WSR 19-11-045
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 19-102—Filed May 10, 2019, 12:47 p.m., effective May 13, 2019]
Effective Date of Rule: May 13, 2019.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for the Chehalis River; Chehalis River, South Fork; Newaukum River, North Fork; Newaukum River, South Fork; and Skookumchuck River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-02000M and 220-312-02000Q; and amending WAC 220-312-020.
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 emergency rule is needed to close the Chehalis River and listed tributaries to fishing. Low predicted spring Chinook returns make them more vulnerable to fishing pressure. Spring Chinook stage in the Chehalis River, South Fork Chehalis River, North and South forks of the Newaukum River and the Skookumchuck River. Any incidental encounters of spring Chinook during game fishing could subject this fish to stress, injury, or death, which during a year of low predicted returns could harm future runs. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 10, 2019.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000QFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-020, effective May 13 through June 30, 2019, the following waters are closed to all fishing:
1) Chehalis River (Grays Harbor County)
2) Chehalis River, South Fork (Grays Harbor County)
3) Newaukum River, North Fork (Lewis County)
4) Newaukum River, South Fork (Lewis County)
5) Skookumchuck River (Lewis/Thurston County)
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective May 13, 2019:
WAC 220-312-02000M | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast. (19-71) |
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective July 1, 2019:
WAC 220-312-02000Q | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast. |