The document discusses the complex regulatory framework for wetland permitting in Washington State, including inconsistencies between regulations and agencies. It also outlines challenges such as unpredictable jurisdictional determinations, varying avoidance criteria and buffer widths, and high mitigation ratios. Finally, it proposes several solutions to streamline the permitting process, including early agency involvement, realistic expectations, expanded use of mitigation banks and in-lieu fees, ongoing agency dialogue, and programmatic/advanced mitigation approaches like the Port of Chehalis project.

1. Status of Wetland Permitting in Washington State: An Applicant’s Perspective Francis Naglich, Principal Ecological Land Services, Inc.

6. Challenges

13. Permitting Hill Climb

14. Permitting Hill Climb

15. Permitting Hill Climb

16. Permitting Hill Climb

17. Solutions/Opportunities

23. Integrating Stormwater Management with Enhancement of Low-Quality Wetlands Low-quality Pasture Wetland Enhanced Wetland

26. Advance MITIGATION Round Table Discussion Cowlitz Indian Tribe WDFW Senator Dan Swecker

32. Advanced Programmatic Mitigation Impact Area Proposed Mitigation Area Port of Chehalis Example

33. Wetland Creation Site

34. Project Underway