Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Cool, clear air. Sparkling stars on velvet sky. Heady fragrance of pine. Soft breeze. Gentle stream songs. Delicious aromas of brewing coffee, of sizzling bacon. Silence. Peace. Refreshment. These are some of the descriptors I could use as I remember my days of camping in Washington State and in Alberta, Canada. Mind you, I could also say "cold", "freezing", "chilling", but those would apply to late-season camping in the Northwest. Not here in the Southwest. In fact, generally that is one of... Full story
More Hidden Cost Of An Open Border I finally broke down today and called my insurance company to find out why my automobile premiums have tripled in the past to 18 months. His answer was enlightening. His answer was enlightening. His answer showed me on of the costs to citizens I had not thought of before. My insurance agent started off talking in generalities of how cost are rising with all products and services. He even said that if I were to agree to electronic payments (them taking payments... Full story
Here's how to get boaters to stay and spend. Many waterfront towns don't make it easy for visiting boaters to stay and spend. It's not their fault. Protected, safe harbors as well essential boating services such as fuel, utilities and bathrooms, are beyond the price tag for a local town, marina or boat club budget. However, a federal program first championed by Boat Owners Association of The United States in 1998, the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, has proven effective in... Full story
The focus is on boating-centric inland lakes with distinction. There are 123,439 freshwater lakes – those water bodies generally larger than 20 acres – in the continental United States. Which ones may be best for recreational boating? BoatUS Magazine senior editor Rich Armstrong and contributing editor Fiona McGlynn consider the question in the magazine's February/March issue with the feature "Freshwater America," which highlights nine boating-centric lakes from New York to Washington. "Am... Full story
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the national advocacy, services and safety group with more than 700,000 members, weighed in on a range of boating issues, debates and legislation affecting recreational boaters in 2020. As the boater's advocate, BoatUS brought the unique perspective and needs of the recreational boat owner to local governments, halls of state capitals and Washington, D.C. Here are some of the successes that BoatUS earned over the past year: The Sport Fish... Full story
In Other Words, Know Before You Go If you have taken a Concealed Carry class and have gotten your permit, congratulations! Now you need to start thinking about what that permit does and doesn't do for you. Within Arizona, there are still many places where you cannot legally carry a firearm, even with a permit. As for travel, well -- Native American Reservations, National Forests and Parks, and other states have different rules, even within your home state. I'll try to cover some of those rules,... Full story
Columbia River scheduled to open for spring Chinook on select days beginning May 5 OLYMPIA – The Columbia River spring Chinook fishery is scheduled to open for four days through mid-May, state fishery managers announced today. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) jointly manage the river through the Columbia River Compact process, which met Friday and laid out proposed fisheries for spring Chinook and sockeye. Anglers will be a... Full story
OLYMPIA – Anglers on the Snake River will be able to fish for spring Chinook salmon when fishing begins to reopen in Washington on May 5, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced. Two sections of the river – the area surrounding Little Goose Dam and the area around Clarkston -- will be open on alternating days, giving area anglers four possible days each week for spring Chinook fishing. "This is always a popular fishery, so we're excited that we can offer an opp... Full story
OLYMPIA -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today it will reopen some recreational fishing and hunting in a phased approach following the state's efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus. The department is asking hunters and anglers to enjoy these outdoor activities only if they can do so locally, while also practicing physical distancing. Many WDFW wildlife areas and boat ramps will reopen May 5 for day-use only recreation, as will some recreational fishing per... Full story
OLYMPIA -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) announced today they will reopen state-managed lands on Tuesday, May 5, for local day-use only recreation. The reopening will apply to state-managed parks, wildlife areas, recreation land, and boat launches. However, it may take several days for gates to be unlocked and sites to be serviced at remote areas due to limited staff capacity. Some parks may not open... Full story
OLYMPIA – Fishery managers say the coming year may be another tough one for anglers in Washington, with low salmon returns expected again in 2020. The 2020 forecasts for Chinook, coho, sockeye, and chum salmon – developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty Indian tribes – were released today during a public meeting in Olympia. The forecast meeting marks the starting point for developing this year’s salmon-fishing seasons in Puget Sound, the Columbia River,... Full story
SPOKANE- Starting in early January, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will conduct mule deer captures from helicopters in three study areas along the east slope of the Cascades in Okanogan, Chelan, and Kittitas counties. The Department will use contracted professional crews to capture approximately 50 adult female mule deer in each area. Humane methods and experienced crews are used to make the captures as safe as possible for both deer and humans. The deer will be fitted wit... Full story
The National Fish Habitat Through Partnership Act Was Included In This Conservation Legislation Alexandria, Va. – December 17, 2019 – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) passed bipartisan conservation legislation that includes several wins for the recreational fishing industry, such as authorization of key national and regional fisheries programs and protections for traditional fishing tackle. America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act (S. 3051) was intro... Full story
WDFW Approves Seven-Day Razor Clam Dig On Ocean Beaches, Including Thanksgiving Holiday Digs OLYMPIA - Razor clam diggers can return to ocean beaches for a seven-day opening beginning November 24. State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig on evening low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. The upcoming dig is for the following dates and low tides: •November 24, Sunday, 4:47 pm, -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin H... Full story
Action: •Anglers limited to 1 adult coho on lower Cowlitz and lower Kalama Rivers. •Release all adult coho on the Lewis River, Cedar Creek (including all tributaries), and Washougal River. Effective date: Nov. 23, 2019 through Dec. 31, 2019. Species affected: Coho salmon. Locations and salmon rules: •Cowlitz River, from the mouth to the posted markers 400 feet below the Barrier Dam: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 1 adult may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery coho. •Kalama... Full story
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind has named Brendan Brokes Regional Director of the North Puget Sound Region based in Mill Creek. He began his new job Nov. 11, overseeing all WDFW work in King, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan and Whatcom counties. "I'm excited to have Brendan in this role," said WDFW Director Kelly Susewind. "Brendan brings deep understanding of the region and existing knowledge about our programs, which will be an asset a... Full story
New video outlines the unique precautions required when heading offshore to a marine sanctuary. The NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries include more than 600,000 square miles of marine protected areas, from the rugged Olympic Peninsula of Washington to the "shipwreck alley" of Michigan's Thunder Bay and the turquoise-hued shallows of the Florida Keys. These national treasures present great opportunities for recreational boaters, anglers, and sailors – but only if they're prepared and have the g... Full story
WDFW will use drones to count spawning salmon nests. SPOKANE- Starting in September and going through November of 2019, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will partner with Washington State University (WSU) on a research project to use drone technology to advance conservation efforts for summer Chinook salmon. An unmanned aerial vehicle- also known as a drone- will be used to identify and inventory salmon spawning nests, called redds, in three areas of the Upper Wenatchee... Full story
Women’s workshop offers instruction on fishing, hunting, and outdoor skills OLYMPIA - Women can learn the basics of fishing, hunting, outdoor stewardship, and other outdoor skills in a September weekend workshop that includes sessions led by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) experts and other certified instructors. Washington Outdoor Women (WOW) present and coordinate the annual workshop at Lazy F Camp near Ellensburg on Sept.13-15. Now in its 22 year, WOW is an outdoor skills e... Full story
WDFW's lowland lake trout derby continues in May and runs through Oct. 31. Anglers with a 2019-20 freshwater, combination fishing license, or Fish Washington license, who catch one of hundreds of tagged fish can claim prizes provided by license dealers located across the state. A list of lakes with prize fish and details on how to claim prizes is available at the derby website. With the warmer temperatures heading our way, May is a great time to head outside for outdoor adventures. Popular... Full story
Action: Opens hatchery chinook, trout and hatchery steelhead. Effective date: June 1 through June 30, 2019. Species affected: Hatchery chinook, trout, steelhead. Location: The Hoh River from the Olympic National Park boundary upstream to the boat launch at the DNR’s Oxbow Campground. Reason for action: The Hoh River wild spring/summer chinook are projected to return in numbers sufficient to allow incidental release impacts on this stock while allowing a sport fishery to target trout and d... Full story
Action: Anglers may not retain sockeye salmon as part of their daily limit in the Quillayute and Sol Duc rivers. Effective date: May 6, 2019 until further notice. Species affected: Sockeye salmon. Location: Quillayute and Sol Duc rivers. Reason for action: Sockeye salmon returns to Lake Pleasant, and to other coastal waters were very low in 2018 and are expected to be low in 2019. This action will increase the number of sockeye returning to spawn in Lake Pleasant. Additional information: Lake... Full story
WDFW tentatively plans three days of digging for razor clams starting May 18 at Mocrocks OLYMPIA – State shellfish managers have tentatively scheduled a “bonus” razor clam dig on ocean beaches for three days, May 18-20. Final approval of the scheduled opening will depend on whether results of marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) typically announces whether a dig will go forward about a week before the opening, said Dan Ayres, co... Full story
Hatchery steelhead retention reopens on the lower Kalama River, use of barbless hooks is voluntary Action: Retention of hatchery steelhead is open under permanent rule on the lower Kalama River. The use of barbless hooks remains voluntary on the Kalama River, including when fishing under selective gear rules and in fly-fishing-only waters. All other stipulations of selective gear rules and fly fishing only rules remain in effect. Effective date: May 3, 2019. Species affected: Steelhead, all spec... Full story
WDFW to host meeting on review of hatchery and fishery reform OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will host a meeting Thursday, April 11 to provide stakeholders with an overview of the Hatchery and Fishery Reform Policy review and seek public input. The meeting is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., April 11, in Room 194 of the Lacey Campus Building 1 at South Puget Sound College, 4220 6th Ave. SE, Lacey. The state's hatchery and fishery reform policy is intended t... Full story
