Opinion ID: 2634734
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The GMA

Text: ¶ 14 The GMA directs counties and cities to designate critical areas. RCW 36.70A.170. RCW 36.70A.030(5) lists types of critical areas: (1) fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, (2) wetlands, (3) frequently flooded areas, (4) critical aquifer recharge areas, and (5) geologically hazardous areas. Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas are at issue here. ¶ 15 Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas include areas where ETS species have a primary association, habitats and species of local importance, and waters of the state that provide fish and wildlife habitat. [7] WAC 365-190-080(5). Counties and cities should classify seasonal ranges and habitat elements with which federal and state listed endangered, threatened and sensitive species have a primary association and which, if altered, may reduce the likelihood that the species will maintain and reproduce over the long term. WAC 365-190-080(5)(c)(i). Counties and cities must also determine which habitats and species are of local importance: Counties and cities may use information prepared by the Washington department of wildlife to classify and designate locally important habitats and species. Priority habitats and priority species are being identified by the department of wildlife for all lands in Washington state. While these priorities are those of the department, they and the data on which they are based may be considered by counties and cities. WAC 365-190-080(5)(c)(ii). ¶ 16 Counties and cities are further required to adopt development regulations that protect designated critical areas. RCW 36.70A.060. In designating and protecting critical areas ... counties and cities shall include best available science in developing policies and development regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas. RCW 36.70A.172(1). We address here whether Ferry County did so.