WSR 21-12-062
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-78—Filed May 27, 2021, 9:48 a.m., effective June 16, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: June 16, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open retention seasons for spring Chinook salmon in the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-060.
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: Summer Chinook and sockeye returns to the upper Columbia River are forecasted to be sufficient to provide this recreational opportunity. This action is consistent with comanager agreements reached in April during the North of Falcon season-setting process.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 27, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000NFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Effective June 16 through June 30, 2021, the provisions of WAC 220-312-060 regarding recreational salmon and steelhead seasons from the I-182 Bridge at Pasco/Richland upstream to Priest Rapids Dam, shall be as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
From the I-182 Bridge at Pasco/Richland to boundary markers 650 feet below the fish ladders at Priest Rapids Dam: Salmon:
Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook.