•Relatively undisturbed estuarine wetlands larger than 1 acre

•Wetlands that are identified by scientists of the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as high quality wetlands

•Bogs

•Mature and Old growth forested wetlands larger than 1 acre

•Wetlands in coastal lagoons

•Wetlands that perform many functions well (wetlands scoring 70 points or more – out of 100) on the questions related to functions.

These wetlands are those that:

•represent a unique or rare wetland type; or

•are more sensitive to disturbance than most wetlands; or

•are relatively undisturbed and contain ecological attributes that are impossible to replace within a human lifetime; or

•provide a high level of functions.

•Estuarine wetlands smaller than 1 acre, or disturbed estuarine wetlands larger than 1 acre,

•A wetland identified by the state Department of Natural Resources as containing "sensitive" plant species,

•Wetlands with a moderately high level of functions (wetlands scoring between 51-69 points (out of 100) on the questions related to the functions

•wetlands with a moderate level of functions (scores between 30-50 points)

•Category IV wetlands have the lowest levels of functions (scores less than 30 points) and are often heavily disturbed.