Out & About: Local conservation club hosts monthly meeting

The Vancouver chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) will hold its monthly members meeting on Tuesday, March 10, at the Camas Meadows Golf Club.

The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.

The club always holds its meetings on the second Tuesday of the month.

Razor clam digs approved

Razor clam beaches will open again to clamming on Friday (March 6). Shellfish managers with the WDFW approved the evening digs after testing for marine toxins showed the clams were safe to eat.

The approved openers are for the following beaches, dates and low tides:

• March 6, Friday, 4:11 p.m., -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• March 7, Saturday, 4:59 p.m., -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• March 8, Sunday, 6:43 p.m., -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• March 9, Monday, 7:25 p.m., -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• March 10, Tuesday, 8:06 p.m., -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• March 11, Wednesday, 8:46 p.m., -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Digging is not allowed before noon when low tide occurs in the evening.

“With abundant clams and smaller crowds, this time of year is great for digging enthusiasts,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager in a news release. “The sun is setting later as spring approaches and diggers who head out early often fill their bags before dark.”

For a complete list of proposed digs on Washington beaches, check the WDFW razor clams page.

The weather is beginning to improve, but clam diggers are still reminded to practice safety when engaging in these evening and night-time digs. Always keep an eye on the surf, dig with friends, and come prepared with good lighting sources.

All diggers over the age of 15 must possess an applicable 2019-2020 fishing license.

By law, diggers may keep 15 clams a day and must keep the first 15 clams they dig. Everyone must also dig their own clams and keep them in a separate container by law.

Mount St. Helens climbing permits on sale March 18

Climbing permits for Mount St. Helens will go on sale Wednesday, March 18.

Between April 1 and October 31, the numbers of climbers are limited to protect the volcano’s natural resources. Permits are required to climb the mountain all year, but during the most popular season the permits must be bought in advance.

The permits will be issued on a first-come first-served basis. Visit www.recreation.gov for the permits.

The cost per person is $15 with a $6 permit reservation fee. The limit is 12 people per climbing group.

Permit holders must list all the climbers in the group by name. Permit holders may change the names and numbers of climbers up to 14 days in advance. Climbers must also carry ID with them during the climb.

Climbers can access up-to-date information on climbing conditions by visiting the Mount St. Helens climbing website.