WSR 26-10-042
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-12—Filed May 1, 2026, 11:58 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of fish and wildlife (department) is considering a recommendation to classify the desert striped whipsnake (Coluber-masticophis-taeniatus-taeniatus) as state endangered, threatened, or sensitive, as defined under chapters 220-610 and 220-200 WAC.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is evaluating whether the desert striped whipsnake should be classified as endangered, threatened, or sensitive due to the species' extremely restricted and contracted range, as well as threats from development, climate change, and invasive species on the remaining habitat and population.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
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 1463, TTY 1-800-833-6388 or 711, email 2026prsdssnakecr101@publicinput.com or rules.coordinator@dfw.wa.gov, website https://engage.wdfw.wa.gov/2026prsdssnakecr101 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 28, 2026
Scott Bird
Rules Coordinator