WSR 21-01-147
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 20-261—Filed December 17, 2020, 2:05 p.m., effective January 1, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close steelhead angling in the Columbia River beginning January 1, from Interstate I-182 Bridge (Richland) upstream to the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000E; and amending WAC 220-312-060.
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 rule is necessary because this year's return of Ringold Springs Hatchery steelhead is expected to be the lowest return on record over the past twenty years. Returning steelhead will be needed for broodstock to meet the production goal of one hundred eighty thousand juvenile steelhead scheduled for release in 2022. Under this rule change, steelhead retention will close on January 1 and remain closed through the end of the scheduled fishery, April 15, 2021. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: December 17, 2020.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000EFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Effective January 1 through April 15, 2021, the provisions of WAC 220-312-060 regarding recreational steelhead seasons from the I-182 Bridge at Richland to the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing, shall be as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
(1) From I-182 Bridge to WDFW markers 1/4 mile downstream of the Ringold Wasteway outlet: Steelhead:
Effective January 1 through March 31, 2021: Closed.
(2) From WDFW markers 1/4 mile downstream of the Ringold Wasteway outlet to 1/2 mile upstream of Ringold Springs Hatchery Creek: Steelhead:
Effective January 1 through April 15, 2021: Closed.
(3) From 1/2 mile upstream of Ringold Springs Hatchery Creek to the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing: Steelhead:
Effective January 1 through March 31, 2021: Closed.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective April 16, 2021:
WAC 220-312-06000E | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River. |