What Stream + Wetlands Foundation does

Stream + Wetlands Foundation (S+W) is a private non-profit corporation founded in 1992 and headquartered in Lancaster, Ohio, that provides compensatory mitigation services for impacts to wetlands, streams, and aquatic resources under Section 404/401 of the Clean Water Act, the Ohio Isolated Wetlands Permit Program, and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. The organization is the largest provider of compensatory mitigation in Ohio and the first entity in the state approved to operate an In-Lieu Fee (ILF) program under the 2008 federal rule. Its core technology stack is ecological rather than software-based, comprising in-house land and GIS teams, wetland and stream delineation, hydric soils assessment, freshwater mussel and threatened/endangered species surveys, and long-term ecological monitoring delivered by Professional Wetland Scientists, Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioners, licensed engineers, and specialized biologists.

S+W generates revenue primarily through three channels: (1) sale of wetland and stream mitigation credits from a portfolio of mitigation banks organized under umbrella banking instruments (UMBIs) across Ohio watersheds, with wetland credits priced at $70,000-$78,000 per acre (sold in 1/10 acre increments) and stream credits at $400 per linear foot; (2) ILF program credit sales in the Huntington and Pittsburgh Districts; and (3) permittee-responsible mitigation services for projects where third-party credits are unavailable, including planning, construction, monitoring, and long-term stewardship. A fourth, smaller channel is grant-funded habitat restoration through partnerships with public agencies (e.g., H2Ohio, ODNR) and corporate sponsors (e.g., Microsoft). The customer base spans residential and commercial developers, home builder associations, engineering and environmental consulting firms, oil and gas operators, and large industrial and infrastructure projects, with more than 1,500 permit applicants served since inception supporting an estimated $3 billion in economic development and infrastructure work.

The go-to-market is sales-led and relationship-driven, leveraging coordination with local trade associations (ASCE, SMPS, NAIOP, OOGA, BIA, OHBA, NAHB), direct enterprise sales of credits, and regulatory agency coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers and Ohio EPA. Long-term stewardship of mitigation sites is executed through embedded partnerships with Metro Parks systems, county park districts, and conservation NGOs, which take over site ownership and management after monitoring periods conclude. The organization has protected, enhanced, or restored more than 4,000 acres of wetlands and 30 miles of streams, and has slated over 1,700 acres for donation to ODNR Division of Wildlife for public use.

Name

Stream + Wetlands Foundation

Legal name

Stream and Wetlands Foundation

Website

https://streamandwetlands.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Stream + Wetlands Foundation is an Ohio-based non-profit founded in 1992 that provides compensatory wetland and stream mitigation credits and ILF services to developers, infrastructure operators, and industrial permit applicants under the Clean Water Act.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Lancaster

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Mitigation Credit Sales: Sale of wetland and stream mitigation credits to permit applicants to satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements under Clean Water Act Section 404/401 and Ohio Isolated Wetlands Permit Program. Credits are sold per acre (wetlands) or linear foot (streams). Wetland credits sold in 1/10th acre increments.
2. In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Program: S+W operates ILF programs in Huntington and Pittsburgh Districts, providing third-party compensatory mitigation credits through restoration, enhancement, and protection of aquatic resources. ILF credits work similarly to mitigation bank credits.
3. Permitee-Responsible Mitigation Services: On-site or off-site aquatic resources or endangered species mitigation services when third-party options are unavailable. Includes planning, construction, monitoring, and long-term management.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Stream + Wetlands Foundation identifies, develops, and manages mitigation bank sites and sells wetland and stream mitigation credits that permit applicants purchase to satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements under Clean Water Act Section 404/401 and the Ohio Isolated Wetlands Permit Program. The Foundation also operates state/federal In-Lieu Fee programs in the Huntington and Pittsburgh Districts and delivers permittee-responsible mitigation (planning, construction, monitoring, long-term protection/management), plus grant-funded habitat restoration with landowners and governmental organizations.

Product overview

Stream + Wetlands Foundation is an environmental mitigation services company offering a portfolio of compensatory mitigation solutions for impacts to aquatic resources. The company operates three main service lines: Mitigation Banking Services (identifying, developing, and managing mitigation bank sites that provide credits for purchase), In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Mitigation Programs (providing third-party compensatory mitigation with credits available for purchase), and Permitee-Responsible Mitigation (custom on/off-site mitigation solutions). The company manages a network of individual mitigation banks across Ohio organized under umbrella instruments (UMBIs), including active banks (Granger, Pearson, Pine Brook, Grafton Swamp, Elk Creek, Willow Creek, Hemlock Swamp, Whetstone Highlands, Hellbranch Run Phase 2 and 3, Norton Run) and retired banks (Big Darby-Hellbranch, Trumbull Creek, Sandy Ridge), plus two ILF programs covering Huntington District (east/central Ohio) and Pittsburgh District (northeast Ohio).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mitigation Banking Services S+W identifies suitable locations, develops mitigation banks, and creates and implements the plan to establish banks that provide credits entities can purchase to satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements under Clean Water Act Section 404/401 and Ohio regulations.
• In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Mitigation S+W's ILF program provides wetland and stream mitigation credits through the restoration, enhancement, and protection of aquatic resources in approved USACE districts; S+W is the first entity in Ohio approved to operate an ILF program since the 2008 federal rule was issued.
• Permitee-Responsible Mitigation On- or off-site aquatic resources or endangered species mitigation when credits from third-party mitigation banks or ILF programs are unavailable in a watershed, covering planning, construction, monitoring, and long-term protection/management.
• Grant Funded Habitat Restoration Partnership with local landowners and governmental organizations to deliver grant-funded habitat restoration projects.
• Granger Wetlands Mitigation Bank 150-acre wetlands mitigation bank in Granger Township, Medina County, offering credits for diverse restored habitats including forested wetlands, scrub/shrub wetlands, sedge/wet meadows, emergent wetlands, and forested uplands; managed long-term by Medina County Park District.
• Pearson Metropark Wetlands Mitigation Bank 150-acre wetland mitigation bank in eastern Lucas County, Oregon, Ohio with restored forested wetlands, a restored stream, scrub/shrub and marsh habitats, wet meadow, and native prairie.
• Pine Brook Wetlands Mitigation Bank 706.5-acre wetlands mitigation bank on Ohio 86 and Whitney Road in Montville Township, Geauga County; the first preservation wetlands mitigation bank in Ohio, with high-quality upland woods, lowland woods, and marsh habitats containing 8 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species; credits priced at $70,000/acre.
• Black-Rocky Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument (UMBI) Portfolio umbrella mitigation bank instrument covering Grafton Swamp Wetlands Mitigation Bank (300.7 acres) and Elk Creek Wetlands Mitigation Bank (approximately 216 acres, 104.7 credits available).
• Upper Scioto Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument (UMBI) Portfolio umbrella mitigation bank instrument in the Upper Scioto watershed covering Whetstone Highlands (182.5 acres), Hellbranch Run Phase 2 (67.6 acres), Hellbranch Run Phase 3 (98.5 acres), and Norton Run Wetland Mitigation Bank (182 acres).
• Mahoning-Shenango Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument (UMBI) Portfolio umbrella mitigation bank instrument covering Willow Creek Wetlands Mitigation Bank (107.5 acres, 16.3 credits available) in the Mahoning and Shenango River watersheds.
• Grand River Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument (UMBI) Portfolio umbrella mitigation bank instrument covering Hemlock Swamp Wetlands Mitigation Bank (150.3 acres, 23.5 credits available at $70,000/acre) in the Grand River watershed.
• Big Darby-Hellbranch Wetlands Mitigation Bank 79.7-acre wetlands mitigation bank in Prairie Township, Franklin County within Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, established in 2008 and retired from active credit sales.
• Trumbull Creek Wetlands Mitigation Bank Approximately 250 acres of restored wetlands near Rock Creek, Ohio, established in 2002 and donated to the Ohio Division of Wildlife for public use following mitigation obligations.
• Sandy Ridge Wetlands Mitigation Bank 138-acre wetlands mitigation bank in North Ridgeville, Lorain County, established in 2006 and designated as an Important Bird Area; part of Lorain County Metro Parks.
• Huntington District In-Lieu Fee Program ILF program operating in the Muskingum and Scioto watersheds in east and central Ohio; wetland credits priced at $78,000/acre and stream credits at $400/linear foot.
• Pittsburgh District In-Lieu Fee Program ILF program operating in the Upper Ohio Beaver watershed in northeast Ohio; wetland credits priced at $78,000/acre, sold in 1/10th acre increments, and stream credits at $400/linear foot.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served more than 1,500 permit applicants who completed an estimated $3 billion in economic development and infrastructure projects
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cleveland Museum of Natural History Center of Conservation + BiodiversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerS+W holds conservation easements across Northeast Ohio with the Museum. The Center for Conservation & Biodiversity unites the Museum's conservation activities to protect the region's native biodiversity, with the Natural Areas program protecting more than 6,000 acres.
• Columbus and Franklin County Metro ParkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership on multiple projects including Slate Run Metro Park wetlands mitigation bank, Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, Glacier Ridge Metro Park, and Big Darby-Hellbranch wetlands mitigation bank. Metro Parks serves as long-term steward.
• Geauga Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to acquire and establish the Pine Brook wetlands mitigation bank, the first preservation wetlands mitigation bank in Ohio. Geauga Park District serves as long-term owner and managing partner.
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing relationship with ODNR Division of Wildlife. Following completion of monitoring requirements, S+W has donated or will donate multiple projects totaling over 1,700 acres for public educational and recreational use.
• Metro Parks of Toledo and Lucas CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Metroparks of Toledo to establish the Pearson Metropark wetlands mitigation bank. Metroparks serves as long-term owner and managing partner.
• H2Ohio InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerS+W partners with H2Ohio, a comprehensive water quality initiative launched in 2019 to strategically address serious water issues in Ohio using long-term, sustainable, science-based approaches.
• Preservation Parks of Delaware CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Whetstone Highlands Mitigation Bank restoration project. The property will be donated to Preservation Parks of Delaware County and open to the public when mitigation goals are met.
• The Dawes ArboretumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerS+W completed a wetland restoration project at The Dawes Arboretum in partnership with Dawes and Microsoft, presented at 2025 SER International Conference. Also hosted Hydric Soils Training at the Arboretum.
• MicrosoftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with S+W and The Dawes Arboretum on Red Barn Wetland Restoration Project completed for EarthDay. Project improves water quality and wildlife habitat in Licking County.
• The Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs (Ohio University)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership advances student research in watershed and wetlands programs, supports Master of Science in Environmental Studies with applied watershed and wetlands projects, and increases funding for student practical experience.
• The Nature ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization using science and partnerships to protect natural places. Active in Ohio conservation efforts.
• Black Swamp ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHolds the conservation easement at the Pearson Metropark wetlands mitigation bank in Oregon, Ohio. Dedicated to encouraging conservation and protection of natural and agricultural lands in Northwest Ohio.
• Western Reserve Land ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit conservation organization dedicated to preserving land throughout the Western Reserve region of Northeast Ohio.
• Trust for Public LandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural places, ensuring livable communities.
• The WildsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerS+W supported the development of the Lake Trail facility at The Wilds, a private non-profit conservation center on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land in southeastern Ohio.
• Wetlands Resource CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered on multiple projects including 65,296 linear feet of stream mitigation for the Portsmouth Bypass in Southern Ohio and the Northeast Cape Fear Mitigation Bank in North Carolina.
• Land Management GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerS+W works with LMG on the Northeast Cape Fear mitigation bank in North Carolina.
• Ohio Sea GrantcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerS+W partners with Ohio Sea Grant researchers on numerous restoration projects. Team members quoted in Ohio Sea Grant article highlighting the H2Ohio Wetland Monitoring Program.
• Ashtabula County MetroparkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the best loved park systems in the country with a commitment to stewarding natural and financial resources.
• Davey Resource GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner25+ year relationship providing environmental consulting services and serving as project partners. Collaboration has grown exponentially over the years on environmental projects.
• City of Kent Parks and RecreationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFollowing completion of monitoring requirements, S+W will donate the Fish Creek property to the City of Kent for long-term stewardship.
• University of Akron Field StationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated on the 411-acre Bath Nature Preserve, the Field Station advances field studies and environmental education research.
• Old-Growth Forest NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecognized Grafton Swamp Wetland Mitigation Bank as an old-growth forest. Forests identified by OGFN have rich ecological character and are protected from commercial logging, with many open to the public.
• Ohio Water PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOhio-based water partnership organization supported through corporate membership.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights2 records

Emerging players

• BioHabitats: Ecological restoration firm specializing in wetland, stream, and watershed restoration design and implementation. Comparable to S+W on the science and ecological-design side of S+W's Permittee-Responsible Mitigation and in-house monitoring services.
• EcoBalance Group: Ecological consulting and mitigation services firm working on wetland and stream restoration projects in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Comparable to S+W as a regional practitioner competing for permit-driven mitigation work.

Broad incumbents

• VHB (Vanasse Hangen Brustlin): Large multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consulting firm with a substantial natural-resources and wetlands practice supporting permit applicants and mitigation work. Comparable to S+W's regulatory-coordination and permitee-responsible mitigation services, though only a portion of VHB's broader portfolio.
• Stantec: Global engineering and environmental consulting firm (including legacy Cardno natural-resources practice) offering wetland mitigation design, permitting, and compliance services. Comparable to S+W on the engineering and regulatory-compliance dimensions of mitigation work.
• Tetra Tech: Global consulting and engineering firm with a large environmental services practice covering wetlands, Section 404 permitting, and ecosystem restoration. Overlaps with S+W on the environmental permitting and ecological assessment side of the business.

Direct peers

• Resource Environmental Solutions (RES): Largest pure-play U.S. provider of ecological restoration and mitigation banking services, operating mitigation banks and restoration projects across many states. Operates the same compensatory mitigation model (bank sponsorships, ILF, permitee-responsible) as S+W, just at a national scale.
• Ecosystem Investment Partners: Private equity-backed mitigation banking and ecological restoration firm developing and operating wetland and stream mitigation banks across the eastern U.S. Same business model of acquiring land, securing mitigation bank instrument approval, and selling credits to permittees.
• GreenVest: Mitigation solutions provider operating mitigation banks and ILF programs in multiple U.S. states. Closely overlaps with S+W on compensatory mitigation credit sales, ecological restoration, and regulatory coordination under CWA Section 404.
• Westervelt Ecological Services: Long-established mitigation bank operator with conserved-lands mitigation banks across multiple U.S. states. Directly comparable to S+W as a third-party compensatory mitigation provider selling stream and wetland credits to permit applicants.

Others

• Davey Resource Group: Long-time partner (25+ years) and environmental consulting arm of The Davey Tree Expert Company providing wetland delineation, permitting, and mitigation services. Directly adjacent to S+W, with overlap on projects and shared personnel lineage (Greg Snowden spent 10 years there).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Stream + Wetlands Foundation