Clam digging opens Friday
LONG BEACH — Washington’s five razor clam beaches will be open for digging on Friday and Saturday.
Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks and Kalaloch will be open from noon to midnight. Twin Harbors also will be open on Sunday.
Low tide is at 0 feet at 3:40 p.m. on Friday and -0.4 feet at 4:31 p.m. on Saturday.
Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, said a large turnout is expected, noting that more than 22,000 diggers have been tallied on the beaches during previous New Year’s Eve events.
With a low tide on Friday at 3:40 p.m., diggers will get their first daylight opportunity of the fall and winter. Ayres recommends diggers begin about an hour before low tide.
“Next year the tides will be too high to offer any kind of digging opportunities over New Year’s,’’ Ayres said.
In January, the agency will release a tentative schedule of digging days for early 2011. Final approval depends on marine toxin tests.
Wildlife League meets Wednesday
The Vancouver Wildlife League will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2108 Grand Blvd.
Lisa Beranek from Clark Public Utilities will discuss habitat improvement efforts in the Salmon Creek watershed.
The public is welcome.
Ski area open until midnight
Mount Hood Meadows will operate its chairlifts until midnight on Friday as part of the ski area’s New Year celebration.
A fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 10:15 p.m. Reservations are required for a special dinner buffet and party, but not for night skiing or watching the fireworks show.
