OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on updates to a variety of fishing rules and regulations affecting state waters.
The proposed changes would have several effects, including reclassifying bull trout, Dolly Varden trout, eastern brook trout and lake trout from “trout” to “char,” closing a portion of Puget Sound to recreational sea cucumber harvest (including part of Marine Area 9 east of Port Townsend), and clarifying language and intent of other existing regulations.
The proposed updates are needed to clarify rules for the general public and align them with the latest science and conservation efforts. This latest effort follows a round of rule simplification completed in 2019.
“We know that fishing regulations can be confusing and we’re always looking to make the rules clearer,” said Kirt Hughes, head of WDFW’s fish management division. “At the same time, we have to be adaptive to ensure the regulations help in meeting conservation targets statewide.”
Anyone interested in providing feedback on the proposed rules can submit comment, as well as view the full list of proposed changes and reasoning for each proposal, at https:// publicinput.com/RecFishing.
For a hard copy of the proposed rules, people can call 360-902-2700.
The public will also have the opportunity to comment on the proposals during the Dec. 2-4 meeting of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting. A final date and time for that hearing will be available at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/ commission/meetings.
The comment period is open until Dec. 4, 2021. If adopted, the rules are expected to take effect in summer 2022.
Future Riders results
PORT ANGELES — The Future Riders C Squad had its first taste of defeat Saturday, falling 30-16 to Sequim. Despite the loss, the Riders defense came alive in the second half, led by Blake Botero, who had a safety and several quarterback sacks. On offense, Mason Martinez had a 60-yard catch and run on a pass from QB Hunter Stone for a touchdown. Dakota Schoville also got into the end zone for the Future Riders.
The B squad won 32-7, though the game was riddled with penalties and multiple touchdowns were pulled back due to flags. Linebacker Landon Eastman was the defensive MVP, blitzing for multiple sacks. Running back Cannon Free was the offensive MVP.
The A squad battled adversity all day. The A team fell just short of a furious comeback. In a nail-biter, Carson Waddel drove the offense to within 20 yards of a score. He attempted a throw to double-covered Jack Root as time ran out, but Sequim came away with an 18-14 win. It was a defensive battle from the start capped off by Logan Botero’s 50-yard pick six.
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