This Act implements the State Wetland Mitigation Policy, which directs that each State agency shall preserve wetlands as a priority of action when they develop construction or land management plans. When an agency can establish that no other feasible alternative exists and adverse wetland impacts are unavoidable, adverse impacts are to be compensated for through the development and implementation of a Department approved Wetland Compensation Plan.
     The policy requires progressive levels of compensation based upon the level of impact to the existing wetland and the location of compensation wetlands. Priority shall be given to locating compensation wetlands close to the wetland area impacted.
     Proposed State and State-supported construction activities which may impact wetlands identified on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, under public ownership or which provide habitat for State or federally threatened or endangered species will continue to require direct consultation with the Department and compliance with the Endangered Species Protection Act of 1986.