WSR 18-19-092

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 18-248—Filed September 18, 2018, 4:48 p.m., effective September 18, 2018, 4:48 p.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for Cowlitz and Washougal rivers.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: 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: This emergency rule is necessary because the Cowlitz and Washougal rivers fall Chinook salmon runs are tracking far below the preseason forecast and currently projected not to meet the hatchery broodstock goals. Closing the lower Cowlitz and Washougal rivers to Chinook salmon retention will increase the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and help ensure fishing opportunities in future years.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 18, 2018.

Nate Pamplin

for Kelly Susewind

Director