Wetlands

Wetlands

The wetlands of Washington State are fragile ecosystems that serve a number of important beneficial functions.  Wetlands assist in the reduction of erosion, siltation, flooding, ground and surface water pollution, and provide wildlife, plant, and fisheries habitats.  Wetlands destruction or impairment may result in increased public and private costs or property losses.
 
In designating wetlands for regulatory purposes, counties and cities are required to use the definition of wetlands in RCW 36.70A.030(20).  Counties and cities are encouraged to make their actions consistent with the intent and goals of "protection of wetlands," executive orders 89-10 and 90-04 as they exist on September 1, 1990.  Additionally, counties and cities should consider wetlands protection guidance provided by the Washington Department of Ecology.

Department of Ecology Wetlands Management - Link for information on Mitigation, Regulations, Permits, Function Assessment Project, Isolated Wetlands and more.

The following are some of the more significant policy areas associated with protection of setlands and examples of how these areas have been addressed:

  • Functional Assessment
  • Buffers
    1. Width
    2. Averaging and Variances
    3. Management Zones - City of Bellevue
    4. Buffer Enhancement - King County
    5. Connectivity Requirements - King County
  • Mitigation
    1. Off Site Mitigation and Banking
    2. Off Site Mitigation 40.440.020 - Clark County
    3. Mitigation Ratios
  • Mosaic Wetlands - Pierce County
  • Prior converted cropland
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