Whatcom County Critical Areas Ordinance

The Whatcom County Critical Areas Ordinance regulates development in environmentally sensitive and hazardous areas. This map, one of a series, shows land cover and features wetlands compiled from an inclusive inventory of federal, state, and local agency sources. The intention of this project is to recognize and protect the beneficial functions performed by many wetlands, which include providing food, breeding, nesting and/or rearing habitat for fish and wildlife; recharging and discharging ground water; contributing to stream flow during low-flow periods; stabilizing stream banks and shorelines; storing storm and flood waters to reduce flooding and erosion; and improving water quality. In addition, Whatcom County regulates land use to avoid adverse effects on wetlands and maintain the functions and values of freshwater and estuarine wetlands throughout the county. This helps to establish review procedures for development proposals in and adjacent to wetlands.

The other maps in the series show areas that are geologically hazardous, frequently flooded, and areas for fish and wildlife habitat conservation, as well as critical aquifer recharge areas.

Courtesy of Peter Gill, Whatcom County, 2007.