WSR 21-20-121
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-222—Filed October 5, 2021, 11:26 a.m., effective October 16, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: October 16, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open additional salmon retention days on the Columbia River from the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing to 650 feet below the fish ladder at Priest Rapids Dam.
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: This emergency rule is needed to extend fall Chinook and coho retention in the Columbia River from the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing to 650 feet below the fish ladder at Priest Rapids Dam.
Returns of Hanford Reach Up-River Bright fall Chinook and upper Columbia River-bound coho salmon are sufficient to meet conservation objectives and to provide an additional weekend for sport angler harvest in the upper section of the Hanford Reach, which was originally scheduled to close at the end of the day October 15.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 5, 2021.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000DFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia
Effective October 16 through October 17, 2021, provisions of WAC 220-312-060 regarding Columbia River salmon seasons from the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing to 650 feet below the fish ladder at Priest Rapids Dam are modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
From the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing to 650 feet below the fish ladder at Priest Rapids Dam: Salmon:
Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.