541.595; 2009 c.343 �15] WETLAND CONSERVATION PLANS ����� 196.668 Legislative findings. The Legislative Assembly finds that: ����� (1) Wetlands provide a natural means of flood and storm dama

541.595; 2009 c.343 �15]

WETLAND CONSERVATION PLANS

����� 196.668 Legislative findings. The Legislative Assembly finds that:

����� (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]

����� 196.670 [Formerly 541.605; renumbered