Periodic Status Review - Western Gray Squirrel

Rule-making status: Permanent
Rule-making reference: #P2023-09

Summary of proposed rule

This rule amendment proposal, if adopted, reclassifies the western gray squirrel from threatened to endangered.

Scope and rationale for proposed rule

Anticipated effects include communicating a higher level of conservation concern for the species, their conservation needs, and recovery actions with partners and the public. Additionally, there is also an increased penalty for unlawful taking under RCW 77.15.120.

Finally, the western gray squirrel already has a recovery plan required by WAC 220-610-110.

If the status change is adopted, western gray squirrel will be removed from the list of threatened species in WAC 220-200-100 “Wildlife classified as protected shall not be hunted or fished” and added to the list of endangered species under WAC 220-610-010.

Public comments

To view and submit comments, please visit the PSR - Western Gray Squirrel public engagement page

You may also leave comments by sending an email to gray-squirrel@PublicInput.com or by leaving a voicemail message at 855-925-2801 and entering project code 6483.

Comments will be accepted until the end of the comment period on October 27, 2023.

Public hearing

October 27-28, 2023 at 8 AM

In person at:
NRB - 1111 Washington Street S.E.
Olympia WA  98501
Room 172

And online via Zoom Webinar

Information on how to register to testify at the public hearing is available at:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission.meetings, or contact the Commission office at (360)-902-2267.

Date of intended adoption:  On or after November 17, 2023

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

This rule making is undergoing SEPA review in accordance with Chapter 43.21C RCW. The SEPA comment period will run concurrently with the rule making comment period. For more information, please visit the WDFW's SEPA page.

To comment on the SEPA Determination, please visit the PSR - Western Gray Squirrel public engagement page.

For more information

Assistance for additional accessibility and persons with disabilities contact:
833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.