WSR 26-09-145
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-09—Filed April 22, 2026, 10:15 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of fish and wildlife (department) is reviewing the status for the North American lynx (Lynx canadensis), currently classified as endangered, and may amend rules in chapters 220-200 and 220-610 WAC.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In preparation for these rule changes, the department is reviewing all relevant data pertaining to the population status and factors affecting existence in Washington for the North American lynx. After the review, the department will make a recommendation to either maintain status, uplist, or downlist this species.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Federal and state agencies that regulate these species include the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Washington department of natural resources. The department will coordinate with appropriate agencies during the review period.
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 4911, TTY 1-800-833-6388 or 711, email 2026psrlynxcr101@publicinput.com or rules.coordinator@dfw.wa.gov, website https://engage.wdfw.wa.gov/2026psrlynxcr101 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.
April 22, 2026
Scott Bird
Rules Coordinator