The state's population density is 75 people per square mile. The overall risk to ecosystems is high. Population density has increased 20 percent since 1982. The amount of developed land increased 18 percent between 1982 and 1992. Approximately 30 percent of Washington's native vegetation has been destroyed or altered. Seventy-five percent of the original coastal temperate rainforests have been logged. The state has 22 federally listed threatened and endangered species.
Biological Diversity Policy
Washington does not have a formal biodiversity policy. A related statutory policy states that all wild animals are to be regulated in a manner to ensure that their supply is not diminished. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 77.12.010)
Status of Biodiversity Science
Washington does not have a coordinated assessment system in place. Instead, the state relies on its Natural Heritage database and GAP. GAP was started in 1993. In addition, the Priority Habitat Species program provides maps showing the geographic location of priority habitats and species. This program will be used by local governments to comply with the state's growth management act in identifying critical areas that include fish and wildlife habitat.
Endangered Species
Washington has an endangered species law that covers animals, but not plants. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 77.16.040, 77.16.120, 77.12.020, 77.08.010, 77.12.055 to 3, 77.21.010, 79.08.250) Listing is based on scientific data only. Recovery plans are required, although critical habitat designation and agency consultation are not. Penalties constitute a gross misdemeanor and include fines of $250 to $1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year. Subsequent violations constitute a felony.
State Agency Management for Biodiversity
State-owned Lands
Washington does not require state land management for biological sustainability. However, by statute, all state-owned fish and wildlife habitat, natural areas, parks and other recreation lands must be provided with adequate and continuing funding.
Cooperative Efforts
Cooperative efforts take the form of compacts with surrounding states to protect and restore coastal ecosystems. Compacts with California, Idaho, and Oregon to protect native salmon species are authorized by statute. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 75.40.100) In addition, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has begun watershed-level planning that encourages coordination between the public and private sectors.
State Agency Training
Washington does not have identified programs of agency personnel training for biodiversity.
Impact Assessment
Washington has a "little NEPA," requiring the assessment of major proposed agency impacts on biological resources. The State Environmental Policy Act requires state and local governments to consider environmental impacts whenever a major action may have a potentially adverse effect on the environment. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 43.21c.010 et seq.)
Habitat Acquisition
Washington has some very good habitat acquisition programs. Under the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, money from the legislature is used in part for habitat acquisition. Goals include acquisition of critical habitat, urban habitat, and natural areas. Approximately $60 million has been appropriated biannually for these purposes. In addition, under the Natural Heritage Plan, lands are acquired as natural areas or to maintain habitats for endangered species. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 79.70.030; 79.08.250) Lands are acquired by gift, purchase, dedication or means other than eminent domain. The Wildlife and Recreation Lands Management Account also provides financing for habitat acquisition. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 43.98B.020 et seq.) The monies are used to support the operation and maintenance of fish and wildlife habitats, natural areas, parks, and other recreational lands. Funding comes by way of legislative appropriations, grants, and matching funds. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 43.98A.030) Specific levels of funding were not available.
Private Land Conservation
Washington has some private land conservation programs. For example, property owners are exempt from ad valorem taxation if the property is used for specified conservation activities. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 84.36.260) An Integrated Landscape Management project provides landowners with voluntary options for managing resources while protecting fish and wildlife. Conservation easements are authorized by statute. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 77.12.655; 84.36.260; 43.98A.010) Finally, a Priority Habitat and Species program informs landowners or potential developers if species may be harmed by proposed actions.
Exotic Species
Washington regulates some plant and animal exotic species. The planting of any aquatic plant or the release of any exotic animal is prohibited. (Wash. Admin. Code 232-12-271; 232-12017) Listed animals and their gametes and/or embryos may not be brought into the state. Violations constitute a misdemeanor with fines of up to $500 and/or 90 days in jail.
Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities
Washington's animal damage control program is run primarily by the federal government, with the state having primarily a financial role. Fifty percent of the methods used are non-lethal. In addition, state law allows property owners to kill animals that are damaging crops, domestic animals, fowl or other property. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 77.12.265) The Recreational Salmon and Marine Fish Enhancement Program targets predatory birds and marine mammals to enhance the state's fish population.
Additional Legal Protections for Biodiversity
No constitutional or common law protections for biodiversity were identified by the research.
Related Issues
Washington has many environmental education initiatives, including Project WILD. In addition, the state published a wildlife viewing guide in 1992. The state also uses NatureMapping, which involves citizens in collecting wildlife data.
Washington has a Growth Management Act that affects land use activities in counties with populations of 50,000 or more. (Wa. Rev. Code Ann. 36.70A.010 et seq.) The act requires the designation of critical areas of habitat and open space corridors.
In 1995, the legislature passed a broadsweeping takings bill threatening any governmental regulation of private property. Washington citizens collected enough signatures to suspend the law and put it on the November 1995 ballot. The initiative was so broad that local zoning ordinances could be challenged as takings. The referendum was defeated by a 60-40 percent margin. A study on the referendum estimated that it would cost local governments up to $1 billion annually and would leave them liable for up to $11 billion in payments to landowners.
Contacts:
Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
360-902-1800
Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA 98501
360-902-2200
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 47001
Olympia, WA 98504-7001
360-902-1000
State Extension Services
College of Forest Resources
University of Washington
AR-10
Seattle, WA 98195
206-685-4960
State Parks and Recreation Commission
7150 Cleanwater Ln.
KY-11
Olympia, WA 98504-5711
360-902-8501
Washington State Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 47721
Olympia, WA 98504-7721
360-407-6200
Washingtoll State Office of Environmental
Education
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
2800 NE 200th St.
Seattle, WA 98155-1418
206-365-3893
Washington ADC State Director
720 O'Leary Street NW
Olympia, WA 98502
360-753-9884
New Mexico Center for Wildlife Law
University of New Mexico School of Law
1117 Stanford NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-5006
lprovenc@unm.edu