WSR 23-15-014

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 23-118—Filed July 6, 2023, 5:18 p.m., effective July 8, 2023]

Effective Date of Rule: July 8, 2023.

Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open recreational sockeye seasons in Baker Lake.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-040.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.

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 emergency rule is needed to open seasons for sockeye salmon in Baker Lake.

A record number of sockeye have been trucked [tracked to] Baker Lake for this early in July. Due to the unprecedented number of early returning fish, the lake will open earlier than scheduled to maximize opportunity.

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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 6, 2023.

Amy H. Windrope

for Kelly Susewind

Director