WSR 19-10-008
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 19-82—Filed April 19, 2019, 10:27 a.m., effective May 1, 2019]
Effective Date of Rule: May 1, 2019.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for the Skagit [River].
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000K; and amending WAC 220-312-040.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, 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 open a portion of the Skagit River to recreational salmon fishing providing additional angling opportunity. Sufficient hatchery spring Chinook are projected to return, allowing recreational harvest. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: April 19, 2019.
Joe Stohr
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000KFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-040, effective May 1 through May 31, 2019, it is permissible to fish for salmon in those waters of the Skagit River from the highway 536 bridge (Memorial Highway Bridge) in Mount Vernon to Gilligan Creek.
(1) Daily limit of two hatchery (adipose fin clipped) Chinook salmon.
(2) Release all other species.
(3) Night closure is in effect.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective June 1, 2019:
WAC 220-312-04000K
Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.