WSR 09-11-056

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Order 09-83 -- Filed May 13, 2009, 3:21 p.m. , effective May 17, 2009 ]


     Effective Date of Rule: May 17, 2009.

     Purpose: The purpose of this rule making is to allow nontreaty recreational fishing opportunity in the Columbia River while protecting fish listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule making implements federal court orders governing Washington's relationship with treaty Indian tribes, federal law governing Washington's relationship with Oregon, and Washington fish and wildlife commission policy guidance for Columbia River fisheries.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 232-28-61900M and 232-28-61900A; and amending WAC 232-28-619.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.130, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.

     Other Authority: United States v. Oregon, Civil No. 68-513-KI (D. Or.), Order Adopting 2008-2017 United States v. Oregon Management Agreement (Aug. 12, 2008) (Doc. No. 2546); Northwest Gillnetters Ass'n v. Sandison, 95 Wn.2d 638, 628 P.2d 800 (1981); Washington fish and wildlife commission policies concerning Columbia River fisheries; 40 Stat. 515 (Columbia River compact).

     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; and that state or federal law or federal rule or a federal deadline for state receipt of federal funds requires immediate adoption of a rule.

     Reasons for this Finding: The upriver spring chinook run is expected to return at about half of the preseason forecast. Because the wild portion of the run is protected under ESA, fisheries must be managed to remain within the guidelines of the ESA. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 2; Federal Rules or Standards: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 2; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 2.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 13, 2009.

Philip Anderson

Director


NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-61900A   Exceptions to statewide rules -- Columbia River.   Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-28-619, effective one hour after official sunset on May 17, through May 31, 2009, it is unlawful to fish for salmon in those waters of the Columbia River adjacent to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility (in Franklin County), from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife markers 1/4 mile downstream of the Ringold irrigation wasteway outlet, to the markers 1/2 mile upstream of Ringold Springs Creek.

[]


REPEALER


     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective May 17, 2009 one hour after official sunset:


WAC 232-28-61900M Exceptions to statewide rules -- Columbia River. (09-54)

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective June 1, 2009:


WAC 232-28-61900A Exceptions to statewide rules -- Columbia River.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office