Ecology participates on an Interagency Review Team (IRT) with representatives from local and tribal governments and state and federal agencies to make decisions about wetland mitigation banks in Washington. The IRT reviews, evaluates, and negotiates bank proposals. We co-chair the IRT with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The IRT works with applicants to develop a mitigation banking instrument (MBI). The MBI outlines the terms and conditions of bank approval or certification. Some IRT members also oversee the establishment, use, and operation of the banks. The IRT includes standing and invited members.
Standing members of the IRT participate in policy discussions and decisions that affect the banking program across the state. These members participate in discussions on all banks and oversee the establishment, use, and operation of specific bank projects. These members are also known as the “State IRT” and include staff representatives from:
Washington Department of Ecology
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Invited members participate in IRT meetings, discussions, and decisions about specific bank projects. These members are also known as the "Project IRT" and usually include appropriate staff from:
- Local governments
- Tribal governments
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Washington Department of Natural Resources
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- NOAA Fisheries