Out & About

Coastal razor clam season ramps up beginning Friday

LONG BEACH — Razor clam digging starts Friday on four Washington beaches.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Wednesday that marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.

Dates, beaches, and evening low tides for the digs are:

Friday, 6:56 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

Saturday, 7:36 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

Sunday, 8:17 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Monday, 9:00 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Tuesday, 9:48 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors

“We have a lot of clams available for harvest this year, and a favorable weather forecast for the upcoming dig,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager.

The next round of digging is scheduled Oct. 17-22, pending the results of future toxin tests.

Harvesters may take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 dug, regardless of size or condition. Each digger’s limit must be in a separate container.

A state license is required to dig. Several license options existing, ranging from a combination fishing license to a three-day razor-clam-only license costing $8.60.

Meeting scheduled here Nov. 4 regarding state hydraulics code

A public meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, to discuss proposed updates to the state’s Hydraulic Code, which governs construction work in and around state waters.

The Vancouver meeting is one of seven scheduled in October and early November.

Hydraulic Code rules were updated last in 1994 except for mineral prospecting, which were updated in 2008.

The proposed changes would update the requirements to stay current with fish science and design technology, streamline the review process for permit applications and remain consistent with state law.

The proposed rules — along with information for submitting comments via mail and email — are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/hpa/rulemaking.

Washington, Oregon lakes groups slates conference here

Registration is open for a conference on Oct. 16 to 18 at the Hilton Hotel Vancouver, 301 W. Sixth St., entitled Collaborative Lake Management.

A joint effort of the Oregon Lakes Association and Washington State Lakes Protection Association, the event costs $175 or $90 for students. Registration is available online at www.oregonlakes.org.

The conference is for water quality professionals and will cover topics such as water chemistry, aquatic weeds, aquatic invasives, urban lakes, nutrient management, fish mortality and other technical topics.

A field session at Vancouver Lake is planned.