WSR 23-20-010
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-211—Filed September 21, 2023, 2:45 p.m., effective September 22, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: September 22, 2023.
Purpose: This emergency rule is needed to open Lake Sammamish for Chinook retention.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000T; and amending WAC 220-312-040.
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 needed to open Chinook retention in Lake Sammamish. Fish counts at Issaquah Hatchery and Ballard Locks indicate the Chinook return is strong enough to support a recreational fishery in Lake Sammamish.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 21, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000TFreshwater exceptions to statewide rulesPuget Sound.
Effective September 22 through November 30, 2023, provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding recreational fishing seasons for Lake Sammamish shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
Opens Lake Sammamish for Chinook retention. daily limit is 2 Chinook, minimum size 12 inches.
Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective December 1, 2023:
WAC 220-312-04000T
Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesPuget Sound.