WSR 17-22-002
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 17-284—Filed October 18, 2017, 12:34 p.m., effective October 21, 2017]
Effective Date of Rule: October 21, 2017.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for North Fork Toutle and Green rivers (Cowlitz County).
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-03000J; and amending WAC 220-312-030.
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: The returns of Chinook and coho salmon to the North Toutle Hatchery this year have been well below the forecasts. Washington department of fish and wildlife projects that with the current salmon fishing regulations on the North Fork Toutle and Green rivers, not enough coho or Chinook will reach the hatchery to meet egg take goals. Closing the salmon fishing season in these two rivers will increase the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and help ensure future hatchery returns.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 18, 2017.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-03000K Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesSouthwest.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-030, effective October 21, 2017, until further notice, salmon fishing is closed in waters of the North Fork Toutle River and the Green River (Cowlitz Co.).
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective October 21, 2017:
WAC 220-312-03000J
Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesSouthwest. (17-273)