable, landscape-scale conservation
Contact us early in your project planning to secure mitigation options and reduce delays.
Ready to see how ECM can keep your project moving forward? Reach out to:
Justin Williams | juwilliams@ducks.org | 701-202-7132
ECM is flexible in providing conservation measures for project needs to meet compliance requirements under various environmental laws and NEPA. While 404 mitigation has specific requirements for the establishment of mitigation banks and ILF projects.
Depending on project/regulatory needs, DU can provide either species credits or other conservation measures for species, such as conservation easements and restoration projects.
Share this photo
Ducks Unlimited uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience, optimize site functionality, analyze traffic, and deliver personalized advertising through third parties. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. View Privacy Policy
