WDFW accepting public comment on proposed rule updates for commercial crop damage claims

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is accepting public feedback on proposed updates to rules related to the state’s commercial crop damage claim process, including a proposal to allow WDFW to use state-licensed crop damage claim adjusters who do not have a federal crop certification. The public is invited to submit comments about the proposed rule through Monday, May 19.

If adopted, the proposal would allow the Department to contract with state-licensed crop damage claim adjusters with verifiable deer and elk damage investigative experience when processing commercial crop damage claims. The updated rule would also provide clarity around the claim and assessment processes, including fees and repayments, timeline adjustments for additional assessment, and consideration for deer or elk damage appeals.

Recent declines in the availability of federally certified crop adjusters limits WDFW’s ability to comply with the existing rule, which specifies that the Department must use federally certified crop adjusters. It has become difficult to find contractors with the proper certification unless one also works with federal crop insurance claims. The state claim process is not considered federal crop insurance.

A copy of the rule making proposal is available on WDFW’s website. The public can submit comments online, by email, by phone (855-925-2801, project code 11174), or by mailing written comments to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: WDFW Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission will accept public comments on the proposed rule change at a public hearing scheduled during its hybrid May 15 to 17 meeting in Sequim. Information on how to register to provide comments during the meeting will be made available on the Commission Meeting webpage. A decision is tentatively scheduled for the June meeting.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.