Washington State's Wetlands Protection Program

The State of Washington—with a geographical diversity including 2400 miles of shoreline, two major mountain ranges, temperate rainforest, prairies, semi-arid, plateau country, and topographic relief ranging from sea level to over 14,000 feet—contains a tremendous variety of wetlands. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the extent, location, and status of these wetlands and insufficient statewide protection mechanisms. The state Department of Ecology recently established a wetlands program.