Out and About: Wildlife dept. to host open house

WDFW invites the public to open house in Ridgefield

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has scheduled an open house for the Region 5 on Nov. 14 at the WDFW office at 5525 South 11th Street in Ridgefield. It will be an opportunity for the public to meet the new director, Kelly Susewind,

Specific topics will include an overview of the department’s work in the region, a summary of budget and policy proposals for the 2019 legislative session, and a discussion about how the department should position itself to address new, long-term challenges that affect fish and wildlife.

Last June, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to select Susewind as WDFW’s director.

“I am committed to the mission of the agency, and that means hearing from people who care about Washington’s fish and wildlife,” said Susewind. “I want to share what I have learned so far, but listening to people and their ideas is my main reason for inviting people to attend these events.”

Four-day razor clam dig begins Thursday

Razor clam diggers can return to various ocean beaches for a four-day opening beginning Thursday

State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig on evening low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates, and evening low tides:

• Nov. 8, Thursday, 6:57 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• Nov. 9, Friday, 7:36 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

• Nov. 10, Saturday, 8:15 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• Nov. 11, Sunday, 8:56 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

Diggers want to be sure to come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye on the surf, particularly in the fall when the best low tides come after dark.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2018-19 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website.

Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

Johnston Ridge Observatory closes for winter

Johnston Ridge Observatory closed for the winter season Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 6:00pm. It will reopen in mid-May. Visitors can still experience Mount St. Helens from State Hwy 504 at the Coldwater Learning Center, open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, operated by Washington State Parks, is open Thursday- Sundays through the winter and is about 5 miles east of I-5 on Hwy 504.

State Highway 504 will be gated and closed at the Hummocks Trailhead, just past the Coldwater Learning Center.