Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering a recommendation to classify Oregon vesper sparrow to state endangered, threatened, or sensitive (WAC 220-610-101).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.12.240.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is responsible for making recommendations regarding listing status of certain animal species, and if those species should be classified as sensitive[,] threatened, or endangered. To properly classify the status of the Oregon vesper sparrow, the department will review all relevant data pertaining to the population status and factors affecting existence in Washington state. Initial review indicates that the species has declined significantly and multiple factors negatively affect its continued existence in Washington.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: For Oregon vesper sparrow, federal and state agencies that regulate or support occurrences of this species include the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and United States Department of Defense. The department will coordinate with appropriate federal and state agencies during the review period.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Eric Gardner, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-902-2515, fax 360-902-2162, email wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, web site wdfw.wa.gov.