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SubjectsEnvironment › Wetlands
Updated 09/2011

Wetlands

Contents

Introduction

Wetlands are fragile ecosystems that serve important beneficial functions, such as assisting in the reduction of erosion, siltation, flooding, ground and surface water pollution, and providing wildlife, plant, and fisheries habitats. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands are identified as critical areas in the Washington State Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.030(5) and RCW 36.70A.060).

In Washington State, wetlands are rated according to a system that organizes wetlands into four categories based on wetland functions, sensitivity to disturbance, rarity, and ability to replace them. Wetland delineation involves determining the edge of a wetland based on three parameters: water, plants, and soil.

Strategies for saving wetlands and other critical areas include limiting uses and avoiding development in some areas, transferring development density to another site or a non-sensitive portion of a large site, and public purchase of valuable or unique wetlands. Buffer areas around wetlands and along streams are also used to protect the functions of these critical areas. Mitigation of impacts on wetlands and other critical areas involves reducing the adverse impacts of a project to an acceptable level. In addition to critical areas regulations, nonregulatory and incentive programs are also used to protect wetlands.

Laws and Regulations

Statutes

    Administrative Regulations

      General Wetlands Resources

      Federal Wetlands Resources

      Washington State Wetlands Resources

      Local Ordinances and Wetlands Information

      Wetland Permit Application Forms

      Wetland Consultants

      Many local governments hire wetland experts to prepare and update wetlands ordinances. Local governments also require developers to do special studies of wetlands located on a proposed development site. Some jurisdictions have prepared lists of preferred wetlands consultants.

      Related MRSC Resources
      MRSC Index – Wetlands