WSR 24-15-049
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-128—Filed July 15, 2024, 9:39 a.m., effective July 22, 2024]
Effective Date of Rule: July 22, 2024.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open sockeye retention in Lake Wenatchee.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-050.
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 sockeye salmon seasons in Lake Wenatchee. Based on current sockeye passage analysis at Tumwater Dam and mainstem Columbia River Dams, the Washington department of fish and wildlife projects a surplus of harvestable sockeye destined for Lake Wenatchee, well above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish. This fishery will be monitored closely and may close on short notice depending upon angler participation and harvest rates.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 15, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000SExceptions to statewide rules—Eastside.
The following provisions of WAC 220-312-050 regarding Lake Wenatchee (Chelan County) recreational salmon seasons shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-050 not addressed herein, and unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Lake Wenatchee (Chelan County): Effective July 22 through August 31, 2024:
(a) Daily limit 4 salmon.
(b) Release all salmon other than sockeye.
(c) Selective gear rules in effect.
(d) Night closure in effect.