Conservation Bank Law and Legal Definition
A conservation bank is a single or a series of contiguous or non-contiguous parcels of habitat that are managed for their natural resource values. A conservation bank generally protects threatened and endangered species habitat. It may be a privately or publicly owned land that is protected because of its natural resource value. A conservation bank is similar to a financial bank. A conservation bank protects natural resources like a bank protects one’s money. Credits are established for the specific sensitive species that occur on the land. If a person/institution plans a project that may affect an endangered species or other natural resources, they can buy credits in a conservation bank. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service play an important role in in regulating and approving conservation banks.
