WSR 18-14-077
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 18-147—Filed June 29, 2018, 4:02 p.m., effective June 29, 2018, 4:02 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing regulations for the Columbia River and several eastside water bodies including the Methow drainage, Okanogan River drainage, Chelan River drainage, and Lake Wenatchee.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-050 and 220-312-060.
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 steelhead closures in these areas were omitted from WAC during the 2017 rule simplification process. These rules are necessary to comply with federal Endangered Species Act permitting requirements. The permanent rule process has been initiated, these rules are interim until permanent rules take effect. There is insufficient time to promulgate 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 29, 2018.
Amy H. Windrope
for Joe Stohr
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000MExceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-060, it is unlawful to violate the following provisions, provided that unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:
From Priest Rapids to Chief Joseph Dam: Closed to fishing for or retaining steelhead.
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000NExceptions to statewide rules—Eastside.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-060, it is unlawful to violate the following provisions, provided that unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:
The following areas are closed to fishing for or retaining steelhead:
(1) Methow River (Okanogan Co.) and all tributaries, including: Twisp, Chewuch, and Lost Rivers.
(2) Okanogan River (Okanogan Co.) and all tributaries, including: Salmon Creek and the Similkameen River.
(3) Chelan River (Chelan Co.)
(4) Entiat River (Chelan Co.): from mouth to Entiat Falls
(5) Icicle River (Chelan Co.): from mouth to the Icicle Peshastin Irrigation Footbridge
(6) Wenatchee River (Chelan Co.): from mouth to Icicle Road Bridge
(7) Lake Wenatchee (Chelan Co.)