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Home » 2015 Issues » Vol. 2015, No. 10 (05/15/2015) » 15-10-066

  15-10-066  

  • WSR 15-10-066
    PERMANENT RULES
    DEPARTMENT OF
    FISH AND WILDLIFE
    [Order 15-99-Filed May 1, 2015, 12:53 p.m., effective June 1, 2015]
    Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
    Purpose: WAC 232-28-286 2016, 2017, and 2018 Spring black bear seasons and regulations, this rule making establishes the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Spring black bear seasons. The purpose is to: (1) Reduce tree damage by bears in western Washington; (2) disperse harvest geographically and reduce female harvest in southeastern Washington; and (3) reduce nuisance and damage activity in northeastern and southwestern Washington, while maintaining long-term sustainable populations in each Black Bear Management Unit (BBMU), except Puget Sound and Columbia Basin BBMUs. The anticipated effects of the rule are continued recreational harvest opportunities similar to 2013-2015 levels and long-term sustainable bear populations.
    WAC 232-28-288 2015-2017 Fall black bear hunting seasons and regulations, this rule making establishes the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Fall black bear seasons. The purpose is to provide recreational harvest opportunities for black bear, while maintaining long-term sustainable populations in each BBMU, except Puget Sound and Columbia Basin BBMUs. The anticipated effects of the rule are to maintain recreational harvest trends similar to 2012-2014 levels. The anticipated effect to the bear population is a long-term sustainable bear population statewide.
    WAC 232-28-297 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 Cougar hunting seasons and regulations, this rule making establishes the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 Cougar hunting seasons. The proposal establishes hunt areas and associated harvest guidelines for the entire state (except Columbia Basin and Puget Sound Cougar Management Units). The harvest guideline represents a sustainable twelve to sixteen percent harvest rate for each hunt area. The anticipated effects to the cougar population are to maintain a stable population and to maintain an adequate age structure for cougar populations equally distributed across the state.
    Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 232-28-286, 232-28-288, and 232-28-297.
    Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240.
    Adopted under notice filed as WSR 15-04-085 on February 2, 2015.
    Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 232-28-286, addition of superscript "d" to Hunt Name "Long Beach" in table displaying Hunt Areas, Permit Levels, and Season Dates for Each License Year. This change clarifies that the Long Beach area is a firearm restriction area.
    Change superscript "b" from "Private lands; access is extremely limited; firearm restriction area. If you cannot secure access to private lands, do not apply for these hunts." to "Mostly private lands; access is extremely limited. Please secure access prior to applying for these hunts." In the table displaying Hunt Areas, Permit Levels, and Season Dates for Each License Year. This change clarifies that most of the hunt area is private lands and that hunters need to gain permission from landowners prior to hunting. Additionally, the change removes the firearm restriction area reference for the entire area because only GMU 684 (Long Beach) is a firearm restriction area.
    Addition of superscript "d" to the bottom of table, reading "d Firearm restriction area." in the table displaying Hunt Areas, Permit Levels, and Season Dates for Each License Year. This change is needed because GMU 684 (Long Beach) is a firearm restriction area.
    WAC 232-28-297, changed the harvest guideline in fourteen hunt areas as follows:
    .
    For GMU 101 change the harvest guideline from 7-9 to 10-12.
    .
    For GMU 105 change the harvest guideline from 2 to 2-3.
    .
    For GMUs 108 and 111 change the harvest guideline from 5-6 to 7-8.
    .
    For GMU 113 change the harvest guideline from 4-6 to 6-8.
    .
    For GMU 117 change the harvest guideline from 6-8 to 8-10.
    .
    For GMU 121 change the harvest guideline from 5-6 to 6-8.
    .
    For GMUs 149, 154, 162, and 163 change the harvest guideline from 4-6 to 6-7.
    .
    For GMUs 145, 166, 175, and 178 change the harvest guideline from 3-4 to 5-6.
    .
    For GMUs 169, 172, 181, and 186 change the harvest guideline from 3-4 to 4-5.
    .
    For GMU 204 change the harvest guideline from 6-8 to 9-11.
    .
    For GMUs 218 and 231 change the harvest guideline from 4-6 to 6-7.
    .
    For GMUs 242 and 243 change the harvest guideline from 4-6 to 6-7.
    .
    For GMUs 249 and 251 change the harvest guideline from 5-6 to 7-8.
    .
    For GMUs 328, 329, and 335 change the harvest guideline from 6-8 to 8-10.
    The purpose of the change was to increase the harvest guideline from twelve to sixteen percent of the cougar population (excluding kittens) to seventeen to twenty-one percent in hunt areas that overlap known wolf packs.
    Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
    Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
    Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.
    Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
    Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
    Date Adopted: April 10, 2015.
    Brad Smith, Chair
    Fish and Wildlife Commission
    AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-11-078, filed 5/16/13, effective 6/16/13)
    WAC 232-28-286 ((2013, 2014, and 2015)) 2016, 2017, and 2018 Spring black bear seasons and regulations.
    It is unlawful to fail to comply with the provisions of this section. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410, 77.15.245, ((and)) or 77.15.280, depending on the circumstances of the violation.
    Who May Apply: Anyone with a valid Washington big game license, which includes black bear as a species option.
    Hunt Areas, Permit Levels, and Season Dates for Each License Year:
    Hunt Name
    Hunt Area
    Permitsa
    Season Datesb
    Sherman
    GMU 101
    ((25))
    50
     
    April 1 - June 15
    Kelly Hill
    GMU 105
    ((25))
    50
     
    April 1 - June 15
    Douglas
    GMU 108
    ((20))
    40
     
    April 1 - June 15
    Aladdin
    GMU 111
    ((25))
    50
     
    April 1 - June 15
    49 Degrees North
    GMU 117
    ((50))
    100
     
    April 1 - June 15
    Huckleberry
    GMU 121
    ((50))
    100
     
    April 1 - June 15
    Blue Creek
    GMU 154
    15
     
    April 15 - May 31
    Dayton
    GMU 162
    15
     
    April 15 - May 31
    Tucannon
    GMU 166
    5
     
    April 15 - May 31
    Wenaha
    GMU 169
    45
     
    April 15 - June 15
    Mt. View
    GMU 172
    15
     
    April 15 - May 31
    Lick Creek
    GMU 175
    15
     
    April 15 - May 31
    Couse
    GMU 181
    4
     
    April 15 - May 31
    Grande Ronde
    GMU 186
    5
     
    April 15 - May 31
    Bear Riverb
    GMU 681
    20
     
    April 15 - May 31
    Long Beachbd
    GMU 684
    20
     
    April 15 - May 31
    North Skagitc
    That portion of GMU 418 that is designated as the hunt area by DNR, Sierra Pacific, Longview Timber Lands, and Grandy Lake Timber company.
    30
     
    April 15 - June 15
    Monroec
    That portion of GMU 448 that is designated as the hunt area by DNR, Campbell Group, and Longview Timber Lands.
    25
     
    April 15 - June 15
    Copalis((a))
    That portion of GMU 642 that is designated as the hunt area by Rayonier Timber Company.
    100
     
    April 15 - June 15
    Kapowsin((a))c
    That portion of GMUs 653 and/or 654 that is designated as the hunt area by Hancock Forest Management and International Forestry.
    150
     
    April 15 - June 15
    ((Lincolna
    That portion of GMU 501 that is designated as the hunt area by participating commercial timber landowners.
    75
     
    April 15 - June 15))
    a((Spring black bear hunting seasons under this area constitute a pilot program to reduce black bear damage to trees.)) Permits are valid for the license year they are issued.
    b((Permits are valid for the license year they are issued.)) Mostly private lands; access is extremely limited. Please secure access prior to applying for these hunts.
    cSpring black bear hunting seasons to reduce black bear damage to trees.
    dFirearm restriction area.
    Bag Limit: One black bear per black bear special permit season.
    License Required: A valid big game hunting license, which includes black bear as a species option, is required to hunt black bear. One black bear transport tag is included with a big game hunting license that has black bear as a species option.
    Hunting Method: Hunters may use any lawful big game modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader equipment for hunting black bear. The use of dogs or bait to hunt black bear is prohibited statewide.
    Submitting Bear Teeth: Successful bear hunters must submit the black bear premolar located behind the canine tooth of the upper jaw.
    AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 12-12-006, filed 5/23/12, effective 6/23/12)
    WAC 232-28-288 ((2012-2014)) 2015-2017 Fall black bear hunting seasons and regulations.
    It is unlawful to fail to comply with the provisions below. ((Violators may be punished)) A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410, 77.15.245, ((and)) or 77.15.280 (1)(c).
    Black Bear Management Unit
    Season
    Hunt Area
    Coastal
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 501, 504, 506, 530, 601, 602, 603, 607-621, 636-651, 658-663, 672-684
    Puget Sound
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 407, 410, 454, 624, 627, 633, 652, 666, 667
    North Cascades
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 418-450, 460
    South Cascades
    Aug. 15 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Aug. 15 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Aug. 15 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 466, 485, 503, 505, 510-520, 524, 550-574, 653, 654
    Okanogan
    Aug. 15 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Aug. 15 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Aug. 15 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 203, 209-243
    East Cascades
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 244-247, 249-251, 328, 329-368, 382, 388, 578
    Northeastern A
    Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 101-121, 204
    Northeastern B
    Aug. 15 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Aug. 15 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Aug. 15 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 124-130
    Blue Mountains
    Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 145-154, 162-186
    Columbia Basin
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMUs 133, 136, 139, 142, 248, 254, 260-290, 371-381
    Long Island
    Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2012)) 2015
    Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2013)) 2016
    Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, ((2014)) 2017
    GMU 699
    Bag Limit: Two (2) black bear per annual hunting season, only one of which may be taken in Eastern Washington.
    Area Restriction: Special deer permit required to hunt black bear in GMU 485.
    License Required: A valid big game hunting license, which includes black bear as a species option, is required to hunt black bear. One black bear transport tag is included with a big game hunting license that has black bear as a species option. A second black bear transport tag must be purchased to take a second bear.
    Hunting Method: Hunters may use any lawful big game modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader equipment for hunting black bear. The use of hounds and bait to hunt black bear is prohibited statewide.
    Submitting Bear Teeth: Successful bear hunters must submit the black bear premolar tooth located behind the canine tooth of the upper jaw.
    AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-16-056, filed 8/1/13, effective 9/1/13)
    WAC 232-28-297 ((2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2014-2015)) 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 Cougar hunting seasons and regulations.
    (1) As used in this section and in the context of general cougar hunting seasons, "harvest guideline" means the estimated allowable harvest; the actual harvest may be less than or more than the harvest guideline.
    (2) General cougar season is September 1 to April 30 of the following year. Season dates and harvest guidelines for each ((license year)) season:
    Hunt Area
    Harvest Guideline
    Early Hunting
    Season
    Late Hunting
    Season
    Legal Weapon
    GMU 101
    ((7-9)) 10-12
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 105
    ((2)) 2-3
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 108, 111
    ((5-6)) 7-8
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 113
    ((4-6)) 6-8
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 117
    ((6-8)) 8-10
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 121
    ((5-6)) 6-8
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 124, 127, 130
    7-9
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 133, 136, 139, 142, 248, 254, 260, 262, 266, 269, 272, 278, 284, 290, 330, 334, 371, 372, 373, 379, 381
    None
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 149, 154, 162, 163
    ((4-6)) 6-7
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 145, 166, 175, 178
    ((3-4)) 5-6
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 169, 172, 181, 186
    ((3-4)) 4-5
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 203
    4-6
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - Mar. 31
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 204
    ((6-8)) 9-11
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 209, 215
    4-5
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 218, 231
    ((4-6)) 6-7
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 224
    2-3
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 233, 239
    3-4
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 242, 243
    ((4-6)) 6-7
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 244, 246, 247
    5-6
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 245, 250
    5-6
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 249, 251
    ((5-6)) 7-8
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 328, 329, 335
    ((6-8)) 8-10
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 336, 340, 342, 346
    5-7
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 352, 356, 360, 364, 368
    5-7
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 382, 388
    3-4
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 407
    None
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 418, 426, 437
    11-15
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 448, 450
    9-13
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 454
    None
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 460
    5-7
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 466, 485, 490
    2-3
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 501, 504, 506, 530
    7-10
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 503, 505, 520, 550
    6-8
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 510, 513
    3-4
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 516
    3-5
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 524, 554, 556
    3-4
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 560
    5-6
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU((s)) 564((, 568))
    ((3-4)) 2-3
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 568
    2-3
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 572
    3-4
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 574, 578
    3-5
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 601, 602, 603, 612
    5-7
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 607, 615
    4-5
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 618, 636, 638
    4-5
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 621, 624, 627, 633
    None
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 642, 648, 651
    6-8
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 652, 666
    None
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 653, 654
    4-6
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMUs 658, 660, 663, 672, 673, 681, 684, 699
    9-12
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    GMU 667
    3-4
    Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
    Jan. 1 - ((Mar. 31)) Apr. 30
    Any Legal Weapon
    (a) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, ((the director may close)) the cougar late hunting season may close on or after January 1st in one or more GMUs if cougar harvest meets or exceeds the guideline.
    (b) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, starting January 1st, cougar hunters may hunt cougar from January 1st until the hunt area harvest guideline has been met ((and the director has closed the cougar late hunting season)), and the department has notified licensed cougar hunters by posting the hunt area closure on the departments web site and on the toll-free cougar hunting hotline, or ((March 31st)) April 30th, whichever occurs first.
    (3) Harvest guideline system:
    (a) All cougar killed by licensed hunters during the early and late hunting seasons, and seasons authorized under WAC 232-12-243 shall be counted toward the harvest guideline.
    (b) Individual problem cougar will continue to be killed on an as-needed basis utilizing depredation permits, landowner kill permits, and WDFW depredation authority regardless of harvest guidelines.
    (c) It is each cougar hunter's responsibility to verify if the cougar late hunting season is open or closed in hunt areas with a harvest guideline. Cougar hunters can verify if the season is open or closed by calling the toll-free cougar hunting hotline or visiting the department's web site.
    (4) Cougar hunting season requirements and special restrictions.
    (a) A valid big game hunting license which includes cougar as a species option is required to hunt cougar.
    (b) The statewide bag limit is one (1) cougar per license year; excluding removals authorized under WAC 232-12-243. It is unlawful to kill or possess spotted cougar kittens or adult cougars accompanied by spotted kittens.
    (c) The use of dogs to hunt cougar is prohibited; except by a commission authorized permit (WAC 232-12-243).
    (d) Any person who takes a cougar must comply with the notification and sealing requirements in WAC 232-12-024.
    (e) A special cougar permit is required to hunt cougar in GMU 485.
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Effective Date:
6/1/2015