WSR 17-12-026
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 17-104—Filed May 30, 2017, 1:34 p.m., effective June 1, 2017]
Effective Date of Rule: June 1, 2017.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for the Lewis River.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-18500N and 220-312-03000C; and amending WAC 220-312-030.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, and 77.12.047.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: This emergency rule is needed to allow hatchery Chinook harvest because escapement goals for the hatchery have been met. Reopening the Lewis River for spring Chinook will provide additional angling opportunity. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: May 30, 2017.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-03000C Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesSouthwest.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-030, effective June 1 until July 31, 2017, it is permissible to fish for salmon in those waters of the Lewis River from the mouth upstream to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam. Daily limit 6 hatchery Chinook of which only 1 may be an adult. Minimum size 12 inches.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 220-310-18500N
Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesSouthwest.
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective August 1, 2017:
WAC 220-312-03000C
Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesSouthwest.