Public invited to propose rule changes for 2010-11 recreational fisheries

OLYMPIA - People with ideas on how to improve the state's sportfishing rules can submit their proposals to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) through June 1.

Proposals will be evaluated by fishery managers as they develop potential changes to the 2010-11 sport fishing rules. The proposed changes will be available for public review and comment in early September.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, which sets policy for WDFW, is scheduled to be briefed on the rule proposals at its Oct. 2-3 public meeting in Olympia. The final opportunity for written and oral public comment on the proposed sportfishing rules will be during the commission's Nov. 6-7 public meeting in Olympia.

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The commission will take final action on the 2010-11 sportfishing rule changes during a public meeting next February.

Information about the sportfishing rule change process and forms needed to submit proposals are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/rule_proposals/. A rule-change packet also can be requested by calling (360) 902-2700.

Proposals must be received by June 1 to be considered in this process.

The website and rule change packet both include a timeline for rule adoption, a proposal form with instructions, and information about standard seasons and other season-setting processes, such as the annual North of Falcon salmon-season forum.