THE STATE GAVE the go-ahead for another round of razor clam digs at several ocean beaches this weekend.
Conspicuously absent from that list, however, is Kalaloch Beach inside Olympic National Park.
As I’ve detailed several times before in this column space, the status of Kalaloch’s razor clams has been a subject of debate between state, tribal and park biologists.
A summer stock assessment done by tribal and state biologists showed a decline in the population from last year to this year.
The question as to how that would affect digging at Kalaloch this season — namely, if there would be a sport harvest — has yet to be completely answered.
And now, even as Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks open to afternoon digging for the second time this fall, there are still ongoing discussions as to when or if the beach will open to digs during the 2011-12 season.
Ron Warren, regional fish program manager for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, said a decision could be made in the next couple of weeks.
“We’re in continued discussions with Olympic National Park and trying to come to a decision that’s best for the resource,” Warren said.
“We’re getting closer and hope to make that announcement within the next couples of weeks.”
The two parties now discussing what’s best for the resource are state and park biologists.
Tribal representatives have already talked over their season with the state (and, yes, they are having one.)
Warren would not give specifics about what is currently being discussed by the two managing parties.
But it seems safe to assume based on previous statements that there’s likely some disagreement about how long the season ought to be.
Park coastal ecologist Steve Fradkin could not be reached for comment.
As for the delay, “I think it’s just been a work load issue between the park and the state in trying to hammer it out,” Warren said.
For those willing to make the drive down to Long Beach, Twin Harbors or Mocrocks this weekend, there will be afternoon digs Friday and Saturday.
Diggers are encouraged to start digging an hour or two before the evening low tide.
On Friday, a low tide of minus 0.4 feet will occur at 6:48 p.m. The low tide Saturday will be minus 0.4 feet at 7:23 p.m.
“This season’s tides are not as favorable as those in the past few years,” state coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres said in a news release.
“Low tides will occur later in the day, so diggers will have to be prepared for the dark during evening digs in fall and winter.”
For more information on razor clam digging, visit http://tinyurl.com/2avte8x.
Winterfest coming
The official kick off to the winter sports season is right around the corner, with Winterfest scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19.
The annual Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club fundraiser typically includes a live auction and silent auction, and this year will be no different.
Among the items that will be up for bid are a number of Western Washington ski packages, a trip to Maui, custom ski chairs made by Russ Morrison and back country ski gear.
Of course, there will be many other pieces to bid on at the event, which also includes a prime rib dinner, live music and a showing of the top movies from last year’s VideOlympics outdoor film contest.
Tickets are $45 in advance and can be purchased at Swain’s General Store, Necessities & Temptations, Brown’s Outdoor and Brian’s Sporting Goods and More in Sequim.
There is also a special deal for a community table of eight, which costs $320.
Those waiting until the last minute will have to pay $50 at the door.
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Matt Schubert is the outdoors and sports columnist for the Peninsula Daily News. His column regularly appears on Thursdays and Fridays. He can be reached at matt.schubert@peninsuladailynews.com.
