WSR 22-15-026
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 22-134—Filed July 12, 2022, 10:44 a.m., effective July 12, 2022, 10:44 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to reopen recreational fisheries in a portion of the Skagit River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000I; and amending WAC 220-312-040.
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 rule is necessary to reopen recreational fishing a portion of the Skagit River. Previously scheduled dates for the treaty fisheries have concluded and the closure to avoid gear conflicts between recreational and treaty fishers is no longer necessary.
This rule also maintains salmon seasons for the Skagit River and Cascade River that were originally set in WSR 22-13-004 on June 1, and WSR 22-13-073 on June 9.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 12, 2022.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000JFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective immediately, through July 15, 2022, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding salmon seasons for the Cascade River, Nooksack River, North Fork, and Skagit River shall be modified during the dates and in locations listed and described herein. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:
(1) Cascade River (Skagit Co.): From mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge: Salmon: Effective immediately, through July 15, 2022:
(a) Daily limit 4 of which up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(b) Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect.
(2) Skagit River (Skagit Co.): From Hwy. 536 Bridge (Memorial Hwy. Bridge) in Mt. Vernon to the Dalles Bridge at Concrete: Salmon: Effective immediately, through July 15, 2022:
(a) Daily limit 2 sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye.
(b) Night closure in effect.
(c) Selective gear rules are not in effect for salmon.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective immediately:
WAC 220-312-04000I | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. (22-131) |