Net gain of wetlands

A wetland resource conservation and management principle under which, over the long term, unavoidable losses of wetlands area or Functional capacity due to highway projects are offset by gains at a ratio greater than 1:1, through restoration, enhancement, Preservation, or creation of wetlands or associated areas critical to the protection or conservation of wetland functions. This definition Specifically excludes natural habitat, as defined in this section, other than wetlands. (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Part 777, March 2016)