WSR 11-01-152

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Order 10-320 -- Filed December 21, 2010, 4:09 p.m. , effective January 1, 2011 ]


     Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2011.

     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: 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.

     Reasons for this Finding: A large aggregation of white sturgeon holding in the shallow slough east of Rooster Rock State Park between Sand Island and the Oregon shore was observed in 2010, and could potentially return in 2011. This area was a very high catch area for sturgeon anglers, and the area was closed in 2010. Closing the area early will reduce the risk of potential need for in-season management later in the season. This rule should not displace nonsturgeon anglers, as the slough receives little effort for other species. Rule is consistent with Washington department of fish and wildlife's compact hearing action of December 17, 2010. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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

     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 21, 2010.

Philip Anderson

Director


NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-61900J   Exceptions to statewide rules -- Columbia River.   Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-28-619, effective January 1 through April 30, 2011, all angling is prohibited from a line between the upstream end of Sand Island, located east of Rooster Rock State Park on the Columbia River, to a marker on the Oregon shore, downstream to a line between the lower end of Sand Island and a marker on the Oregon shore.

[]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office