WSR 25-07-059
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-41—Filed March 13, 2025, 10:51 a.m., effective March 13, 2025, 10:51 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This emergency rule closes recreational fishing in an area immediately below Cle Elum Dam.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-050.
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 emergency rule is necessary to close a portion of Cle Elum River to recreational fishing. Ongoing construction of fish passage facilities near the dam, including planned in-channel work, is impacting both banks of the river. To reduce impact on fish life during construction, this reach of the river must be closed to angling until work is completed. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: March 13, 2025.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000BFreshwater exceptions to statewide rulesEastside.
Effective immediately, until further notice, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-050, regarding recreational fishing seasons for Cle Elum River shall be modified as follows. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-050 remain in effect unless modified by emergency rule:
Cle Elum River from the green bridge approximately 2,000 feet downstream of Cle Elum Dam, upstream to the Dam: Closed waters.