JOYCE — Here there be whales.
That’s the message of new signs installed along the Whale Trail, a string of marked locations in Washington state where visitors are likely to see whales in coastal waters.
A dedication of a sign at Salt Creek Recreation Area from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday will celebrate the opening of the project, which establishes the state’s first network of viewing sites for whale watching.
The free program will feature the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, environmental displays and refreshments along with the dedication of the sign, which is positioned in the northwest corner of the park, near the stairs leading to Tongue Point.
The site overlooks Crescent Bay, where gray whales are often seen.
Along state Highway 112, other Whale Trail signs — each specific to its location — have been installed at Freshwater Bay County Park, the Sekiu Overlook and Shipwreck Point.
The 20 locations that have been pinpointed on the Whale Trail so far also include Cape Flattery, LaPush, Port Townsend Marine Science Center and Dosewallips State Park.
Each site will include a marker, informational signs and community artwork.
Whale Trail locations will be published on a printed map and on a website. The project will be finished in three phases, to be completed by 2013.
Partner organizations are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, state Department of Fish and Wildlife, People For Puget Sound, Seattle Aquarium, the Whale Museum and the Coast Watch Society.
Local partners and sponsors include the Clallam County parks division, Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway Association and the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau.
For more information, visit www.thewhaletrail.org, e-mail info@thewhaletrail.org or contact Laura Vanderpool, Parsons Public Relations, at 206-789-5668 or media@thewhaletrail.org or Michelle Little, Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway Association, at 360-417-1301 or michelledlittle@gmail.com.
