WSR 21-15-037
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-116—Filed July 13, 2021, 5:06 p.m., effective July 13, 2021, 5:06 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open gamefish seasons in the Hoh River and Hoh River, South Fork.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: 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: This emergency rule is necessary to open recreational gamefish seasons for the Hoh River, including the South Fork and are interim until permanent rules take effect. 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 at the 2021-22 North of Falcon proceedings. The current permanent rule is inconsistent with the agreed 2021-22 North of Falcon fishery sharing and conservation package. 2021-22 permanent rules for the Hoh River and Hoh River, South Fork, resulting from North of Falcon proceedings have been filed and will be effective August 1, 2021.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 13, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000LFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Effective immediately through July 31, 2021, provisions of WAC 220-312-020 regarding gamefish seasons for the Hoh River (Jefferson Co.) and Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson Co.) shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-020 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect (including rules regarding fishing from a floating device, internal combustion motor restrictions and statewide steelhead rules):
(1) Hoh River (Jefferson Co.): From the Olympic National Park boundary near the mouth upstream to the Olympic National Park boundary below mouth of South Fork Hoh River:
(a) Open immediately through July 31, 2021.
(b) Gamefish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except:
(i) Release wild rainbow trout.
(ii) Cutthroat minimum size 14".
(c) It is unlawful to use anything other than one single-point barbless hook.
(d) It is unlawful to use bait.
(2) Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson Co.): Outside the Olympic National Park Boundary:
(a) Open immediately through July 31, 2021.
(b) Gamefish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except:
(i) Release wild rainbow trout.
(ii) Cutthroat minimum size 14".
(c) It is unlawful to use anything other than one single-point barbless hook.
(d) It is unlawful to use bait.