WSR 23-12-035
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-86—Filed May 30, 2023, 7:25 a.m., effective June 1, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: June 1, 2023.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open spring Chinook seasons in the upper Skagit and Cascade rivers.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: 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 open salmon seasons in the Skagit River and Cascade River as agreed to with comanagers during the 2023 North of Falcon proceedings. Harvestable numbers of hatchery spring Chinook are forecast to return to Marblemount Hatchery. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 26, 2023.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000GFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective June 1, through July 15, 2023, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040 and regarding salmon seasons for portions of the Skagit River and Cascade River, shall be modified as described below. 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:
(a) Open Wednesdays through Saturdays. Closed Sundays through Tuesdays.
(b) Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(c) Night Closure in effect.
(d) Anti-snagging rule in effect.
(2) Skagit River (Skagit Co.): From the Hwy. 530 Bridge at Rockport to Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge): Salmon:
(a) Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
(b) Night Closure in effect.
(c) Anti-snagging rule in effect.