In 1995 the GMA was amended to require counties and cities to include the best available science in developing policies and development regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas.  All counties and cities in the state are required to review, evaluate, and, if necessary, revise their critical areas ordinances according to a schedule established by the state Legislature and approved by the Governor in 2002. Local governments can use information from the list below in developing their GMA Update.

Contact Information:  Doug Peters, Senior Planner, Telephone: 360.725.3046, Email:  Doug Peters at Commerce.

Other State Agency Resources
Periodic Update Process Under the Growth Management Act - Update 2011
Appendix F - Critical Areas
Critical Areas Checklist Questions Explained
Critical Areas Review for Best Available Science (BAS)
State Agency Resources for Local Governments Updating Critical Areas Ordinances

Critical Areas Handbook & Appendices:

Critical Areas Assistance Handbook: Protecting Critical Areas Within the Framework of the Washington Growth Management Act, 2003 - to help Washington Communities design locally appropriate programs for designating and protecting Critical Areas.

View Critical Areas Assistance Handbook sections:

• Critical Areas Assistance Handbook
• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix C
• Appendix D
• Appendix E
• Appendix F
• Appendix G
• Appendix H
• Appendix I
• Appendix J
• Findings of Fact

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Link to Questions and Answers on SSB 5248 - Preserving the viability of agricultural lands, August 2007

The 2010 Legislature has extended the timeline for the work by the  Ruckelshaus Center by one year (see SSB 6520).  A report describing their work with affected stakeholders will be due by September 2010 to the state Legislature.  The report will address their 4-year project addressing the issues with protecting critical areas and preserving agricultural industries. 

Local Critical Areas Examples

• Bremerton
• Cashmere
• Cheney
• Clark Co
• Edgewood
• La Center
• Shelton

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The WASHINGTON BIODIVERSITY PROJECT is an effort of the Washington Biodiversity Council to address one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: How to conserve our state's native plants, animals, and ecosystems for current and future generations. Also see the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office webpage on Biodiversity.

Biodiversity Conservation Toolbox for Planner Cover Page

Biodiversity Conservation Toolbox for Planners Reference Document

Biodiversity Conservation Toolbox for Planners Submittal Form

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 UW River history project - fluvial geomorphology for Puget Sound