Rule making
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife offers several ways to participate in and comment on proposed rules. WDFW's rule-making activity is governed by state laws, including:
- The Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW) requires that agencies conduct a process that ensures public involvement opportunities and considers the economic impact of its rules.
- The Regulatory Fairness Act (chapter 19.85 RCW) requires agencies to consider disproportionate impacts of rules on small businesses.
- The State Environmental Policy Act (chapter 197-11 WAC) requires agencies to consider environmental impacts of rules.
Current rule-making activity
See WDFW's current rule-making proposals.
Permanent rules adopted by WDFW
These rules have gone through the rule development process and have been adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission or WDFW's Director.
Emergency rule changes
These are critical rule changes that require immediate action and are good for 120 days or less.
Pending rule-making
These rule proposals have not been formally withdrawn, but rule-making has been halted on these proposals until further notice.
North of Falcon Process
Information about meetings, comments, and other background useful to rule making for North of Falcon fisheries.
Columbia River Compact Process
Information about meetings, comments, and other background useful to rule making for Columbia River Compact fisheries.
How to participate
The public is offered opportunities to comment as part of WDFW's rule-making process.
Rule-making glossary
Some phrases and terms commonly used during the rule-making process.