WSR 19-14-110
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 19-149—Filed July 2, 2019, 4:27 p.m., effective July 2, 2019, 4:27 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amends recreational fishing rules for the Chehalis, Newaukum, and Skookumchuck rivers.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: 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 to protect spring Chinook. Streams and rivers where spring Chinook hold and stage through the summer are experiencing lower than normal stream flows. Low stream flows decrease holding and staging refuges and elevates the vulnerability and pressure on spring Chinook. Spring Chinook hold and stage in the Chehalis River, South Fork Chehalis River, North and South forks of the Newaukum River and the Skookumchuck River. Any encounters of spring Chinook could subject these fish to stress, injury, or death. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 2, 2019.
Kelly Cunningham
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000SFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-020, effective immediately until further notice, 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)