Service Area: The Tygart Valley (WV5020001) and West Fork (5020002). The Cheat River (5020004) may be added to the service area on an individual review basis by the USACE or permitting agencies.

The Tygart Valley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank site is a 26.53 acre parcel located in Randolph County, West Virginia. The Tygart Valley River forms the western boundary of the property. The project area is located southwest of the city limits of Elkins. The site was primarily drained wet meadow interspersed with impaired wetlands and uplands. Artificial drainage patterns were previously constructed at the site to accommodate agricultural practices. A narrow strip of uplands divides the site into two separate drainages that drain to the watersheds to the north and to the south which both drain into the Tygart River. The majority of the site has been used for agriculture for many years. Prior to conversion to agricultural uses, the site was likely a bottomland hardwood/shrub with two small streams meandering through it.

The site's proximity to the City of Elkins provides a unique opportunity to restore aquatic resources as developmental pressures from residential and commercial expansions continue. According to the National Wetland Inventory (USFWS, 1976), the average non-riverine wetland in Randolph County is 2.16 acres. Given Small wetland size, combined with intricate land ownership patterns, the Tygart Valley Wetland & Stream Bank site is relatively large for north central West Virginia.

The Bank produces Wetland and Stream credits through restoration and enhancement. Stream credits have been generated for the bank utilizing EPA's RPB methodology. Approximately 3000 Linear feet of stream restoration utilizing bioengineering (Brush/ Willow Mattresses and Sod Mats) will be used to strengthen the outside beds of each channel and enhance stream structures. This technique will also add to habitat enhancements as well as boost riparian vegetation.