Compensatory mitigation is defined as the restoration, establishment, enhancement, or in certain circumstances preservation of wetlands, streams or other aquatic resources for the purpose of offsetting unavoidable adverse impacts.  

The RCRCD works with with many developers, landowners, Caltrans, and the City and County of Riverside to restore and monitor habitat to compensate for development impacts and land use changes. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Army Corps of Engineers, and Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board allow the RCRCD to work in waterways under Permits 1601, 1603, 404 and 401.