WSR 22-06-029
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 22-26—Filed February 23, 2022, 10:49 a.m., effective March 1, 2022]
Effective Date of Rule: March 1, 2022.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to reduce the adult salmon daily limits for the lower Cowlitz River and the Kalama River, and to close salmon seasons on May 1 in the lower Cowlitz River.
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: Preseason forecasts indicate a reduced adult salmon daily limit in the Cowlitz and Kalama rivers, as well as a shortened salmon season in the lower Cowlitz River are necessary to provide both spring Chinook angling opportunity and to meet broodstock and hatchery collection 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: February 23, 2022.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-03000FFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Southwest.
Effective March 1, until further notice, the provisions of WAC 220-312-030 regarding salmon seasons for Cowlitz River and Kalama 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:
(a) Effective March 1, through April 30, 2022: Daily limit 6, of which up to 1 may be an adult. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.
(b) Effective May 1, 2022, until further notice: Closed to fishing for or retaining.
(2) Kalama River (Cowlitz Co.); from the mouth to 1000 feet below the fishway at the upper salmon hatchery (Kalama Falls Hatchery): Salmon:
Effective March 1, 2022, until further notice: Daily limit 6, of which up to 1 may be an adult.