WSR 21-21-010
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-226—Filed October 7, 2021, 4:55 p.m., effective October 9, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: October 9, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to increase adult coho portion of salmon daily limits in sections of the Cowlitz, Green, and Toutle rivers.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-030.
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: Coho salmon returns to the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and Toutle Hatchery have been above levels needed to meet broodstock collection goals for the hatchery programs. Increasing the adult coho limits on these rivers will provide additional fishing opportunities while still meeting program goals.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 7, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-03000EFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Southwest.
Effective October 9 through December 31, 2021, the provisions of WAC 220-312-030 regarding salmon seasons for Cowlitz River, Green River, and Toutle River, shall be modified during the dates and in areas as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-030 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
(1) Cowlitz River (Cowlitz/Lewis Co.); from the mouth to posted markers below the Barrier Dam: Salmon: Effective October 9 through December 31, 2021:
Daily limit 6. Release all salmon other than hatchery coho.
(2) Green River (Cowlitz Co.); from the mouth to posted markers approximately 400 feet below the Toutle Hatchery rack: Salmon: Effective October 9 through November 30, 2021:
Daily limit 6, of which up to 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
(3) Toutle River, North Fork (Cowlitz Co.); from the Forks to the fish Collection Facility: Salmon: Effective October 9 through November 30, 2021:
Daily limit 6, of which up to 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.