Rule Making Reference# P2023-09
This rule amendment proposal, if adopted, reclassifies the western gray squirrel from threatened to endangered.
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.
Documents
- CR-102 - Continuance – filed as WSR 23-19-043 on Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103P – filed as WSR 23-24-005 on Concise Explanatory Statement: Western Gray Squirrel
CR-103P supplemental documents
SEPA information
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.
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
For more information
Staff Contact: Heather.Bonagofski@dfw.wa.gov
Assistance for Additional Accessibility and Persons with Disabilities Contact:
Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator
Phone: (360) 902-2349, TTY: 1-800-833-6388 OR 711
Email: Title6@dfw.wa.gov
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.