Cattle ranching couple faces $3.7 million wetlands restoration fight after federal fine

Wade and Teresa King are challenging a substantial penalty of $267,540, which has been imposed due to alleged damage to wetlands. They argue that the locations in question are traditional stockwater ponds beneficial for their livestock. Meanwhile, the Washington State Department of Ecology asserts that the Kings harmed rare alkali wetlands through excavation. The couple fears restoration costs could exceed $3.7 million, jeopardizing their family ranch’s future.