Bumpus Mills Mitigation Bank Gains Approval for Ecological Restoration in Tennessee

Bumpus Mills Mitigation Bank Approved for Restoration Work

On August 7, 2025, Westervelt Ecological Services (WES) announced the official approval of the Bumpus Mills Mitigation Bank, marking a significant advancement in environmental conservation efforts in Stewart County, Tennessee. The initiative, which has received the green light from the Nashville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Interagency Review Team (IRT), is set to play a crucial role in rehabilitating wetland ecosystems within the Lower Cumberland Watershed.

What is the Bumpus Mills Mitigation Bank?

Situated on a 20.1-acre tract of land within a larger 118.8-acre property, the Bumpus Mills Mitigation Bank is designed to restore and enhance wetland functions that have been lost over time. The project aims to create approximately 19.37 wetland credits, which can be utilized to offset the authorized impacts on jurisdictional wetlands in the surrounding Lower Cumberland, Lower Cumberland-Sycamore, and Red River watersheds.

Goals of the Mitigation Bank

The primary objective of the Bumpus Mills Mitigation Bank is to re-establish a self-sustaining wetland system that is naturally robust. This will involve reintroducing native wetland plants and reconnecting essential hydrologic inputs. By doing so, the project aims to improve water quality and provide invaluable habitat for various native wildlife species.

Specifically, the mitigation bank plans to re-establish 18.74 acres of wetlands while rehabilitating an additional 1.06 acres. The focus will be on enhancing overbank flooding as well as restoring natural hydrology, both of which are vital for the success of the wetland ecosystem.

Collaborative Efforts for Success

WES is not working in isolation; the project is the result of collaboration with multiple federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Furthermore, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has been instrumental in ensuring that the project adheres to required regulations and best practices.

To safeguard the environmental initiatives at the Bumpus Mills Mitigation Bank, future activities will be protected under a perpetual conservation easement held by the Cumberland River Compact. This arrangement ensures long-term ecological preservation and sustainability for the project.

A Resource for Developers and Agencies

The Bumpus Mills Mitigation Bank is now open for credit sales, providing a vital resource for developers and governmental agencies needing to comply with environmental regulations. By purchasing credits, these entities can adequately mitigate the environmental impacts they may cause in their respective projects.

For more detailed information on the Bumpus Mills Mitigation Bank, interested parties are encouraged to visit wesmitigation.com or contact Sean McGary directly at (334) 332-8507 or via email at [email protected].

About Westervelt Ecological Services

Westervelt Ecological Services is dedicated to restoring and conserving ecological habitats for future generations. As a division of The Westervelt Company, a land stewardship organization that boasts 140 years of history based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, WES provides innovative mitigation banking solutions. Their work aims to assist developers and businesses in meeting their responsibilities regarding wetland, stream, and species impact mitigation nationwide. To learn more about WES and their initiatives, visit wesmitigation.com.