(a) The fundamental objective of compensatory mitigation is to offset environmental losses resulting from unavoidable impacts to wetlands or waters of the Reservation authorized by permits issued under this chapter.

(b) YTEP may require a compensatory mitigation plan developed to achieve no net loss of wetland functions, values, and acreage if needed to meet the goals and standards of this chapter, including without limitation conditions attached to issuance of a permit. Compensatory mitigation may take the form of wetland or buffer area restoration, creation, or enhancement.

(c) In general, compensatory mitigation shall be done on site, in kind, for a specified minimum time period, and to achieve self-sustaining wetland functions. For any off-site mitigation, there shall be a preference for mitigation within the same narrowly defined watershed.

(d) Where feasible, mitigation shall be completed before activities that will disturb wetlands. In other cases, mitigation shall be completed immediately following disturbance and before use or occupancy of the affected area.

(e) There shall be no introduction of any plant or wildlife into a mitigation project which is not native to the Reservation unless authorized by YTEP.

(f) In general, the following ratios will apply for mitigation: 2:1 for restoration, 4:1 for creation, and 6:1 for enhancement. [Ord. 67 § 5115, adopted, 5/21/2020.]