The public will have more time to review proposed changes to fishing rules for the Columbia River Basin 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 Nov. 13 on the proposed rules – about a month longer than previously announced.

In addition, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has postponed a public hearing on the proposals until its Dec. 12-13 meeting in Olympia. Written testimony can also be submitted during that time.

The commission, which sets policy for WDFW, is scheduled to take action on the proposed rule changes in a January meeting.

Fisheries managers have recommended 32 of the proposals submitted by the public in May move forward for additional review. To review and comment on the proposed rules, visit WDFW’s webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals. The webpage has more information about the proposals as well as those not recommended for further consideration.