WSR 17-12-115

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed June 7, 2017, 11:10 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering rule changes for wildlife conflict management and wildlife interactions.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.36.170, and 77.36.180.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Based upon recent changes in statute, the need to define general procedures and clarify the value of livestock, the department needs to amend its rules around conflict wildlife management and interactions.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Whereas wolf management involves United State[s] Fish and Wildlife Service and other governmental entities, the proposed amendments are specific to the Washington department of fish and wildlife process[es] and procedures.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Eric Gardner, Wildlife Program Assistant Director, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2515, fax (360) 902-2162, email Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by July 24, 2017. Expected proposal filing on or after August 1, 2017.

June 7, 2017

Scott Bird

Rules Coordinator