WSR 18-15-050

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 18-158—Filed July 13, 2018, 2:58 p.m., effective July 13, 2018, 2:58 p.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: Closes Elwah River and tributaries to all fishing.

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: This rule is necessary to close the Elwah River and its tributaries, which were intended to remain closed as part of the fishing moratorium that is currently in effect on the Elwha mainstem and all tributaries to help facilitate the recolonization of the Elwha River system following removal of two dams. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 13, 2018.

Joe Stohr

Director