WSR 20-09-042

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 20-56—Filed April 8, 2020, 8:40 a.m., effective April 8, 2020, 8:40 a.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: The Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) is delaying turkey hunts that start on April 15, 2020, until further notice. We will reassess to determine when the turkey season can open.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-416-010 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021 Small game and other wildlife seasons and regulations.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.12.240.

Other Authority: None.

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: WDFW is delaying turkey hunts that start on April 15 as part of an effort to help slow the spread of the CORVID-19 [COVID-19] coronavirus. This delay is necessary to comply with Governor Inslee's recent statewide proclamation to extend "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" for all Washingtonians through May 4.

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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: April 8, 2020.

Kelly Susewind

Director