We characterized wetland mitigation projects at 50 randomly selected sites across Tennessee, USA. Mitigation in the form of creation, restoration, enhancement, and preservation was used to replace the 38 ha of jurisdictional wetlands destroyed. Over 104 ha of compensatory wetland mitigation were proposed for this loss; however, only 77.7 ha were present when each of the sites was delineated. A large percentage of the mitigation area (61%) was in the form of preservation and enhancement of existing wetlands. The majority of sites (72%) contained less area than was stipulated in the permit. Poor design resulting in improper hydrology and poor survival of planted stock was likely the primary cause of this reduced area. Wetland mitigation efforts in Tennessee likely could be improved if greater emphasis was placed on design of the project, especially with regard to the hydrology of the site.