Despite the potential drawbacks, the Department of Ecology has developed a rating system to 

 bo u-od in the '^' V-:- (^f \Vj>ih:r;t<"in, The Pop^rtmcnt of E^rol-^n^'s rating svstcm uses a 

 combm.stion o: a landscape approach c^vd La.~e-b)-cav a:';ai_. -:> to di.:i.rr;v.r,c "•'. .'.l.w.J.:- ■.:■.'.■.:: 

 Ecology's rating system uses specific criteria to allow a determmation of the resource value oi 

 indi\idua! vsctlands within four pc^ssible categones. The rating \aluc is based on wetland 

 >on-i'!\it\ tj oiurbanco, ra';;v, irr^ p':;^^.; rilitv'. cxotm;; ■.c^.ta;;,^ and habitat ■.a!:;c Tho 



ncccssar)' to protect wetlands from adjacent development, mitigation acreage and replacenicnt 

 ratios and permitted uses in wetlands. This system does not replace a full functional assessment 

 of a wetland which will be necessary in order to plan and monitor a wetland nnitigation project 

 The system identifies a relative value for vegetated wetlands and is intended primarily for use 

 with the Clean Water Act definition of wetlands. It does not include mudflats, strreambeds, 

 beach substrates and other ecologically valuable wetlands. 



It is not considered perfect nor the final ar\swer, however, it is based on the best information 

 available at this time. Advances in wetlands science will bring further understanding to the 

 valuation of wetlands. It is anticipated that the rating system will be further modified over 

 time as we increase our understanding of wetland systems and improve on our ability to measure 

 wetland functions and values. 



An essential question is whether or not the rating system will help to protect the public resource 

 value of wetlands. The system is designed to assist local or state government agencies with legal 

 jurisdiction for wetlands. As a tool for protection it's success will depend on how it is used. 

 Nevertheless, the Department of Ecology is confident the system will be used in good faith by 

 agencies with responsibility to protect the public resource. 



In fine-tuning the system, the Department of Ecology is aware that many local governments are 

 either using, or in the process of developing and adopting systems for determining the value of 

 individual wetlands. The Department's intention in completing this evaluation is to maintain 

 existing distinctions between the four wetland categories, while adding refinement and 

 predictability. 



DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY - DRAFT 



