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Great American Environmental & Conservation and Ecological Restoration: Bonding the Future of Conservation

Grassy wetlands

Brokers know the scenario well. A prospect has just secured a grant or been awarded a contract, and now the clock is ticking. They need a performance or payment bond, and fast. You spring into action, scanning your carrier list for a specialized program backed by a seasoned underwriter. You’re committed to delivering the best outcome for your client, and you understand that an underwriter’s insight into the project is pivotal—not just for securing the bond, but for ensuring competitive rates and reliable availability.

When the project involves ecological restoration, conservation, or even something as murky as “mitigation banking”, you may not know where to turn for specialized placement.   

Great American’s Conservation & Ecological Restoration (CER) business unit fills the insurance industry’s gap in this little understood but large and growing industry. Led by Chris Baker, whose conservation nonprofit career spanned 23 years of hands-on ecological restoration and project management, our CER unit brings practical understanding to this space.  

 

Risk/Activities We Bond:

  • Financial Assurances on Mitigation Banks, Permittee-Responsible Mitigation Projects, In-Lieu Fee projects
  • Wetland Restoration
  • Stream Restoration
  • Coastal Resiliency
  • Invasive Species Eradication
  • Native Species Planting
  • Forestry/Fuels Reduction
  • Parks Improvement
  • Trail Construction

Size of Restoration Economy:

Dr. Todd BenDor at UNC Chapel Hill conducts research on the ecological restoration economy. The article Estimating the Size and Impact of the Ecological Restoration Economy (2015) provided one of the first attempts and comprehensively assess the economic significance of restoration activities in the United States. The study estimates that this sector directly generates 126,000 jobs with an economic impact of $9.6 billion annually. A 2023 study led by Dr. BenDor, more narrowly focused on the wetland and stream restoration industry, estimates that this sub-sector of the restoration economy alone generates $9.6 billion in annual economic impact, supports over 53,000 jobs nationwide, and experienced over 35% growth in revenues from 2014-2019.

The increasing frequency of natural disasters, floods, and wildfires caused by climate change has heightened the need for ecological repair. Recognition that healthy ecosystems help mitigate climate impacts has shifted the paradigm nationally and worldwide. Ecological Restoration and Conservation is no longer a niche industry. This space has become a significant sector of the US economy, but the insurance industry has not caught up – until now.  

Contact

Chris Baker
Managing Director of Conservation, Innovative Markets
[email protected]
928-699-1068

Where does Great American Environmental come in?

We’re a trusted leader in environmental liability insurance, offering innovative solutions tailored to complex and emerging risks. With a deep understanding of pollution exposures and regulatory challenges, our team delivers specialized coverage for contractors, consultants, and site owners across a wide range of industries. The Environmental Division’s expertise and financial strength support the Conservation & Ecological Restoration (CER) unit’s mission by providing insurance products that align with the unique needs of restoration and conservation projects. Together, we help protect the future of ecological work—ensuring resilience, compliance, and peace of mind.