WSR 14-11-100

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed May 21, 2014, 10:00 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Technical amendments to various fish and wildlife rules as part of the WAC overhaul project to increase clarity and promote efficiency in department rules.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering several technical rule amendments in various chapters of department rules to reflect industry practice, to update and clarify language and rule titles, and make structural improvements. Changes may include consolidating or splitting rules for clarity of subject matter and may also include the repeal of rules as appropriate.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Fish and Wildlife also regulates fish and wildlife. State regulations may be more restrictive, but no less so. The Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) will coordinate the regulatory landscape of these rule changes, where and if applicable. As these changes are largely technical, it is unlikely that coordination will be necessary.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Joanna Eide, WDFW Rules Coordinator, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2403, fax (360) 902-2155, e-mail Rules.Coordinator@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by July 9, 2014. Expected proposal filing on or after July 23, 2014.

May 21, 2014

Joanna M. Eide

Rules Coordinator