WAC 173-700-314. Considerations for determining credit conversion rates for wetland reestablishment, creation, rehabilitation, and enhancement

Unless an alternative credit determination method is used under WAC 173-700-321 , the department shall use the following considerations to determine specific conversion rates for wetlands on a bank site: (1) The anticipated net gains in wetland functions at the site; (2) The degree to which the bank restores ecological processes previously altered by human activity in a watershed, based on predicted success and sustainability of process restoration; (3) The degree to which the bank is expected to successfully restore or maintain the appropriate HGM class of wetland for the landscape setting; (4) The degree to which the bank incorporates a watershed-based approach for site location and design; (5) The rarity of the predicted wetlands and habitats at the site, based on rarity at state and/or local level; (6) The site's contribution to the protection, recovery, or both, of state or federally listed threatened or endangered species, protection of state priority species and habitats, and locally significant habitats; (7) The degree of connectivity to other habitats and open space areas, based on existing connectivity and level of protection for connected areas; and (8) Public access and education opportunities, where appropriate, as determined by the department.