Public Records Request

The Invasive Species Council values your right to access public records. Washington law requires that, on request, the council make identifiable public records available to the public for inspection and copying.

How do I make a public records request?

You need to make your request in writing, preferably on Form RCO 010 (Download printable form). The form may be faxed, hand delivered, e-mailed, or mailed to the Recreation and Conservation Office, which provides support for the council.

How long will it take for a response?

RCO will respond within five business days of receiving your request. Our response will either:

• Include the requested records.
• Acknowledge the request and, if necessary, ask for clarification.
• Give a reasonable estimate of how long it will take to provide the record.
• Deny the request and cite the legal reason for the denial.

What will it cost?

Inspecting council records is free. The records are available for inspection and photocopying (excluding legal holidays) Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. and from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. Please make an appointment by calling 360-902-3000 or for the hearing impaired, TTY 360-902-1996.

If you want copies of the records, the law allows state agencies to charge for the “actual costs” of producing public records. In some instances, advance payment may be required.

• Black and white copies, letter or legal size:  15 cents per page
• CD or DVD:  80 cents
• All other formats and mailing costs:  Actual costs incurred by agency

What records are exempt from disclosure?

Only records that are exempt by law may be withheld from disclosure. Common exemptions include the following.

• Archaeological Site Records: Maps or other information identifying location of site or sites. [Revised Code of Washington 42.56.300]
• Preliminary Documents: Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-agency memorandums in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended UNLESS cited publicly or within an official public record. [Revised Code of Washington 42.56.280]
• Personal Information: Information not related to disciplinary action or performance as a state employee (e.g., payroll records, examination questions, medical condition information, Social Security number, residence address, personal phone numbers, and personal e-mail addresses). [Revised Code of Washington 42.56.230, 42.56.250, 42.56.210(1)]
• Real estate appraisals: Real estate appraisals relative to the acquisition of property, until the prospective sale is abandoned or completed. [Revised Code of Washington 42.56.260]
• Farm Plans: Farm plans developed by conservation districts, unless permission to release the farm plan is granted by the landowner or operator who requested the plan, and farm plans developed under chapter 90.48 Revised Code of Washington and not under the federal clean water act, 33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq. [Revised Code of Washington 42.56.270]