The Legislative Assembly finds that:

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(1) Wetlands provide a natural means of flood and storm damage protection through the absorption and storage of water during high runoff periods, thereby reducing flood crests and preventing loss of life and property;

(2) Wetlands provide essential breeding, spawning, rearing, feeding, nesting and wintering habitats for a major portion of this state’s fish and wildlife;

(3) Wetlands provide essential habitat for waterfowl using the Pacific Flyway and for the rearing of salmon and other anadromous and resident fish;

(4) Wetlands act as accumulation areas for sediments which retain nutrients and other pollutants that may prevent entry of the pollutants into other waterways;

(5) Wetlands provide a valuable public service of maintaining clean water by retaining nutrients, metals and toxic materials from the water to protect water quality;

(6) Wetlands provide significant opportunities for environmental and ecological research, public recreation and education and provide scenic diversity and aesthetic value as open space and areas of visual enjoyment;

(7) Much of this state’s original wetlands have been diked, drained, filled, dredged, ditched or otherwise altered;

(8) There is continuing development pressure on wetlands in Oregon;

(9) There are often conflicts between wetland protection and other resource values and uses;

(10) Uncoordinated regulation of wetlands by local, state and federal agencies can cause confusion, frustration and unreasonable delay and uncertainty for the general public; and

(11) Wetland management is a matter of this state’s concern since benefits and impacts related to wetland resources can be international, national, regional and statewide in scope. [1989 c.837 § 2]

[Formerly 541.605; renumbered 196.800 in 1989]