WSR 17-20-060 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Filed September 29, 2017, 3:48 p.m., effective October 2, 2017] Effective Date of Rule: October 2, 2017. Purpose: Amends recreational fishing rules for the North Fork Toutle and Green rivers in Cowlitz County. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-030. 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: The provisions of this rule are necessary because the return of fall Chinook to the Toutle Hatchery so far this year has been well below the forecast. The Washington department of fish and wildlife projects that with the current salmon fishing regulations on the North Fork Toutle and Green rivers, not enough fall Chinook will reach the hatchery to meet egg take goals. Closing the Chinook salmon fishing season in these two rivers will increase the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and ensure future hatchery returns. 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 Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 29, 2017. Joe Stohr
for J. W. Unsworth Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-03000J Southwest—Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-030, effective October 2, 2017, until further notice, it is unlawful to retain Chinook salmon in waters of the North Fork Toutle River and the Green River (Cowlitz Co.).
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