MEMORANDUM NO. 056-16M LEARNING AND TEACHING

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October 7, 2016

October 7, 2016 ( ) Action Required

( X ) Informational

MEMORANDUM NO. 056-16M LEARNING AND TEACHING

TO: Educational Service District Superintendents

School District Superintendents

School Building Principals

School Public Relations Professionals

FROM: Randy I. Dorn, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

RE: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Permit to Transport and Possess Red Swamp Crayfish for School Curriculum Use

CONTACT: Ellen Ebert, Learning and Teaching Science Director

360-725-4962 or

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has issued a limited permit to transport and possess Red Swamp (Procambarus clarkii) crayfish for school science curriculum use from September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017. A long-term solution will be developed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife in consultation with education and science stakeholders across the state.

The attached letter/permit serves as a limited permit for Washington schools, school districts, and biological supply businesses to transport and possess the prohibited aquatic animal species Procambarus clarkii (common names Louisiana or Red Swamp crayfish). This permit is valid only for the dates listed below and only if all provisions are followed.

Please disseminate as appropriate.

Permit valid: September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017

Provisions: 1. Restricted to species Procambarus clarkia;

2. Possession and transportation for use by Washington State schools and school districts;

3.  Species may only be used for established 2016–17 science curriculums requiring live crayfish;

4.  Crayfish must bekept in secure facilities and containers to prevent escape or release;

5.  Upon completion of the curriculum all nonnative crayfish must be euthanized and either preserved or properly disposed; and

6.  Release is prohibited.

MEMORANDUM NO. 056-16M LEARNING AND TEACHING

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October 7, 2016

Please contact Ellen Ebert at 360-725-4962 or email , if you have any questions regarding this memorandum. The agency TTY number is 360-664-3631.

K–12 EDUCATION

Gil Mendoza, Ed.D.

Deputy Superintendent

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Kathe Taylor, Ph.D.

Assistant Superintendent

RD:ss

Attachments: WDFW Letter and Permit

OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631; or P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200; or .