WSR 21-19-046
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-187—Filed September 10, 2021, 9:41 p.m., effective September 16, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: September 16, 2021.
Purpose: Amends freshwater recreational rules for the Quillayute and Sol Duc rivers.
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 closure is necessary to protect wild summer coho returning to the system. The preseason forecast was for an expected return of less than 300 adults. The Quillayute watershed is experiencing record low flows causing fish to remain in the lower river. Fishing will reopen when flows increase, or stock assessment information suggests that wild summer coho have started their upstream migration. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 10, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000PFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-020, effective September 16, 2021 until further notice, the provisions of WAC 220-312-020 regarding angling seasons for Quillayute and Sol Duc rivers shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-020 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule.
(1) Quillayute River (Clallam Co.), from Olympic National Park Boundary upstream to confluence of Bogachiel and Sol Duc rivers – Closed to all fishing.
(2) Sol Duc River (Clallam Co.), from mouth to the Olympic National Park Boundary – Closed to all fishing.