WSR 10-02-006

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Order 09-275 -- Filed December 24, 2009, 9:19 a.m. , effective January 1, 2010 ]


     Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2010.

     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. 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 220-56-27000D; and amending WAC 220-56-270.

     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: A Level 1 fishery was adopted in accordance with the Washington and Oregon eulachon management plan. Rule is consistent with Washington department of fish and wildlife's compact hearing action of December 17, 2009. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1; Federal Rules or Standards: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.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 24, 2009.

Philip Anderson

Director


NEW SECTION
WAC 220-56-27000D   Smelt -- Areas and seasons.   Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-56-270, WAC 220-56-240, WAC 220-56-275, effective January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010, it is unlawful to fish for or possess smelt in those waters of the Columbia River except under the following provisions:

     Area: Mainstem Columbia River below Bonneville Dam

     Open Dates: 7 days/week

     Hours: 24 hours per day

     Daily limit: 10 pounds, the possession limit is equal to the daily limit

     Gear: Dipnets

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REPEALER


     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective 12:01 a.m. April 1, 2010:


WAC 220-56-27000D Smelt -- Areas and seasons.

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