WSR 25-03-083
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-07—Filed January 15, 2025, 2:54 p.m., effective January 21, 2025]
Effective Date of Rule: January 21, 2025.
Purpose: This emergency rule returns Methow River and upper Columbia River to permanent rules.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000Y and 220-312-05000A.
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: This rule is needed to close recreational hatchery steelhead and coho harvest in Methow River and the mainstem upper Columbia River. The allowable incidental take (i.e., mortality) of wild steelhead will be at or near maximum limits by January 20. In addition, hook-and-line hatchery broodstock collection efforts for wild steelhead will begin in February. This break in pressure increases the likelihood of meeting broodstock collection goals in the time frame needed. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: January 15, 2025.
Kelly Susewind
Director
REPEALER
The following sections of Washington Administrative code are repealed, effective January 21, 2025:
WAC 220-312-06000Y | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River. (24-225) |
WAC 220-312-05000A | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside. (24-225) |