WSR 24-16-008

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 24-136—Filed July 25, 2024, 9:25 a.m., effective August 1, 2024]

Effective Date of Rule: August 1, 2024.

Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close Wenatchee River salmon seasons.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-05000T.

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 rule is necessary to close Wenatchee River salmon seasons.

The current and projected hatchery and natural-origin summer Chinook return to the Wenatchee River is below what is needed to meet minimum spawning escapement and broodstock objectives for the Wenatchee 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 24, 2024.

Kelly Susewind

Director