Countywide wetlands update containing contested amendment approved 3-2

The Snohomish County Council approved a bill that embeds a contentious amendment reducing protections for wetlands. Council members Jared Mead, Sam Low, and Nate Nehring supported the measure, while Megan Dunn and Strom Peterson opposed it due to environmental concerns. Dunn emphasized the amendment's risks, stating that it could undermine the original ordinance's intent to protect clean water and wildlife. Public hearings revealed significant opposition, with over 30 attendees demanding stronger safeguards. Amendment 3 allows buffer reductions around wetlands, decreasing protections from 15% to 10% and potentially impacting thousands of acres of riparian forest.

Critics argue this amendment is inconsistent with scientific recommendations. State Fish and Wildlife officials estimate that the changes could threaten 15,000 acres of habitat. Environmental advocates, including Kristin Kelly of Futurewise, assert that the amendment undermines essential conservation efforts.