WSR 19-06-004
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 19-32—Filed February 21, 2019, 8:20 a.m., effective March 1, 2019]
Effective Date of Rule: March 1, 2019.
Purpose: Amend recreational salmon fishing rules for the Cispus River, Cowlitz Falls Reservoir (Lake Scanewa), Cowlitz River, Kalama River, and Lewis River.
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: This rule is needed to close salmon fishing for the Cowlitz River, Cispus River and Lake Scanewa, [and] reduce the daily adult salmon limit for the Kalama River.
The 2019 Cowlitz River spring Chinook run forecast is one thousand three hundred fish. Based on this forecast, the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery is not expected to meet its broodstock goals. Closing the salmon fishing season in the lower Cowlitz River will increase the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and help ensure future hatchery returns. Based on the forecast, we do not expect to have hatchery Chinook to transport above Cowlitz Falls Dam to support a salmon fishery.
An estimated one thousand four hundred adult spring Chinook are forecast to return to the Kalama River in 2019. Managers need to reduce the adult salmon daily limit to ensure hatchery broodstock goals are achieved. Reducing the adult salmon daily limit will provide continued opportunity for anglers to harvest spring Chinook and help ensure future hatchery returns.
The 2019 Lewis River spring Chinook run forecast is one thousand five hundred fish. Based on this forecast, there is not expected to be enough fish above the hatchery broodstock need to support a fishery. Closing the salmon fishing season in the Lewis River will increase the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and help 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: February 20, 2019.
Nate Pamplin
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-03000KSouthwest—Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-030, effective March 1, 2019 until further notice:
1) Cispus River (Lewis Co.): Salmon: closed.
2) Cowlitz Falls Reservoir (Lake Scanewa) (Lewis Co.): Salmon: closed.
3) Cowlitz River (Cowlitz Co.): Salmon: closed.
4) Kalama River (Cowlitz Co.): From the mouth upstream to 1000 feet below the fishway at the upper salmon hatchery: Salmon: Daily limit 6; up to 1 may be an adult. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
5) Lewis River (Clark/Cowlitz Co.): Salmon: closed.