In-lieu Fee Programs

In-lieu fee programs are conservation strategies that allow developers or other project proponents to pay a fee instead of directly restoring or preserving natural habitats themselves. The money collected is used to fund local environmental projects, such as creating or enhancing wetlands or other ecosystems. This approach aims to ensure that habitats are conserved or restored in a more effective and efficient manner, especially when on-site restoration may not be feasible. It helps balance development needs with environmental protection by pooling resources for larger, meaningful conservation efforts.