(1) There is no fee for inspecting public records.

(2) Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120(2), the department finds that it is unduly burdensome to calculate the actual costs that it charges for providing copies of public records for the following reasons: (a) Funds were not allocated for performing a study to calculate such actual costs and the department lacks the necessary funds to perform a study and calculations; staff resources are insufficient to perform a study and to calculate such actual costs; (b) a study would interfere with and disrupt other essential department functions. The department may charge fees for production of copies of public records consistent with the fee schedule established in RCW 42.56.120 and as published in the department's fee schedule available on the department website at http://wdfw.wa.gov.

(3) Before copying requested public records, the public records officer or designee may require a deposit of up to ten percent of the estimated costs of copying all of the records. The public records officer or designee may also require payment of the remainder or an installment of the copying costs before providing all of the records.

(4) The department will not release any requested copies of public records unless and until the requestor has paid all copying and other charges as set forth in this section.

(5) The department may determine whether customized electronic access to public records is required if the department estimates that the request would require the use of information technology expertise to prepare data compilations, or provide customized electronic access services when such compilations and customized access services are not used by the department for other department purposes. The department will charge the actual costs, including staff time and outside vendor costs necessary to reimburse the department for providing customized electronic access services.

(6) The department may waive any charges for providing public records at the discretion of the public records officer. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis.

(7) Payment. Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order to the Washington department of fish and wildlife.