Publication Summary

This is a draft revision to the "Washington State Wetland Rating System-Western Washington," published by the Department of Ecology in 1993. The public had an opportunity to comment on this draft (the comment period ended in June 2004). The final version of this document was published in August 2004 (see related publications below).

This document is a draft revision of the "Washington State Wetland Rating System-Western Washington," published by the Department of Ecology in 1993. The original document was published with the understanding that modifications would be incorporated as we increase our understanding of wetland systems, and as the rating system is used by many different people.

The need to revise the earlier version became apparent as we have learned more about how wetlands function and what is needed to protect them. Furthermore, several textual inconsistencies and ambiguities were identified that made a consistent application of the ratings by different people difficult. Before undertaking the revisions, comments were sought from a wide range of users of the rating system. And the public had an opportunity to comment on this draft (the comment period ended in June 2004).

Where possible the comments received were incorporated in to the revision. The final version of this document was published in August 2004 (see related publications below).