Title: MRSC - Growth Management Act
Headings: Growth Management Act
Growth Management Act
Overview
GMA Goals
( RCW 36.70A.020)
Who is Required to Plan Under GMA?
Natural Resource Lands and Critical Areas
Comprehensive Plans
Mandatory Comp Plan Elements
( RCW 36.70A.070)
Optional Comp Plan Elements
Urban Growth Areas and Accommodating Future Growth
Growth Management Hearings Board
Recommended Resources

Content: Natural Resource Lands and Critical Areas
Under the GMA, all cities and counties - even if they are not subject to comprehensive planning - are directed to designate natural resource lands (including those related to forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and mining) and identify steps to preserve them. For more information, see the Department of Commerce's Natural Resource Lands webpage. In addition, all cities and counties in Washington are also required to adopt critical areas regulations. As defined in RCW 36.70A.030 (5): "Critical areas" include the following areas and ecosystems: ( a) Wetlands; ( b) areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water; ( c) fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas; ( d) frequently flooded areas; and (e) geologically hazardous areas.