WSR 24-15-004
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-119—Filed July 3, 2024, 3:58 p.m., effective July 4, 2024]
Effective Date of Rule: July 4, 2024.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to return Cowlitz River to permanent rules.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-03000U; and 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: This emergency rule is needed to return Cowlitz River to permanent rules beginning July 2, 2024.
The adult salmon daily limit on the Cowlitz River was reduced earlier in the year to help ensure that the Cowlitz spring Chinook broodstock collection goal was achieved. Hatchery broodstock collection goals are now expected to be met; a reduced daily limit is no longer needed.
Klickitat River and Lewis River rules remain in place, previously announced in WSR 24-14-048.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 3, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-03000VFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Southwest.
Effective July 4, 2024, until further notice, the provisions of WAC 220-312-030 regarding Klickitat River, and Lewis River salmon seasons shall be modified during times and as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-030 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
(1) Klickitat River (Klickitat Co.): Effective immediately, through July 31, 2024:
From 400 feet upstream from #5 fishway to boundary markers below Klickitat Salmon hatchery: Salmon: Closed.
(2) Lewis River (Clark/Cowlitz Co.): Effective immediately, through July 31, 2024:
From mouth to Colvin Creek: Salmon: Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective July 4, 2024:
WAC 220-312-03000U | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Southwest. (24-111) |