WSR 24-21-071

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 24-234—Filed October 14, 2024, 10:16 a.m., effective October 16, 2024]

Effective Date of Rule: October 16, 2024.

Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close recreational fishing in a portion of the Dungeness River.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-020.

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: Unseasonably dry weather has resulted in low water conditions in the Dungeness River system. This closure is necessary to protect Chinook eggs from disruption until river flows are higher and the eggs are more fully developed.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 11, 2024.

Amy H. Windrope

for Kelly Susewind

Director