WSR 24-20-026
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-195—Filed September 20, 2024, 1:24 p.m., effective September 23, 2024]
Effective Date of Rule: September 23, 2024.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close recreational fishing in Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River, including their tributaries.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-020.
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 necessary to close recreational fishing seasons for the Hoh River, including the South Fork, including their tributaries. Low flows have resulted in coho and Chinook holding in the lower river and not moving upstream to spawning grounds. Returning salmon abundance will be monitored and fishing may be reopened as conditions change. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 20, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000LFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Effective September 23, 2024, until further notice, provisions of WAC 220-312-020 regarding fishing seasons for the Hoh River (Jefferson Co.), Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson Co.), and their tributaries, shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-020 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
(1) Hoh River (Jefferson Co.): From the Olympic National Park boundary near the mouth upstream to the Olympic National Park boundary below mouth of South Fork Hoh River, including all tributaries:
All species: Closed Waters
(2) Hoh River, South Fork (Jefferson Co.): Outside the Olympic National Park Boundary, including all tributaries:
All species: Closed Waters