BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The city of Bellingham has announced its newest effort to help developers maintain the region’s environmental health.

On Thursday, Oct. 15, the city revealed that it will be opening its first mitigation bank in early 2027.

Mitigation banking revolves around credits that are created when wetlands, streams and upland habitats are protected and improved.

Developers can then purchase credits to offset unavoidable environmental impacts in order for projects on other sites to meet ecological mitigation requirements.

The bank site, which is just shy of 100 acres, will be located in the Silver Creek watershed.

Public Works Habitat and Restoration Manager Analiese Burns told My Bellingham Now that the location of the site offers opportunities to restore and enhance wetland and stream functions.

The location also allows the city to preserve ecological functions in an area close to upcoming developments.

Situated near the border of Bellingham and Ferndale, the Silver Creek Watershed neighbors Bellingham International Airport and I-5.

Land for the mitigation bank was bought in 2018 and, after years of review, is expected to be operational in February or March of 2027.