WDFW Announces Simplified HPA Application

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced the availability of a new "simplified application" for hydraulic permits.

According to the news release:

The department developed the simplified application to reduce the amount of time it takes for applicants to fill out an application for a routine, simple project permit, said Randi Thurston, WDFW protection division manager. 

According to the rules, "mineral prospecting" is one of the project types for which the new form may be used.  In addition, it appears that mineral prospecting and mining are still exempt from the $150 HPA fee as are "pamphlet permits" such as the Gold & Fish pamphlet.

A FAQ regarding the simplified application as well as links to download copies in both PDF and MS Word are at the link here.