WSR 20-13-018
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 20-65—Filed June 5, 2020, 4:55 p.m., effective June 6, 2020]
Effective Date of Rule: June 6, 2020.
Purpose: This rule is needed to close recreational fishing seasons on the Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-02000C; 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: Closing recreational fishing seasons for the Hoh River and Hoh River, South Fork is necessary to meet conservation objectives for wild summer Chinook in this river system. Preseason forecasts for the Hoh River summer Chinook returns indicate an expected return of eight hundred four fish, which is ninety-six fish short of the escapement goal.
The current permanent rule is inconsistent with the agreed 2020-21 North of Falcon fishery sharing and conservation package. The department is in the process of adopting permanent rules that are necessary to implement the state's share of the fishing plans agreed to with resource comanagers during the 2020-21 North of Falcon season setting process. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 5, 2020.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000CFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Effective June 6 through September 15, 2020, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-020 (41) and (42), regarding recreational fishing seasons for the Hoh River and Hoh River, South Fork, shall be as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-020 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:
(1) Hoh River from the Olympic National Park boundary near the mouth upstream to Olympic National Park boundary above Morgan's Crossing boat launch: Closed waters.
(2) Hoh River, South Fork, from mouth upstream to Olympic National Park boundary: Closed waters.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective September 16:
WAC 220-312-02000C | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast. |