^ o 



VI. Mitigation Procedures and Accoxinting 



The objectives of mitigation are to avoid, minimize or replace 

 losses of wetland resources due to highway construction. 

 Avoiding and minimizing wetland impacts by design and 

 construction measures will be the first priority mitigation 

 objective. For remaining unavoidable impacts, mitigation plans 

 will be developed in accordance with the general guidance 

 provided in Section III. 5. aibove, and in accordance with all 

 other applicable local, state and federal environmental laws and 

 regulations (see Attachment A) . 



A wetlands mitigation s;immary balamce sheet for each project will 

 be maintained by MDT as part of the Wetland Resotirce 

 Ledger /Mitigation Balance Record. This balance sheet will be 

 reviewed at 'least annually by the Montana Interagency Wetlands 

 Group. The overall mirigation objective is no net loss of 

 wetlands functions, values and area on am annual basis. However, 

 it is recognized thar due to project development constraints and 

 •Che lac3c of suitable sites f'or effective wetland development 

 identifiable by the Technical STObcommittee , negative or positive 

 balances may accrue and be carried forward from year-to-year. 

 Balances carried forward will apply to the succeeding year-'s 

 mitigation amd will be directed toward wetland replacement within 

 a similar biotic region or geographical area, as determined 

 appropriate by the Interagency Group. 



VTI. Duration 



This Memorandum of Understanding shall remain in force from the 

 date of final signing, siibject to review and amendment, upon the 

 approval of the participating agencies. This Memorandum of 

 Understanding may be rescinded by mutual agreement of 

 participating agencies at any time or revoked by any party alone 

 upon 3 days written notification to the other participants. 



VIII. Signatories 



Signatory agencies to this Memorandum of Understanding follow on 

 Page 7. 



