A short time ago, the state announced the go ahead for what might be the last razor-clam dig of the season.

Morning digs will be allowed on Long Beach and Twin Harbors from Tuesday-May 8. Mocrocks Beach will be open May 7-8.

No digging will be allowed on any of those beaches after noon.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife approved the dig after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on all three beaches are safe to eat.

Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish coordinator, said this may be the season finale because diggers have taken most of the razor …

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In all its press releases about the opening of the lowland lake trout season on Saturday, the state says about 300,000 people will head to lakes across the state.

That means some of our favorite lakes might be crowded.

Other people will be in a hurry to get on the water. People tend to make mistakes when they are trying to do things too fast.

If we let our anger rise, it could quickly spoil would otherwise be a great day.

So here are some things everyone who is headed out should remember:

• Pack your patience. If someone is

…

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High snowbanks along the roads in the Paradise area are causing concern among officials at Mount Rainier National Park.

The high snowbanks, created by the park’s road plowing operations, coupled with unseasonably high snowdepths, present a falling hazard above plowed roads and parking lots.

The parks is telling skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers to use extreme caution when playing in the Paradise area.

“Make sure you have scoped out your intended route before engaging in snowsports around the Paradise area. Parents should ensure children are kept away from all snowbanks above roads,” said a park news release.

There are currently …

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I was out of town Monday when this news release was issued by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife Monday released a new management plan designed to protect and restore rockfish populations in Puget Sound.

The Puget Sound Rockfish Conservation plan includes policies, strategies and actions designed to help restore and maintain abundance, distribution, diversity and long-term productivity of rockfish populations in Puget Sound.

Developed with input from an ad-hoc advisory group, the new plan includes suggestions made during an extensive public review process in 2009-10 that included 1,100 public comments received

…

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As work continues in preparation for removing the two Elwha River dams continues, Bureau of Reclamation dam managers will again lower the water level in the Lake Mills. The draw down will help accelerate erosion along a pilot channel created last fall.

The drawdown will begin within the next several days. Managers said they estimate the water level will drop approximately one-and-a-half feet each day until the reservoir is six feet lower than normal. This is expected to occur by the end of April.

The Lake Mills boat launch will be inaccessible and unusable for the duration of the drawdown. …

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It looks like folks wanting to recreate on state lands will have to purchase a new Discover Pass. Legislation creating the pass, which will cost $10 a day or $30 for a year, is awaiting the signature of Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Is the law takes effect, the pass would be required for most people wanting to recreate on lands owned or managed by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Parks and Recreation and state Department of Natural Resources.

Of the first $71 million generated every two years, 84 percent ($59.64 million) would go to State Parks. Eight percent …

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American Legion Post 171 will holding its 18th annual Fishing Derby April 30 on Mineral Lake. The derby coincides with the opening of the lowland lake trout fishing season.

The event will run from 12:01 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fish must be weighed no later than 12:30 p.m.

The winners will be announced at 1 p.m. at the Legion Hall in Mineral.

Derby tickets are $2 each.

The legion also will be offering an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast for $5. Breakfast will be available from 7-11:30 a.m. Lunch will start at 11:30 a.m. and the menu include hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, chips, soda …

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The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has started posting the fishing seasons that were approved last week at the meeting of the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

Here is the basic information for the seasons in the three areas of the South Sound. Note that there are some special closure regulations that are detailed in the rules pamphlet:

Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon)
June 1-June 30: Chinook – minimum size 22 inches. Other Salmon species – no minimum size. Daily limit 2 (combined). Release wild Chinook.
July 1-Sept. 30: Chinook – minimum size 22 inches. Other Salmon species – …

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