PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Wildlife conflict rules, spring black bear regulations, auction and raffle permits, game reserves, and waterfowl closures.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 77.36 RCW and RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.32.530.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To conserve and manage wildlife populations, provide recreational opportunity consistent with wildlife conservation needs, and address human/wildlife conflicts regarding property damage.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Migratory birds are also regulated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and coordination is managed through the Pacific Flyway. Wolves are also subject to USFWS regulation in the western two-thirds of Washington as part of the Endangered Species Act. State regulations are designed to fit within the parameters of the USFWS's regulation guidelines.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Nate Pamplin, Wildlife Program Assistant Director, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2515, fax (360) 902-2162. Contact by April 9, 2012. Expected proposal filing on or after April 18, 2012.
February 22, 2012
Lori Preuss
Rules Coordinator