OVERVIEW FOR USERS 



HOW TME WETLANDS R.-\TIXG S\5TEM WORKS 



The ^'V^tcr:-'. requires that specific cri'cr.i (or sub-cntcria) bo confirmed cither from state j.^-.".c\ 

 -^'l:^■:e^ c: t'e :;r;.-!:;af.or. rf fnc i'x'.2 r:--:thodcIo.;v bv;-forc a particular ■••.e •.'.•: -J is assiene,: t? a 



A summary of the sources of data and criteria to rate individual wetlands according to category 

 are shown in Table 1 on p3. Details of the sub<riteria, sources of data and justification for each 



of the criteria are given beginning on p. 13. 



The wetlands rating form on p.9 is a step by step method for determining category based on 

 criteria and subcriteria. It has two p>arts, the first for rating wetlands according to information 

 from State Government agencies and the secondpart, beginning on p.lO, for rating wetlands 

 according to infomation from the field data form in the companion document Washington State 

 Wetlands rating System-Field methodolog y. When using the wetlands rating form, 

 confirmation of criteria (or subcriteria) automatically assigns the wetland to a category. 



WHEN TO USE THE WETLANDS RATING SYSTEM 



The system is designed to determine wetlands categories for users of the Department of Ecologys 

 Model Ordinance for Wetlands Protection and for agencies developing agency procedures for 

 wetlands protection and for local regulatory programs being developed or revised. 



This rating system was developxKi to be used with the management standards on p.7, (or similar 

 standards). The use of lesser protective measures with this rating system may result in 

 inadequate protection of wetlands functions and values. 



It is important to understand that regional differences may need to be accounted for in addition 

 to these standards. This system was designed for use on a stale wide basis and may not reflect 

 ragional differences accurately. It may therefore be necessary to modify the criteria, or sub- 

 criteria. 



It may also be necessary to modify the system to account for local circumstances. See p.32 for 

 recommendations on how to address this. 



DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY - DRAFT 



