Land Use Conservation and Policy (LUCP)

Shady vegetation along McLane Creek in Thurston County
Photo by WDFW

WDFW’s Land Use Conservation and Policy (LUCP) section promotes fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation priorities via land-use planning under the Growth Management Act and Shoreline Management Act. Together, these two laws promote responsible development that protects -- rather than degrades -- natural resources. 

LUCP staff coordinate with state and federal agencies as well as local and tribal governments, acting as policy representatives to achieve WDFW’s land use conservation objectives. This includes applying Priority Habitats and Species resources and other sources of best available science across a range of urban, rural, and agricultural settings. LUCP staff collaborate closely with regional staff in WDFW’s Habitat Program to provide technical assistance to cities and counties statewide.

For assistance with land-use planning, contact a WDFW planner in your area.

Resources

  • WDFW's land-use planning priorities and resources

    WDFW offers a wide array of resources for land use planners, and there are a number of questions WDFW asks of land-use planners as they designate and protect critical areas in their jurisdiction.

  • Growth Management Act (GMA)

    The Growth Management Act was adopted to address ways to accommodate growth in balance with the natural environment. All jurisdictions in Washington are required to protect critical environmental areas and conserve natural resource lands, such as farms and working forests.

  • Shoreline Management Act (SMA)

    The Shoreline Management Act was adopted to prevent the inherent harm in uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the Washington’s shorelines. The SMA applies to all 39 Washington counties and about 250 towns and cities with stream, river, lake, or marine shorelines. 

  • Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP)

    The Voluntary Stewardship Program uses a watershed-focused, incentive-based, voluntary collaboration to protect critical environmental areas, to promote agricultural viability, and to bring together diverse stakeholders.