WSR 20-08-109

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 20-54—Filed March 31, 2020, 9:08 a.m., effective March 31, 2020, 9:08 a.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: The Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) is cancelling youth turkey hunts that start on April 4. WDFW is also delaying the opening of and hunter education instructor turkey incentive permits scheduled to open on April 1, 2020, until further notice. We will reassess to determine when the hunter education instructor turkey incentive permits can open. The next assessment will occur on April 6.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-416-010 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021 Small game and other wildlife seasons and regulations.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.12.240.

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: WDFW is cancelling youth turkey hunts and delaying hunter education instructor incentive permits that start on April 1 as part of an effort to help slow the spread of the CORVID-19 [COVID-19] coronavirus. This cancellation and delay is necessary to comply with Governor Inslee's recent statewide proclamation for all Washingtonians to stay home for the next two weeks.

There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rule.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: March 31, 2020.

Kelly Susewind

Director