WSR 21-18-032
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-157—Filed August 23, 2021, 4:41 p.m., effective August 31, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: August 31, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to [close] a portion of the Skagit River to recreational fishing during dates listed.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-040.
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 necessary to avoid gear conflicts with treaty fisheries scheduled on dates listed. (August 31, September 1, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16, October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20, 2021.)
The Washington department of fish and wildlife asks anglers to respect tribal fishers and not to interfere with tribal fisheries. Conflicts that arise during on-going fisheries may necessitate additional time and area closures in the future to reduce conflicts.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: August 23, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000JFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective August 31 through October 20, 2021 recreational fishing seasons for the section of the Skagit River from the Hwy. 9 Bridge in Sedro Woolley to the mouth of the Baker River, shall be closed during dates listed below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:
Skagit River (Skagit Co.): From the Hwy. 9 Bridge in Sedro Woolley to the mouth of the Baker River: Recreational fishing is closed August 31, September 1, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2021.