Washington ranchers fight massive state wetlands penalty over stockwater ponds

Washington ranchers face a massive wetlands penalty and millions in potential restoration costs over stockwater ponds.

Washington state cattle ranchers Wade and Teresa King are fighting a state environmental penalty for alleged wetlands damage. The couple maintains the disputed sites are historical stockwater ponds used for their livestock. They now face mounting legal battles and potential restoration costs that threaten their multi-generational family business.

• The penaltyState regulators issued a fine of $267,540 against the ranching couple in February 2023.
• The disputeRegulators claim the ranchers damaged rare alkali wetlands through excavation, while the owners maintain they only maintained traditional watering holes for livestock.
• Family historyThe King family has operated the cattle ranch on the land since the 1950s.
• Legal clashThe ranchers are seeking a jury trial while state officials direct them through an administrative board process.