WSR 20-19-087

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 20-195—Filed September 16, 2020, 1:57 p.m., effective September 16, 2020, 1:57 p.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: The purpose of this rule is to change the season dates for the Umtanum and Cleman Mountain A ram (male) only special permits from Sept. 15-Oct. 9 to Sept. 15-Oct. 31. The fire is currently ninety-five percent contained and is expected to stay within control lines and minimal spread is expected in the interior unburned islands. Although the fire is mostly contained, the area remains closed to public access. It is anticipated the area will reopen within the next two weeks. The season opener associated with these permits is September 15, which could result in hunters not being able to access a substantial portion of their hunt area during the first two weeks of their season. In response, the department is proposing to extend the season by approximately the same length of time. Doing so will still provide meaningful recreational opportunity without compromising conservation goals.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-415-120.

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

Other Authority: None.

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: Hunter access to the hunt areas associated with these special permits has been significantly impacted by the Evans Canyon wildfire. The fire has been nearly contained and the area is expected to be open to public access within the next week or two. Extending the season dates will replace opportunity that may have been lost during the early part of the season.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.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: September 16, 2020.

Kelly Susewind

Director