Investing in Conservation, Protecting Our Future
CEM is a trailblazer in merging conservation with finance. CEM distinguishes itself with its flexible mandate to implement a myriad of environmental strategies within a single portfolio, and its Principals’ network to transact in off-market opportunities.
CEM has a demonstrated track record in habitat management (prescribed burning, forest management, regenerative grazing, native species planting, and wildlife management), and infrastructure development that generates enhanced ecological conditions, operational revenue, and significant asset valuation increases.
CEM develops wetlands, streams, and endangered species habitats to produce environmental mitigation credits in markets where we expect significant growth-related impacts; these credits must be purchased by various impactors, such as corporations, state highway departments, utilities, port authorities, and real estate developers to fulfill regulatory requirements.
Cherokee Ridge River Farm
Cherokee Ridge River Farm includes approximately 2.9 miles of frontage of the Angelina River and contains a diversity of upland and bottomland forested communities with native hardwood and pine stands, as well as well-established pine plantations. The ecologically rich property is also traversed by over 3 miles of Turkey Creek, which is enhanced by numerous small springs and seeps. The biodiversity of the bottomlands, wetlands, mesic communities, and uplands makes Cherokee Ridge a significant carbon sink. The topographic relief of this property is exceptional for the East Texas region, ranging from 382 feet to 180 feet above sea level. The rolling terrain of the property creates beautiful aesthetic scenery and exceptional views. The property is also home to the current Texas State Champion Red Maple tree.
- Acres:4,226
- Country/State:Cherokee County, Texas
- Year of Investment:2022
- Strategy:Ecological Uplift and Biodiversity
Chocolate Bay Mitigation Conservation Parcel
Conservation Equity Management is developing the Chocolate Bay Conservation Parcel as a multiple-use conservation asset. The most significant component is the Frentress-Johnson Mitigation Bank, which is anticipated to be permitted by mid 2025. The purpose of the mitigation bank is to offset impacts associated with coastal development projects occurring between the greater Houston region and the Freeport, Texas area. The project, which constitutes one of the largest wetland mitigation banks being permitted on the Texas Gulf Coast, will be placed under a perpetual conservation easement overseen by the Galveston Bay Foundation. Approximately 500 acres of the property has been permitted as the first ever conservation bank for the Eastern Black Rail. On November 9, 2020, the Eastern Black Rail was formally listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act by the Department of Interior following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommendation, published on October 9, 2018.
- Acres:5,404
- Country/State:Brazoria, Texas
- Year of Investment:2022
- Strategy:Mitigation Banking- Wetland + Endangered Species
Katy Prairie Stream Mitigation Bank
Approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on February 12, 2012, the Katy Prairie Stream mitigation bank occurs within the San Jacinto River Basin. Phase I of the project included restoration of 17,000+ linear feet of disturbed stream channels and 90+ acres of adjacent riparian habitat with 42,000+ native trees of 17 species, along with extensive control of invasive species. Phase 2 of the project, recently initiated by CEM will include restoration of an additional 13,370+ linear feet of degraded stream channels and 80+ acres of adjacent riparian habitat. The primary objectives of this stream restoration project are focused on improving water quality, enhancing flood attenuation, restoring aquatic and riparian habitat, and providing compensatory mitigation offsets. The service area of the project comprises most of Harris, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties, as well as portions of Fort Bend, Waller, and Walker Counties. This includes the city of Houston and the surrounding communities of Baytown, Conroe, Cypress, Freeport, Galveston, Katy, Pearland, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands.
- Acres:N/A
- Country/State:Harris, Texas
- Year of Investment:2023
- Strategy:Mitigation Banking- Stream
Monarch West Ranch
The Monarch West Ranch is located at the confluence of multiple eco-systems, including elements of the Chihuahuan Desert, Edwards Plateau, and Tamaulipan Thornscrub along with deep river basin soils that converge to create a stunning landscape that exhibits evidence of human habitation dating back more than 10,000 years. Monarch West Ranch is an ecologically rich oasis with more than three miles of the Devil’s River, regarded as one of the most pristine rivers in the state of Texas. The property’s tributaries, springs, and riparian woodlands support an astounding diversity of wildlife, native vegetation, and recreational opportunities. This includes migratory populations of the endangered monarch butterfly, as well as one of the country’s largest remaining bat populations residing within Fern Cave.
- Acres:19,981
- Country/State:Val Verde, Texas
- Year of Investment:2022
- Strategy:Ecological Uplift and Biodiversity
Pine Island Bayou Conservation Parcel
CEM is developing the Pine Island Bayou Conservation Parcel on 1622 acres in Hardin County Texas as a multi-use conservation asset. The property is located immediately west of the Big Thicket National Preserve (BTNP) which protects 112,250 acres of land and water spread over 7 counties in southeast Texas.
- Acres:1,622
- Country/State:Hardin, Texas
- Year of Investment:2023
- Strategy:Mitigation Banking- Stream, Ecological Uplift and Biodiversity
West Virgina & Virgina Stream Mitigation Portfolio
CEM is developing a portfolio of mitigation projects located strategically across West Virginia and Virginia for the purpose of providing compensatory mitigation and related ecological benefits including improvements to water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, erosion control, and flood conveyance as well storm water storage within relevant watersheds. The first five projects in West Virginia were acquired with fully permitted and constructed stream mitigation banks in place, including Hayes Run Mitigation Bank, Spanishburg Mitigation Bank, Kincheloe Mitigation Bank ,Bearwallow Run Mitigation Bank, and Hayes Run II Mitigation Bank. The first Virginia site includes the permitted and soon to be constructed Back Mountain Mitigation Bank. Collectively, the initial six banks comprise 1,3481.19 acres of conserved land that include approximately 84 acres of restored wetlands, 16.7 miles of restored streams, and an additional 29 miles of enhanced and preserved streams. CEM is using a watershed-based approach to identify additional ecologically beneficial lands within the targeted states, by using knowledge and research of past, present, and anticipated future impacts to significant ecological habitats.
- Acres:1,500+
- Country/State:Multi County Projects in West Virginia and Virginia
- Year of Investment:2024
- Strategy:Mitigation Banking- Stream, Ecological Uplift and Biodiversity
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