Letter to the editor County councils decision to reduce wetlands buffer puts wildlife at risk

Snohomish County Council's recent 3-2 vote reduces wetland buffers from 100 feet to 50 feet, with an additional fence required. This decision aims to accommodate a projected population increase of 100,000 within the next decade. Environmentalists argue this move threatens critical habitats for salmon, wading birds, and other wildlife already at risk. The Washington Department of Ecology advises against reducing buffers below 100 feet, asserting that doing so undermines ecological integrity. Critics fear this classification could lead to wetlands being deemed non-functioning, stripping them of necessary protections.

They stress that effective habitat restoration is costly and often fails to return ecosystems to their original state. This decision raises concerns about Snohomish County's commitment to environmental stewardship amid growing housing demands. Balancing development with wildlife conservation remains a pressing challenge for local governance.