WSR 26-06-036
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-04—Filed February 24, 2026, 11:38 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of fish and wildlife (department) is considering amendments to chapter 220-440 WAC.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Based on RCW
34.05.330 (3)(b), the governor directed the fish and wildlife commission to initiate rule making related to wolf management by a letter dated January 12, 2024. In response to Governor Inslee's directive, the department is now considering amending and clarifying WAC 220-440-020 and 220-440-080.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) manages wolves in the federally listed portion of the state and Washington. The department will advise and seek input from USFWS on this rule making.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 855-925-2801, project code 5171, TTY 1-800-833-6388 or 711, email 2026wolfmanagementcr101@publicinput.com or rules.coordinator@dfw.wa.gov, website https://engage.wdfw.wa.gov/2026wolfmanagementcr101 or https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development.
Additional comments: Assistance for language translation, alternate format, or reasonable accommodation, contact Title VI/ADA compliance coordinator, phone 360-902-2349, TTY 1-800-833-6388 or 711, email Title6@dfw.wa.gov.
February 24, 2026
Scott Bird
Rules Coordinator