WSR 20-02-075
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 19-314—Filed December 26, 2019, 4:49 p.m., effective January 1, 2020]
Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2020.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing regulations in the Nooksack River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000J; and amending WAC 220-312-040.
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 portions of the Nooksack River to the retention of hatchery steelhead because returns to the Nooksack River and to Kendall Hatchery are not meeting escapement goals. The closure is necessary to ensure natural escapement and hatchery broodstock goals are met. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: December 26, 2019.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000JFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-040, effective January 1 through January 31, 2020, the following waters are closed to the retention of hatchery steelhead:
(1) The Nooksack River from the mouth to the confluence of the North and South Forks.
(2) The North Fork Nooksack from the Highway 9 Bridge to Nooksack Falls.
(3) The Middle Fork Nooksack from the mouth to city of Bellingham diversion dam.
(4) The South Fork Nooksack from the mouth to Skookum Creek.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective February 1, 2020:
WAC 220-312-04000J | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. |