News release
Media contact: Ben Anderson, 360-902-0045
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is offering additional opportunity for the public to weigh in on proposed fish passage and screening rules intended to support salmon and orca recovery.
The proposed rule would formalize existing design standards for diversion screens and fish passage, introduce a climate-adapted design standard for water crossings, and outline procedures that support regulatory compliance. New rules are anticipated to go into effect late this year or early in 2024.
The comment period was originally scheduled to end Sept. 29, 2023; the public will now be able to provide comment through Oct. 30, 2023. The comment period is being extended to allow members of the public and partners ample time to submit their comments.
The public can see the proposed rules on WDFW’s website and provide feedback by email to fish-passage-rules@PublicInput.com, online, or by phone (855-925-2801 project code 4535).
The proposed rules are simultaneously undergoing a state environmental review process, referred to as a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. WDFW is accepting comments as part of that environmental review online and by email to FishPassageScreeningRules@PublicInput.com. Visit the WDFW website for more information.
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to hear a briefing and hold a public hearing on the proposed rules during its Oct. 26-28 hybrid meeting in October, and will consider adopting the proposed rule during its meeting in November. More information will be posted to the Commission webpage as it becomes available.
People with limited internet access can call the Habitat Program at 360-902-2534 to learn how to participate by phone and request print materials.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.