WSR 97-22-091

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

(Wildlife)

[Filed November 5, 1997, 8:24 a.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 97-19-027.

Title of Rule: To adopt WAC 232-12-069 Transport tag fees for black bear and cougar.

Purpose: Adopt new WAC 232-12-069 Transport tag fees for black bear and cougar.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.040.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.32.340.

Summary: The WAC establishes transport tag fees for black bear and cougar.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Authority to establish transport tag fees for black bear and cougar was provided to the Fish and Wildlife Commission during the last legislative session.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Dave Brittell, Assistant Director, Wildlife Management, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Ron Swatfigure, Assistant Director, Enforcement, Olympia, (360) 902-2932.

Name of Proponent: Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: Based on the passing of Initiative 655 and the anticipated reduction in black bear and cougar harvest, we propose to reduce fees to stimulate hunter purchase of tags, thus increasing the incidental harvest of these species. This new WAC establishes transport tag fees for black bear and cougar resident and nonresident hunters. The proposed fee for resident and nonresident black bear transport tags is $15.00 and $150.00, respectively. The proposed fee for resident and nonresident cougar transport tags is $5.00 and $50.00, respectively.

Proposal does not change existing rules. See above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule does not affect small business.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption.

Hearing Location: Red Lion Inn, North 1100 Sullivan Road, Spokane, WA 99220, phone (509) 924-9000, on December 12-13, 1997, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Nelson by November 30, 1997, TDD (360) 902-2207, or (360) 902-2267.

Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Evan Jacoby, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, FAX (360) 902-2940, by November 30, 1997.

Date of Intended Adoption: December 13, 1997.

November 5, 1997

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator

NEW SECTION

WAC 232-12-069 Transport tag fees for black bear and cougar. Fees for black bear and cougar transport tags shall be as follows:

(1) The fee for a resident black bear tag is fifteen dollars. The fee for a non-resident black bear tag is one hundred fifty dollars.

(2) The fee for a resident cougar tag is five dollars. The fee for a non-resident cougar tag is fifty dollars.