Subject of Possible Rule Making: Type Np (nonfish perennial) water riparian management zone buffers in chapter 222-30 WAC.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Pursuant to RCW 76.09.370(6), the forest practices board may adopt new rules protecting aquatic resources consistent with recommendations resulting from the scientifically based adaptive management process.

The board's adaptive management program is in the process of completing a series of six studies on the adequacy of current riparian buffers on Type Np streams. The adaptive management program is developing alternative recommendations, based upon the results of all of the Type Np studies, to present to the board. These recommendations may result in changes to the riparian management zone buffers associated with Np stream segments to ensure the buffers protect water quality and other aquatic resources from potential temperature increases.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The forest practices board's rules pertaining to water quality protection must be in agreement with the director of the department of ecology or the director's designee on the board (RCW 76.09.040).

Process for Developing New Rule: The timber/fish/wildlife policy committee alternatives may include Type Np RMZ rule recommendations to the board in 2022.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Patricia Anderson, P.O. Box 47012, Olympia, WA 98504-7012, phone 360-902-1413, fax 360-902-1428, email forest.practicesboard@dnr.wa.gov, website dnr.wa.gov.