WSR 24-20-070
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-211—Filed September 27, 2024, 9:06 a.m., effective September 27, 2024, 9:06 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to clarify the section of Columbia River from Wells Dam to Highway 173 at Brewster is open for sockeye retention only. Maintains seasons opening recreational coho retention in the Columbia River upstream of Priest Rapids Dam.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000V; and amending WAC 220-312-060.
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 clarify that the section of Columbia River from Wells Dam to Highway 173 at Brewster is open for sockeye retention only, through September 30. This stems from a previous rule (WSR 24-17-052) closing Chinook retention since the nontreaty harvest share had been met, and had unintentionally been left off of the most recent filing (WSR 24-20-015) opening coho seasons in surrounding areas of the Columbia 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 27, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000XFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Effective immediately, through October 15, 2024, the provisions of WAC 220-312-060 regarding recreational salmon seasons from Priest Rapids Dam to Chief Joseph Dam, shall be modified as described below, except in areas closed to fishing for salmon and steelhead year-round in WAC 220-312-060. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
(1) Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam: Immediately through October 15, 2024:
Salmon: Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult Chinook and no more than 2 coho. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
(2) Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam: Immediately through October 15, 2024:
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.
(3) Wells Dam to Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster: Immediately, through September 30, 2024:
Salmon: Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than sockeye.
(4) Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek (Douglas County side): Immediately through October 15, 2024:
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective immediately:
WAC 220-312-06000V | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River. (24-196) |