The public will have more time to review proposed changes to state sportfishing rules under an extended comment period announced today by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Under the new timeline, WDFW will accept written comments through Jan. 29 on the proposed regulations – more than a month longer than previously announced.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, which sets policy for WDFW, also has postponed a public hearing on the proposals until its February meeting in Olympia. Written testimony also can be submitted during that meeting.

The commission is now scheduled to take action on the proposed rule changes during its March meeting in Moses Lake.

Craig Burley, WDFW fish division manager, said the public hearing was postponed to allow for additional time to draft the rule language that the commission will consider.

“Making that change also gives people more time to review and provide comments on the proposals,” Burley said.

To review and comment on the proposed rules visit WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals/. Printed copies of the proposals and comment forms are available by contacting WDFW’s Fish Program at (360) 902-2672.

The website includes information on the nearly 70 proposed rules that WDFW fishery managers recommend move forward for further review and public comment, as well as information on proposals not recommended for further consideration.

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