Washington Administrative Code Title 220 - Fish and Wildlife, Department of
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 220 is a comprehensive set of regulations pertaining to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. This title is crucial for managing and conserving Washington's diverse fish and wildlife resources, as well as regulating various activities related to them.
It is structured into several main parts, encompassing a broad range of topics:
I. Department and Commission:
Chapter 220-101: Details the purpose of the department and the operations of the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Chapter 220-111: Covers rule-making procedures.
Chapter 220-120: Addresses public records access.
II. General Provisions:
Chapter 220-200: Contains definitions and general rules applicable across fish and wildlife management.
Chapter 220-220: Outlines general recreational licensing rules.
III. Fish:
This is a large section covering all aspects of fish management and fisheries, including:
Definitions and classifications of fish.
Management and catch reporting areas.
Marine preserves and conservation areas.
Rules for personal-use (recreational) fisheries, including specific rules for marine, freshwater, salmon, halibut, bottomfish, forage fish, and sturgeon.
Shellfish regulations, including personal-use and commercial rules.
Commercial fisheries, covering permits, licensing, reporting, and specific rules for various species and fishing areas (e.g., Columbia River, salmon, bottomfish).
Aquaculture.
IV. Wildlife:
This section covers wildlife management and hunting, with chapters on:
Definitions, classifications, and general wildlife rules.
Hunting regulations, including game management areas, reserves, permits, general rules, firearms and equipment, big game, small game, birds, and trapping.
Falconry.
Game farms and shooting preserves.
Wildlife management and interaction.
Wildlife in captivity and rehabilitation.
Commercial whale watching and paddle tours.
V. Department Lands:
Chapter 220-500: Contains general rules for lands managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
VI. Environmental Standards and Conservation:
This section focuses on environmental protection and conservation efforts, including:
State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA).
State and protected (endangered) species.
Volunteer cooperative fish and wildlife enhancement programs.
Regional fisheries enhancement groups.
Invasive/nonnative species.
Ballast water management.
Hydraulic code rules (Chapter 220-660), which are particularly important as they govern construction and activities in and around state waters to protect fish and wildlife habitats.
In summary, WAC Title 220 provides the regulatory framework for all activities related to fish and wildlife in Washington State, from fishing and hunting to habitat protection and environmental standards.
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