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WHEREAS, the loss of wetlands often leads to economic and ecological harm of the 

 state; and 



WHEREAS, wetlands conservation is a matter of state concern, since wetlands of ■ 

 county may be affected by activities on rivers, laices, streams, or wetlands of othei 

 counties and because they support migratory animal species which cross local 

 government boundaries; and 



WHEREAS, use of artificial structures, such as stormwater treatment systems, to 

 provide wetlands functions and values may be more costly than protection of existing 

 wetlands; and 



WHEREAS, there is need for stronger state coordination to ensure wetlands protection; 



NOW, THEREFORE, I, Booth Gardner, Governor of the State of Washington, by virtue of 

 the power vested in me, do hereby order: 



Section 1 . It is the interim goal of my administration to achieve no overall net loss in 

 acreage and function of Washington's remaining wetlands base. It is further the 

 long-term goat to increase the quantity and quality of Washington's wetlands resource 

 base. 



Section 2. In the-interest of preserving and- protecting valuable resources^ the 

 Department of Ecology shall provide guidance and each affected state agency shall 

 provide to the Governor an action plan, where appropriate, to lessen the destruction, 

 loss^:^or degradation of wetlandstand to preserve andenhanceth»naturakan(t beneficial 

 values of wetlands. 



Section-a. Each affected state agency shall ensure that it avoids any activities t' ( 

 would adversely affect wetlands, and thattinavoidabteimpacts are adequately mitigb^.^. 



Section 4. To meet the long-term goal of this order, each affected state agency, in 

 pursuing its agency mandate, should seek opportunities for voluntary wetlands 

 restoration and creation of additional wetlands.* 



Section S. In carrying out the intent of this order, each affected state agency shall 

 consider' the- ecologic and hydrologic benefits provided by wetlands. Each affected state 

 agency shall strive to prevent environmentaland^ economic harnv that results from 

 continuing loss of wetlands, consistent with human health and safety and the general 

 welfare of the state. 



Section 6. Each^ affected state agency sliail encourage sensitive site design and planninc 

 on a watershed basis, where appropriate, to avoid or minimize damage to wetlands.. 



Sectioo>7. Each- affected agency-shall, when possible, direct its agency-mandated 

 activities not dependent upon wetlands locations to suitable upland locations. 



Sections. Nothing in this Executive Order shall apply to assistance provided for 

 emergency woric that Is essential to save lives and protect property and public health 

 and safety. 



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