Washington Department of Ecology seeking public comments on proposed plan through Dec. 31

Published 2:03 pm Friday, December 5, 2014

Thanks to a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Washington Department of Ecology is developing a statewide plan to better manage wetlands.

Once regarded as wastelands, wetlands are now recognized as important features of the landscape. Healthy wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet.

Ecology’s proposed plan includes developing a statewide wetland monitoring program and assessment strategy, as well as provides support for local governments in need of wetland expertise. The plan establishes a statewide structure that better protects and restores Washington’s wetlands and streamlines the permitting process.

Ecology worked with tribes, local governments, state agencies and conservation districts to gather input for the proposed plan. The public is now encouraged to review and comment on the plan.

The proposed plan is available for review on Ecology’s website (www.ecy.wa.gov/). Citizens also can request a mailed copy of the plan by calling Susan Buis at (360) 407-7653.

Send comments through Dec. 31 to Susan Buis at susan.buis@ecy.wa.gov, or mail to Susan Buis, Washington Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600.

Ecology is hosting an informational webinar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 to provide more details on the plan. To sign up for the webinar, contact Buis at (360) 407-7653 or via email.