WSR 20-06-046
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 20-37—Filed February 28, 2020, 3:26 p.m., effective March 2, 2020]
Effective Date of Rule: March 2, 2020.
Purpose: Amends recreational fishing rules for Willapa Bay tributaries.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-02000A, 220-312-02000B; 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 rule is needed to close fishing on all Willapa Bay tributaries. The preseason forecasted return of wild steelhead in these waters is projected to be below escapement goals. Concerns of meeting escapement goals have elevated due to potential increased pressure as anglers shift from the Chehalis Basin to other open waters. All waters within the Chehalis Basin closed to fishing February 17, 2020. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: February 28, 2020.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000BFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coastal.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-020:
a. Effective immediately through May 22, 2020, the following waters are closed to all fishing: Chehalis, Elk, Johns, Hoquiam, Newaukum, Satsop, Skookumchuck, Wishkah, and Wynoochee rivers and their tributaries, and Cloquallum and Elk creeks and their tributaries.
b. Effective March 2 through May 22, 2020, the following waters are closed all fishing: Willapa River; Forks Creek; Palix River and all forks; Nemah River North, South, and Middle; Naselle River and Bear River.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective March 2, 2020:
WAC 220-312-02000A | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coastal. (20-30) |
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective May 23, 2020:
WAC 220-312-02000B | Freshwater exceptions to statwide rules—Coastal. |