WSR 20-14-002
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 20-113—Filed June 17, 2020, 12:21 p.m., effective June 18, 2020]
Effective Date of Rule: June 18, 2020.
Purpose: The purpose of this rule is to return salmon and steelhead rules for the Wind River and Drano Lake to permanent rules. This rule also carries forward emergency rules previously put in place regarding salmon seasons for Cispus River, Cowiltz [Cowlitz] Falls Reservoir, Cowlitz River, and Kalama River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-03000P and 220-312-03000Q; and amending WAC 220-312-030.
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 repeal closures to salmon and steelhead seasons for Wind River and Drano Lake and return them to permanent rules. The Washington department of fish and wildlife closed the Wind River and Drano Lake to salmon and steelhead angling beginning June 1, 2020, to provide additional broodstock for hatcheries in the Columbia and Snake River basins that can utilize "Carson stock" spring Chinook in their programs. Fishery comanagers have indicated that the broodstock collection needs for these programs have been met at Carson and Little White Salmon National Fish Hatcheries, therefore continued the closure of Wind River and Drano Lake salmon and steelhead fisheries is no longer needed. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 17, 2020.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-03000QFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Southwest.
Effective June 18 through June 19, 2020, the provisions of WAC 220-312-030 regarding salmon seasons for Cispus River, Cowlitz Falls Reservoir, Cowlitz River, and Kalama River shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-030 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
1)Cispus River (Lewis Co.): Chinook salmon: closed.
2) Cowlitz Falls Reservoir (Lake Scanewa) (Lewis Co.): Chinook salmon: closed.
3) Cowlitz River (Cowlitz Co.): Chinook salmon: closed.
4) Kalama River (Cowlitz Co.): From the mouth upstream to 1000 feet below the fishway at the upper salmon hatchery:
Salmon: Daily limit 6; up to 1 may be an adult. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective June 18, 2020:
WAC 220-312-03000P | Southwest—Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules. (20-108) |
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective June 20, 2020:
WAC 220-312-03000Q | Southwest—Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules. (20-113) |