WSR 23-22-122
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-244—Filed November 1, 2023, 7:40 a.m., effective November 1, 2023, 7:40 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to extend recreational salmon seasons in a portion of Cascade River.
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 extend recreational salmon seasons targeting coho in a portion of the Cascade River.
Cascade River coho returns have been greater than forecasted, and hatchery broodstock needs have been met. A harvestable surplus of coho exists in Cascade River.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 31, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000AFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective immediately through November 30, 2023, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding recreational salmon seasons for a portion of 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:
Cascade River (Skagit Co.): From mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge: Effective immediately, through November 30, 2023:
Salmon: Daily limit 4 coho. Release all salmon other than coho. Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect.