Protecting WA species and habitats through Net Ecological Gain standards

WSAS convened a committee to advise the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on a net ecological gain standard for state land use, development, and environmental laws that could improve statewide performance on ecological health and endangered species recovery. The committee’s report outlines a definition, goals, objectives, and performance metrics for a net ecological gain standard; assesses the sufficiency of existing standards in achieving endangered species recovery; and makes recommendations about monitoring and indicators for no net loss and net ecological gain.