The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation operates an in-lieu-fee program, the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund, which can be used to satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements associated with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge and fill permits (also known as 404 permits) or those associated with permits required under the Rivers and Harbors Act.
The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation operates the program for the benefit of the Missouri Department of Conservation statewide stream program, and Stream Stewardship Trust Fund monies are channeled into high priority stream habitat restoration, enhancement and preservation projects throughout the state. Developers contributing to the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund not only are able to take advantage of the stream management and habitat restoration expertise that exists in the Missouri Department of Conservation, but they are also able to have their funds directed to an organized, watershed-based program of stream improvement and melded with those of others to undertake large stream projects not available elsewhere.
Developers interested in contributing to the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund should consider the following steps:
1. Work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine the extent to which the development project will impact stream and wetland values. This is normally done through the 404 permit process.
2. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will work with the developer to assess impacts to streams or wetlands and determine the number of mitigation credits necessary to compensate for the project. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will also be involved regarding water quality certification.
3. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will issue letters confirming the number of mitigation credits to be compensated, and approving the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund as a mitigation option.
4. The cost per mitigation credit varies with market forces; at this time, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation assesses a fee of $25 per credit. An updated fee schedule is available by contacting the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation; developers desiring a written estimate should submit a copy of the 404 permit and letter from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirming the number of credits and approving the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation. Upon receipt of this documentation, a written estimate will be provided with no obligation. Verbal estimates to get a ballpark estimate of costs are available by calling 1-800-227-1488.
5. Developers who decide to use the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund as a mitigation option will also be required to submit a copy of the 401 Water Quality Certification letter from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources confirming the number of credits and approving the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund and a check made payable to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.
6. Upon receipt of payment, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation will respond with a letter to the Corps and DNR confirming that mitigation requirements have been met.
7. Documentation may be submitted by mail or emailed to:
Mail: MCHF – SSTF, Attn: Andrew Haslag P.O. Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0366
E-mail: mchf@mochf.org, Subject: SSTF – Attn: Andrew Haslag
