Out and About: Clamming is shut down at Kalaloch

Clamming at Kalaloch is shut down

Due to the federal shutdown, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has rescinded three razor clam digs at Kalaloch beach that were set to occur Saturday through Monday.

“We are closing Kalaloch beach to razor clam digging in response to a request by Olympic National Park,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “Olympic National Park staff are not available to help ensure a safe and orderly opening in the area,” he added. WDFW and the park will consider alternate days to make up for this loss of harvest opportunity following the current federal shutdown.

Digs at three other beaches, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks and Copalis, will proceed as planned, Ayres said. State shellfish managers with WDFW approved those digs on evening low tides last week after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

The following beaches, dates, and evening low tides remain open to razor clamming:

• Thursday: 3:39 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Twin Harbors

n Friday: 4:30 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors

• Saturday: 5:18 p.m.; -1.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

n Sunday: 6:05 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

• Monday: 6:51 p.m.; -1.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, recommends that diggers hit the beach about an hour or two before low tide for the best results.

More information on planned digs can be found on WDFW’s razor clam webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/.

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 at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

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. (WDFW)

Washington, Oregon fish and wildlife commissioners meet to discuss Columbia salmon reform

Bi-state commissions discuss salmon reform

The public is invited to attend a meeting scheduled this month by members of the Washington and Oregon fish and wildlife commissions to discuss next steps in reforming salmon management on the Columbia River.

The meeting is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday in the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission Room, 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. S.E. in Salem, Ore. The public is welcome to observe the discussion, but will not have an opportunity to comment during the meeting.

The Joint-State Columbia River Salmon Fishery Policy Review Committee, which includes three members of each state’s commission, was formed to renew efforts to achieve management goals for Columbia River fisheries endorsed by both states in 2013.

The three delegates to the workgroup from the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission are commissioners David Graybill from Chelan County, Bob Kehoe from King County, and Don McIsaac from Clark County. The commission is a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Washington’s Comprehensive Evaluation of the Columbia River Basin Salmon Management Policy is available on WDFW’s website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/02029/.

To take effect, any new proposals endorsed by the workgroup would require approval by the full fish and wildlife commissions in each state, Lothrop said. (WDFW)

WDFW seeks public comments on proposed 2019-20 hunting seasons

WDFW seeks input on hunting seasons

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comments on proposed recommendations for the 2019-20 hunting seasons.

From Jan. 23 through Feb. 13, WDFW will accept written comments from the public to help finalize hunting rules and regulations proposed for the upcoming year. The proposals and comment forms will be posted on the department’s website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting.

Most of the proposals address minor changes in special permit levels and hunting area descriptions proposed since the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the state’s latest three-year hunting package in 2018.

“We encourage everyone interested in the upcoming hunting seasons to check the proposed changes and send us your comments,” said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager.

The commission, which sets policy for WDFW, will also accept public comments on the proposed recommendations at its March 1-2 meeting in Spokane. Final action by the commission is scheduled at a public meeting April 5-6 in Olympia.(WDFW).