As part of National Park Week April 17 to 25, the National Park Service will waive admission fees to national parks. That means admission to places like Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks will be free that week.

Of the 392 national parks, 146 charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. The other 246 do not charge for admission.

The other national parks units in Washington that will waive entrance fees that week are Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Lewis & Clark National Historical Park and Whitman Mission National Historic Site. North Cascades National Park Complex does not …

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The state Department of Fish and Wildlife just announced that results of marine toxin tests confirm razor clams are safe to eat, clearing the way for the spring’s first razor-clam dig.

The dig will start Friday and run through April 1 on various beaches each day.

In addition to the changes on which beaches are open, this dig is unique in that it will start on evening tides and then change to morning tides on March 29.

Diggers also have to make sure they have a valid license. The current license is good through March 31, but a new license …

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Halibut anglers are the latest group to feel the effects of smaller numbers. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife just announced recreational anglers will have fewer days to catch halibut this year.

Although there is little halibut fishing in the South Sound anglers, both marines areas 11 and 13 will be closed. The areas, covering from the northern tip of Vashon Island south, will be closed to protect rockfish that may be caught incidentally by anglers fishing for halibut. Three rockfish species in Puget Sound are currently under consideration for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The largest …

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Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to enter their name in a drawing for a 2010 multiple-season permit, which can greatly increase their opportunities for success in the field.

In early April, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife will randomly draw names for 2,000 multiple-season deer permits and 600 multiple-season elk permits.

Among the advantages winners have is being eligible to purchase a special tag that allows them to participate in all general archery, muzzleloader and modern-firearm hunting seasons for deer or elk in 2010.

In addition:

• Multiple-season elk tags allow the bearer to participate in

…

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The U.S. Forest Service announced earlier today it would maintain discounts for passholders at Forest Service campgrounds operated by private businesses.

Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said his decision not to implement proposed changes means seniors and people with disabilities will continue to receive a discount at Forest Service campgrounds run by private concessions.

The service had proposed changes to discounts provided to holders of Golden Age and Golden Access Passports and Senior and Access Passes. Under the proposal, discounts at concession-operated campgrounds would have changed from the current 50 percent to 10 percent.

After considering public comments, …

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Washington Trails Association just announced it has hired Brian Windrope to be its new executive director. Windrope, who will begin work April 12, will take over the position from Elizabeth Lunney. She is stepping down after more than 10 years with the group.

The 41-year-old Windrope has been the director of philanthropy for the San Juan Preservation Trust the last three years. He has been living in Friday Harbor.

Windrope’s work history reflects a passion for wilderness and trails. He has a broad background in non-profit administration, including director positions with the San Juan trust, Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, …

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NOAA’s Fisheries Service said earlier today it is listing Pacific smelt as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

The move should come as no surprise to anyone who has tried dipping for smelt in places like the Cowlitz River the last several years. The season has dwindled along with the runs to the point where there were just four days of recreational dipping allowed this year in just the Cowlitz.

A “threatened” species is in danger of becoming endangered in the foreseeable future. An “endangered” species is one in danger of extinction in all or part of its range. …

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Entrance fees to Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge will be waived during the last two weekends this month. The $15 fee will be waived Saturday, Sunday and March 27–28.

Entrance fees will still apply at other park entrances; camping fees will remain in effect at the Heart O’the Hills campground.

“We understand the importance of Hurricane Ridge to our local and regional community, including anyone interested in snow sports, and we recognize the impact caused by the recent landslide and road closure,” Superintendent Karen Gustin said in a news release. “To celebrate the road’s reopening and coincide with special events …

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