Roads closed to protect wintering wildlife on state Department of Fish and Wildlife wildlife areas in the south central area of the state will re-open at 6 a.m. Friday or as otherwise posted.

Here is the rest of the release:

Two exceptions are the Joe Watt Canyon and Robinson View roads west of Ellensburg in Kittitas County on the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area.

Roads re-opening include Robinson Canyon Road on the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area and the Mellotte Road on the Wenas Wildlife Area.

Roads closed to motorized vehicles on the Whiskey Dick and a portion of the Quilomene wildlife areas in Kittitas County will re-open in the area north of the Vantage Highway, south of Quilomene Ridge Road, east of the Wild Horse Wind Farm, and west of the Columbia River.

The Oak Creek (U.S. Forest Service 1400) and Bethel Ridge roads, and the Sanford Pasture / Mud Lake road system in the Oak Creek Wildlife Area southwest of Naches in Yakima County, will re-open May 1 at 6 a.m. The 6 a.m. opening is a change from previous years when midnight marked the end of the closures.

The Joe Watt Canyon Road will remain closed to all motorized vehicles two miles in from the entrance gate to the wildlife area due to persistent snow banks and soft, wet road conditions, said Ted Clausing, WDFW south central regional wildlife program manager.

"We need to protect against habitat damage that occurs if vehicle traffic is allowed too early on that road," Clausing said. "The road will be opened once conditions improve and the road firms up."

The Joe Watt Road Canyon closure is in cooperation with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which also manages land in the area.

The Robinson View Road, which drops south off the Robinson Canyon Road, will remain closed to protect sensitive nesting wildlife.

I was out of town early this week, so this is the first opportunity I've had to post this release from the state:

An improved average catch rate and some bigger fish made cool, windy weather tolerable for thousands of anglers during the April 25 Washington lowland lake fishing season opener.

"The blustery weather kept some people hunkered down, so the boat ramps were not as busy for this opener," said Jon Anderson, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fish biologist, who compiled results from creel checks across the state. "But there were some pretty good catch rates and nice-sized fish caught."

WDFW staff and volunteers reported checking 5,410 anglers with 12,497 trout from 121 lakes statewide. Anglers checked statewide averaged 2.3 trout per fisherman at lakes with a five-trout daily catch limit.

The top 10 lakes for angler success were: Spokane County's Williams and Badger lakes; Horseshoe and Island lakes in Kitsap County; Okanogan County's Pearrygin Lake; Skagit County's Erie Lake; Steel Lake in King County; Snohomish County's Howard Lake; Silver Lake in Whatcom County; and Cedar Lake in Stevens County.

In a few areas, persistent wintery conditions kept WDFW fish hatchery crews from stocking some lakes before the opener. However, hatchery stocking will continue, Anderson said. "With the season on most opening-day waters running through September or October, there will be plenty of fish to catch," he said.

Here are the area lakes that were checked, including the number of anglers, the number of trout kept and the average number of trout kept by anglers.

Pierce County
Bay Lake 71 210 2.96
Clear Lake 89 206 2.31
Ohop Lake 84 182 2.17
Rapjohn Lake 33 106 3.21
Silver Lake 75 58 0.77
Spanaway Lake 31 34 1.10
Tanwax Lake 54 92 1.70

Thurston County
Clear Lake 61 61 1.00
Deep Lake 27 47 1.74
Hicks Lake 53 84 1.58
Long Lake 41 82 2.00
McIntosh Lake 113 101 0.89
Munn Lake 25 78 3.12
Pattison Lake 27 47 1.74
Summit Lake 80 159 1.99
Ward Lake 47 118 2.5

Kitsap County
Buck Lake 21 19 0.90
Horseshoe Lake 24 117 4.88
Island Lake 10 45 4.50
Kitsap Lake 9 3 0.33
Mission Lake 39 138 3.54
Panther Lake 42 99 2.36
Wildcat Lake 36 126 3.50
Wye Lake 35 51 1.46

King County
Cottage Lake 55 66 1.20
Geneva Lake 35 70 2.00
Langlois Lake 49 129 2.63
Margaret Lake 74 208 2.81
North Lake 31 108 3.48
Pine Lake 98 269 2.74
Rattlesnake Lake 48 103 2.15
Steel Lake 31 140 4.52
Walker Lake 36 103 2.86
Wilderness Lake 121 339 2.80

Yes, senior citizens are the primary volksmarchers in this area but if you are looking for cheap recreation or something to keep you motivated to walk or bike volkssporting might be for you too.

Take a look at the following three volkssport club websites for a list of their year round volksmarches. You can do these any time. Just go to the start area, look for the walk box, sign in and a grab a map.

- The Evergreen Wanderers
- The Over the Hill Gang
- The Daffodil Valley Volkssport Club

Click below for details on local year round volksmarches.

=> Read more!

From Mount Rainier National Park:

A Mount Rainier National Park climbing ranger and a renowned Mount Rainier climbing guide will be receiving a Valor Award and a Citizen’s Award for Bravery from the U.S. Department of the Interior at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. on May 6. National Park Service Climbing Ranger Chris Olson and Climbing Guide Dave Hahn, who currently works with Rainier Mountaineering Inc., of Ashford, Washington, will be receiving their awards from Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar for the rescue of a badly injured climber on Mount Rainier on June 25, 2002.

=> Read more!

Ski season is down to its final week.

Once again Alpental on Snoqualmie Pass will be the last ski area in the state to close when it holds its season ending party May 5.

Alpental will be open Saturday and Sunday and May 5. Washington other ski areas closed earlier this month.

Many who visit Alpental for it’s traditional Cinco de Mayo festivities choose to ski and snowboard in costume. The Summit at Snoqualmie will hold a snowboard rail jam called Kinko de Mayo on Saturday at Summit West. The event is free. Visit summitatsnoqualmie.com for more information.

From the PNSAA:

The membership of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association is pleased to announce that Duncan Howat has been honored with a prestigious Mel Borgersen Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is bestowed upon an individual who – over the course of an extended ski industry career – has made significant contributions to Pacific Northwest ski and snowboard facilities.

=> Read more!

Anglers hoping to fish Anderson Lake in Jefferson County during Saturday's trout season opener will have to find another lake. The state just announced that Jefferson County Public Health and Washington State Parks have closed public access to the lake due to the presence of toxic algae.

Here is the rest of the release:

Jefferson County Public Health has determined that algae blooms in Anderson Lake are producing a dangerous neurotoxin, which poses a risk to public health, said Thom Johnson, district fish biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"Because the health department has advised the public to stay completely away from the lake, anglers will need to choose another place to fish on Saturday’s opener," Johnson said. "This is disappointing because Anderson Lake is very popular with local anglers, but the health risk is too high."

Jefferson County Public Health also has advisories for nearby Leland and Gibbs lakes. "The presence of algae blooms has caused the health department to warn against swimming, drinking the water or eating any fish caught in those lakes," Johnson said. WDFW will continue to communicate with the health department and parks to track the situation at the lakes and keep the public informed, he said.

Johnson reminded anglers that other lakes in east Jefferson County have been stocked with trout for opening day and throughout the season. Several lakes include Horseshoe, Ludlow, Sandy Shore, Silent, Tarboo and Teal. There are also many good fishing opportunities on opening day in nearby Kitsap, Mason and Clallam counties, Johnson said.

This WDFW Web site provides information on locations, dates and number of trout stocked in lakes throughout the state.

From Olympic National Park:

Environmental analysis for rehabilitation of the Graves Creek and South Shore Roads in the Quinault Valley of Olympic National Park has been completed and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been released.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluating alternative proposals to repair the two roads was released in September 2008; both roads sustained heavy damage during a major storm late in 2007. Based on input provided during the public comment period, a combination of two of the alternatives will be implemented, with the goal of restoring and providing sustainable access to the Graves Creek and South Shore roads with the addition of selected improvements that incorporate protective measures for habitat restoration.

=> Read more!

The North Cascades Highway, Highway 20, is expected to reopen today at 8 p.m., according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Crews have been able to take advantage of the warm weather that has sped the melting of snow to clear Rainy Pass (4,855 feet) at milepost 157.5 and Washington Pass (5,477 feet) at milepost 162.5.

Each winter, the state closes the highway on the west at milepost 134, east of Diablo, and on the east at milepost 170, 14 miles west of Mazama.

Opening of the highway allows drivers to again travel the Cascade Loop, a 400-mile driving tour through the Cascades.

Edgeworks Climbing gym is looking for volunteers to judge and belay climbers at Saturday's T-Town Climbing Challenge. Here's the lowdown from the gym:

Edgeworks T-Town Climbing Challenge
Saturday, April 25th, 10am - 5pm
Volunteers Needed:
-Judges: No Experience Necessary
-Belayers: Edgeworks Belay Certification Required

What you get for helping out:
-Edgeworks T-Shirt
-A wonderfully fulfilling lunch supplied by Edgeworks
-A great opportunity to see some of the region's best climbers. Some of the climbers that will be at the comp are nationally ranked; they're good!

We really appreciate the community support anyone is able to offer!

If anyone is interested, please call our front desk to sign up (253-564-4899).

From the NPS:

North Cascades National Park maintenance crews, with the assistance of two local construction companies, successfully installed a new bridge on the Cascade River Road over the North Fork of the Cascade River. The construction of the new bridge was a challenge due to the remote location and narrowness of the road. It was not possible to navigate the two 85-foot sections of the bridge which were manufactured by Big R Manufacturing of Greeley, Colorado via truck and trailer around the tight corners.

=> Read more!

The Tacoma Astronomical Society is holding a free public night star party Saturday night.

The 9 p.m. event begins with a presentation on using binoculars for star gazing by John Finnan in Room 202 of the Olympic Building at Pierce College’s Fort Steilacoom campus. If the weather allows, members will set up telescopes to view the night sky.

Click here for more information and a calendar of upcoming events.

An infusion of $54 million of economic recovery funds will advance the timetable for the removal of two Elwha River dams at Olympic National Park by a year. Another $3.3 million will allow Mount Rainier to deal with a backlog of maintenance projects.

The National Park Service Wednesday announced nearly 800 projects totaling $750 million will move forward with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

In all, more than $62 million will fund 33 Park Service projects in Washington.

Here is the list of projects.

Mount Rainier

$839,000: To repair the Carbon River area access road, Ipsut Campground and Ipsut Ranger Station

$781,000: To replacement of exhibits at Sunrise Visitor Center and improvement of handicap access capabilities in the area

$726,000: To repair of storm damaged trails

$482,000: To stabilize the riverbank and repair damaged pavement on the back road at Longmire

$220,000: To replace electric power lines at Narada Falls overlook

$101,000: To build an accessible trailhead at the new Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center

$96,000: To fix structural problems in historic buildings in the park

$67,000: To install grid-tied solar systems on park buildings

Olympic

$54.7 million: To complete nine projects in preparation for removal of two dams on the Elwha River. The projects will provide water quality protection, flood and wastewater system protection and a fish hatchery to protect fish stocks during dam removal and aid in restoration.

$998,000: To replace the obsolete Hoh sewer system

$804,000: To replace electrical conduit on Hurricane Ridge Road

$599,000: To convert 2 miles of an abandoned Olympic Hot Springs Road to a trail and restore the Boulder Creek Campground

$575,000: To rehabilitate four bridges

$159,000: To replace historic roofing on building parkwide

North Cascades

$169,000: To make energy efficient improvements to Stehekin Landing

$136,000: To paint interior and exterior of historic buildings in Stehekin and Skagit districts

$162,000: To rehabilitate Stehekin Landing fuel system

$51,000: To repair storm damage at Stehekin

Thanks in large part to some nice weather, more than 1,100 volunteers turned out Saturday for the annual Washington Coast Cleanup.

Working at beach locations along the state's entire Pacific coast, volunteers hauled away an estimated 22 tons of plastic water bottles, household trash, lost fishing gear, and other types of marine debris, said David Lindau, program coordinator for Washington CoastSavers.

A few weeks before the event, Lindau was concerned because the number of people signing up was down from previous years. Some publicity and a good forecast helped draw plenty of help.

My family and I worked along a stretch of beach at Ocean City and didn't take long to fill two trash bags. The main culprit in our area was plastic bottles and small pieces of nylon rope. Last year, we picked up a lot of long lengths of rope. This year, it was piece after piece after piece between 6 and 12 inches long.

My son was proud to discover a man's belt buried in the sand. My best find, a very faded $5 bill. Gotta like that!

Click here to learn more about the cleanup, Coast Savers and see photos volunteers have posted.

Most of the trails at Mount Rainier National Park are still deep under snow, but park officials already have an idea of the damage.

Carl Fabiani, the park’s trail foreman, said “there is a little more trail damage than normal.” During a recent helicopter flight park officials found several washed out bridges around the park.

Fall flooding washed out a bridge in Stevens Canyon and another over Devil’s Dream Creek near Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground.

Compounding the damage is the fact the park is still trying to repair the damage from the epic 2006 flood.

=> Read more!

Reaching the summit of Mount Rainier is one of the top 10 adventures in the United States, according to National Geographic Adventure magazine.

Whle many folks travel the world looking for adventure, the magazine in its April/May issue offers a list of the 50 best American adventures.

Here are the top 10 adventure:

Biking the Continental Divide Trail, which takes you through a multistate region.

Kayaking Lake Yellowstone in Wyoming

Paddling the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

Climbing Mount Rainier

Canoeing the lakes, ponds and other waterways of the Adirondacks in New York

Exploring the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska

Biking in the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa

Surfing the Lost Coast in California between Fort Bragg and Eureka

Hiking the Sierra High Route in California

Wreck-diving in Lake Superior in Minnesota.Reaching the summit of Mount Rainier is one of the top 10 adventures in the United States, according to National Geographic Adventure magazine.

The Associated Press just moved this story that the Obama administration won't fight to overturn a judge's ruling keeping guns out of national parks.

Here is the story:

The Obama administration said Friday it will not appeal a federal court ruling that prohibits carrying loaded guns in national parks and wildlife refuges.

Instead, the Interior Department said it will conduct a full environmental review of an earlier policy that allowed concealed, loaded guns in parks and refuges.

U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly struck down the gun policy last month. She called the rule, issued in the waning days of the Bush administration, severely flawed and said officials failed to evaluate its possible environmental impacts, as required by law. The judge set an April 20 deadline for the Interior Department to indicate its likely response.

The Bush rule, which took effect in January, allowed visitors to carry a loaded gun into a park or wildlife refuge as long as the person had a permit for a concealed weapon and the state where the park or refuge was located allowed concealed firearms. Previously, guns in parks had been severely restricted.

Kendra Barkoff, a spokeswoman for Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, said Friday that the department is not completely discarding the Bush rule. Instead, she said that officials intend to complete a comprehensive environmental impact statement that analyzes the possible effects of the Bush rule, as well as a range of alternatives.

The review is expected to take several months at least. In the meantime, 26-year-old restrictions that had been in place before the rule change remain in effect.

In her 44-page ruling last month, Kollar-Kotelly called the rule-making process used by the Bush Interior Department "astoundingly flawed." She noted that officials failed to perform an environmental assessment, which calls for the government to take into account such factors as public safety and the "human environment."

Even without an appeal by the Obama administration, the court case is likely to continue. The National Rifle Association has filed a separate appeal of the ruling. A spokesman has said the group will pursue all legal and legislative avenues "to defend the American people's right to self-defense."

Meanwhile, lawmakers who support gun-owners' rights have introduced legislation to reinstate the Bush rule. Bills introduced by Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., would allow citizens to carry concealed firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. Crapo's bill is co-sponsored by Montana Democrats Max Baucus and Jon Tester, as well Republican Sen. Robert Bennett of Utah. Two dozen House members — all but one Republican — have co-sponsored the House bill. Rep. Glenn Nye of Virginia is the sole Democrat to back the bill.

i just learned about that the Neah Bay Chamber of Commerce will hold its first Eagle Festival on Saturday. It' a long way from the South Sound but it might be worth stopping by if you happen to be in that corner of the state this weekend.

Here is the rest of the news release:

The Makah Marina Conference Center will open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Information and fun facts about bald eagles will be posted about the center. Local artists will have eagle-inspired and other artwork available for sale. Food items for sale include “Eagle Egg Cookies” and Indian tacos. Activities for children include making “eagle nests”. The marina also is a great vantage point for observing bald eagles in flight, foraging for food or perched on fishing boats.

There will be a lecture starting at 1 p.m. at the Makah Cultural and Research Center classroom when Robert McCoy, wildlife biologist with the Makah Tribe, will present a lecture on the bald eagles that reside around the Makah Reservation and surrounding area. At 2 p.m. there will be Makah storytelling that will feature eagles and other wildlife of the area.

The Neah Bay Chamber of Commerce will launch its 2009 Eagle Photo Contest at the festival. Take your favorite photographs of eagles and prepare them for submission by July 1. Photographs will be displayed at the chamber’s Fourth of July event for the “People’s Choice” judging. Contest rules will be available at both the center and marina, or contact Meri Parker at 360-640-4852 for additional information.

I came across this item on the National Park Service's "Morning Report," a recap of news from around the nation's parks.

After a courageous, year-long battle with breast cancer, Cheryl Farmer (nee Adcock), 49, district ranger at North Cascades National Park, passed away on April 6, surrounded by her loving family, cherished golden retrievers and close friends.

A native of Alpena, Mich., and a graduate of Northern Michigan University, Cheryl started her NPS career in 1989 at Grand Teton National Park. Cheryl worked more than one assignment at Grand Teton National Park, Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park, and North Cascades National Park. Her career included positions as fee collection officer, communication center dispatcher, protection ranger, and both subdistrict and district ranger. Members of her various staffs will fondly remember the delicious breakfast ‘meetings’ they attended.

Cheryl was admired for her creative talents with knitting and beading. Her creations were recognized at juried art shows. Her love of shoes was only challenged by limited closet space in NPS housing units.

Condolences may be sent to her surviving sister: Sharon Adcock, PO Box 268, Marblemount, WA 98267.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cheryl’s name to the Inland Empire Golden Retriever Rescue (www.iegrr.org) or to the Breast Cancer 3 Day (Susan G Komen for the Cure at www.the3day.org).

Submitted by Kinsey Shilling, Chief Ranger

The interpretive staff at Mount Rainier National Park will debut a new series of programs Saturday. Curt Jacquot, the West District interpreter, said the first of four Spring Storytelling Series programs will be in the auditorium at the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center.

The other dates are April 25, May 2 and May 9.s

The first two programs will be traditional storytelling, Jacquot said. The last two programs will be park rangers portraying historical characters from the park’s past.

At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, a 45-minute presentation will be given by seasonal Ranger Jim Ross, a Puyallup High School teacher who has worked at Mount Rainier more than 35 seasons. His presentation is called “Mountain Fever,” an often humorous story of the first climbs of Mount Rainier, Jacquot said.

On April 25, ranger Kevin Bacher will portray Mount Rainier figure Philemon Beecher Van Trump. Van Trump was part of the first recorded summit of the mountain in 1853 and became one of the most influential figures in establishing Mount Rainier as a national park. The presentation starts at 1:30 p.m.

Jacquot gets into the act himself on May 2 at 1:30 p.m., portraying James Longmire. Jacquot will tell stories about Mount Rainier in the years leading up to it becoming a national park. Longmire established the first settlement on the southwest side of the park and brought early visitors to his Longmire Springs Resort in the late 1800's.

The Fireside Storytelling League of Tacoma-Olympia will do traditional storytelling for children of all ages on May 9. Eileen Beckowitz and Penny Tennison will tell stories on a variety of topics relating to Mount Rainier history and wildlife. Programs will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The programs are free and open to the public. Seating in the auditorium is
limited and on a first come-first served basis.

I watched the season premier of “Harper’s Island,” CBS’s version of “Lost,” over the weekend mostly because I was bored but also because it is set in Washington. (It’s actually filmed in British Columbia according to imdb.com)

A line of text in the opening scene of the murder mystery says Harper’s Island, the location where a bunch of murders will take place during the 13-episode series, is located 37 miles off the coast of Seattle.

My initial thought was that the show’s writers should have read a map. Head 37 miles off the coast of Seattle and you’ll end up in Olympic National Forest. But there are five islands exactly 37 miles from Seattle’s ferry docks.

The first three – Indian, Whidbey, Marrowstone and Camano – don’t fit the bill. All can be reached by car and the show makes it clear that Harper’s Island can only be reached by boat.

So that leaves just one island that could possibly be Harper’s Island: Anderson Island.

Anderson Island, located 8.5 miles southwest of the Narrows Bridge, doesn’t look all that creepy.

But then again, either did Harper’s Island.

Click here to watch the first episode of "Harper's Island."

From Gifford Pinchot National Forest:

The former Packwood Ranger Station will soon be available for a different purpose thanks to a recently signed Environmental Assessment (EA) by Janine Clayton, Forest Supervisor, Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Once the paid notice announcing the signed decision is published in the Vancouver Columbian, a 45-day appeal period will begin. At the end of the appeal period, the Forest Service will work with the General Services Administration to list the former Ranger Station for sale to the highest bidder.

=> Read more!

I just got a call from Mary Henley saying the family just signed the papers to reacquire Silver Lake Resort.

We had just a short conversation, her cell phone battery was running low, but she said she wanted to let the public know the news.

The family owned the resort since 1950, but sold it a couple of years ago. She and George Henley recently decided to give it a go again.

"It’s a real neat thing that happened," she said. "The community is going to be absolutely thrilled."

I'll have more details when I have a chance to talk with George and Mary.

Dan Ayres, the state's coastal shellfish manager, sent out a reminder about this weekend's clam dig.

Here is what he wanted to pass along:

1. All diggers 15 years and older will need a new license.

2. The only two beaches open are Twin Harbors (which includes: Westport, Grayland and North Cove) today through Sunday, and Long Beach (which includes Seaview, Long Beach, Ocean Park and Oysterville) Saturday and Sunday.

3. The following beaches are NOT open: Copalis (which includes Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis), Mocrocks (which includes: Iron Springs, Roosevelt, Seabrook, Pacific Beach and Moclips) and Kalaloch.

Ayres also noted that legal tribal harvest activities will be underway during portions of the weekend on both Copalis and Mocrocks.

Here is the story I just filed for tomorrow's paper.

Tacoma anglers will have an additional month to fish for salmon next spring. The expansion was part of the salmon fishing seasons adopted Wednesday by the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

Recreational salmon fishing locally will open June 1 and run through Dec. 31. The expanded spring season will be open Feb. 1 to April 30.
That extended season is just one of an expanded number of selective fisheries in Puget Sound, an expansion some people are calling historic.

“I think it‘s the most significant step forward in expanding selective fishing since the concept was conceived in the ’90s,” said Tony Floor, fishing affairs director for the Northwest Marine Trade Association.

=> Read more!

Here is the joint statement released by the state and tribal co-managers on Wednesday's announcement regarding the setting of salmon fishing seasons.

State and tribal salmon co-managers have crafted a conservation-based package of fisheries for 2009 that will protect weak wild runs while providing limited harvest for treaty tribal and state sport and commercial fisheries.

=> Read more!

Late last night, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that it and the treaty tribe co-managers have agreed to salmon fishing season set up for this year and into 2010.

Salmon anglers in Puget Sound will see seasons similar to last year, while opportunities will be increased in the ocean areas and the Columbia River.

I got a voicemail from Tony Floor, who called it the biggest advancement in selective fisheries. Floor is a recreational angler advocate, working as the fishing affairs director for the Northwest Marine Trade Association.

I'm working the phone to figure out what this means exactly for local anglers.

Here is the release the state sent out:

Salmon anglers will have increased fishing opportunities on the coast and in the Columbia River this summer, while most recreational fisheries in Puget Sound will be similar to seasons adopted last year, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

=> Read more!

Tomorrow we’ll have a story on bike fitting in the Adventure section. I went through a bike fitting at Old Town Bicycle a couple of weeks ago with manager Tory Grant. The difference has been amazing. I’m in a more comfortable position on my bike and I feel more efficient.

The biggest change to the look of my bike was the removal of the aerobars.

“I’m going to convince you to get rid of those,” Grant said. “People put them on there bikes because they think they need a place to rest. But really, aerobars are for time trial bikes. You don’t really need it.”

If a bike fits properly you don’t need aerobars, Grant said.

When I thought about it I realized for all the hundreds of miles I’ve pedaled on my bike I’ve rarely used my aerobars. I’ve just been carrying them along for the ride.

Now that my bike fits properly I can easily reach the lower portion of my handlebars giving me the same aerodynamic position I would have gotten from my aerobars.

Here’s a link to the Old Town bike fitting page. Bike fittings are about $100 to $200 for your current bike. Bike’s purchased at the store include a bike fitting.

For years, Rob Endsley would awake before dawn to prepare for another day as a fishing guide.

While he has cut back on his guiding, the Bellingham angler will still have to get up early on Saturdays.

He is joining ex-Seahawk Robbie Tobeck and fisheries biologist Tom G. Nelson as hosts of “The Outdoor Line” that will air 6 to 8:30 a.m. Saturdays on the new 710 ESPN Seattle. The show debuts this Saturday.

Jeffrey P. Mayor/The News Tribune
Ron Endsley, right, shares a laugh with fishing buddy john Keizer during the recent Anacortes Salmon Derby. Endsley will be a co-host of the new outdoor show debuting Saturday on 710 ESPN Seattle.

I fished with Endsley at the recent Anacortes Salmon Derby. He said he was excited about the show’s prospects. He’s also familiar with the show’s history.

“Bill Davis, who used to do (the show), he was a walking encyclopedia of Northwest outdoors,” Endsley said. “I used to listen to it every Sunday night with my dad.”

I asked Endsley how the new show will be different than “Northwest Wild Country.” That show -- hosted by outdoors journalist Joel Shangle, Salmon, Trout, Steelheader columnist Bill Herzog and G. Loomis rod rep and casting instructor Mike Perusse -- airs 6 to 8 a.m. Saturdays on KJR 950.

He said “The Outdoor Line” will include listener call in and a segment he called “Guide Line.”

“If people are going fishing or hunting, we can get them pointed in the right direction,” Endsley said.

If our day on the water is any indication, Endsley already has a good rapport with his co-hosts. He was on the cell phone three times with Tobeck, who wanted reports on the derby after he opted not to take part.

Endsley said Tobeck and Nelson will have to carry the on-air load in the summer when he is in Craig, Alaska, running his Prince of Wales Sportfishing guide service.

Ashford-based International Mountain Guides reached base camp at Mount Everest on Monday as it prepares to attempt to climb the world’s highest mountain.

IMG has led 179 climbers to the top of Everest.

This year’s expedition will be followed by a film crew from the Discovery Channel.

Rich Landers of the Spokesman-Review says two Spokane men in the party will be attempting to make history.

Dawes Eddy is 66 is attempting to become the oldest American to reach the summit without assistance from a guide. He will, however, have a Sherpa, Mingma Chhiring, with him.

Dave Remington is 67 and climbing with guide Justin Merle of Pierce County and Mingma Tenzing Sherpa. He is attempting to become the oldest American to summit the 29,035-foot mountain.

JanSport co-founder Skip Yowell will appear at Feathered Friends in Seattle on Thursday. Yowell will give a slideshow presentation on the history of JanSport and recapping his many expeditions around the globe. His travels have taken him to places such as Tibet, Everest, Kangchenjunga and Kilimanjaro.

The presentation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. The store is located at 119 Yale Ave. N., Seattle.

The origins of JanSport’s date back to 1967 when Yowell and two of his best friends started a backpack company in the corner of his uncle’s Seattle transmission shop. What began as a passion for climbing and hiking turned into the number one selling day pack in the world, according to a company press release.

Today Yowell is vice president of global public relations at JanSport and consults with JanSport International businesses in Europe, Asia and South America, the release said. Skip travels the world giving presentations and slide shows on the history of JanSport which include expeditions and adventure travel to Tibet, Everest, Kangchenjunga, Kilimanjaro and many other destinations around the globe.

Click here for more information.

The next razor-clam dig will start Friday at Twin Harbors. That beach will be open through Sunday. Long Beach will open Saturday and Sunday.

With low tides in the morning, digging must be completed by noon, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The low tide times are: Friday, 7:45 a.m., -0.7 feet; Saturday, 8:25 a.m., -0.7 feet; and Sunday, 9:05 a.m., -0.5 feet.

"We want to make sure there are enough clams for an opener tentatively scheduled at all four beaches later this month, when there will be even better tides," Ayres said in a prepared statement.

Diggers must have a new 2009-10 fishing license, since April 1 marked the beginning of a new license year, Ayres said. A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Anglers can buy a combination license or an annual shellfish/seaweed license. Also available are razor-clam only licenses in annual or three-day only versions.

Harvesters can keep no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

Kalaloch Beach in Olympic National Park will remain closed because the clams there have not grown to harvestable size.

Digging will not be allowed at Mocrocks or Copalis because the state is trying to stay under its quota, Ayres said.

Ayres said more digs will likely be announced following the opener tentatively scheduled for late April. All four becahes are scheduled to be open April 25-27.

"There’s a good chance we’ll have enough clams to offer additional digging opportunities on some beaches in May," he said.

In its largest acquisition to date, the Nisqually Land Trust earlier today announced it has acquired 720 acres of Pierce County land from the Hancock Timber Resource Group.

The land is located in the Kapowsin Forest, near the main entrance to Mount Rainier National Park and directly north of Ashford. Land Trust officials consider this a critical addition to a proposed wildlife corridor between the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Elbe Hills State Forest.

The state Department of Natural Resources will hold a conservation easement on the property in perpetuity, ensuring its use as wildlife habitat and preventing future development.

Here is the rest of the press release:

“We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of this parcel, our largest acquisition ever. This land is known to be frequented by spotted owls, marbled murrelets, bald eagles, elk, cougar, and many other species,” said Joe Kane, Executive Director of the Nisqually Land Trust.

“We greatly respect the work of the Nisqually Land Trust and share their commitment to protecting environmentally sensitive land,” said Derek Solmie, Pacific Northwest Project Manager, Hancock Timber Resource Group. “We take great satisfaction in being able to complete this important transaction with the Trust through our Sensitive Lands Program.”

The bulk of the purchase funds for the $2.56 million acquisition came from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant secured through DNR. In addition, the partnership securing the grant under the USFWS Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund included the Trust, the Nisqually Tribe, the Nisqually River Council, and the Nisqually Headwaters Coalition, an Ashford-based citizens group.

“This purchase shows the power of cooperation between public, private and non-profit partners to conserve our state’s most precious lands,” said State Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark.

The Nisqually Tribe provided additional funding for the purchase and will assist the Land Trust in managing the site’s natural resources.

“We are proud to be able to help acquire and preserve this vital environmental resource,” said Cynthia Iyall, chairman of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. “This partnership further illustrates the Nisqually’s strong commitment to protecting and enhancing environmentally sensitive lands and habitats. Our tribe is honored to be part of this effort.”

“Given its location between the State and National Forests, we believe there is strong potential to create a wildlife corridor between these two forests,” Kane said. “The property also has tremendous natural beauty, with rock bluffs and steep ravines. We are grateful to Hancock Timber for working so diligently with us to make the transaction a reality.”

The Land Trust’s purchase was part of Phase Two of its Mount Rainier Gateway Initiative, which calls for permanently protecting some 4,500 acres of timberlands near Mount Rainier National Park. One of the benefits of protecting wildlife habitat near Mount Rainier is that it conserves scenic vistas that are critical to the local tourism industry.

“To protect habitat in perpetuity, you have to make it part of a sustainable system,” Kane said. “In the Ashford area, that system includes a commitment to the long-term economic health of the community.”

Through its Sensitive Lands Program, the Hancock Timber Resource Group has helped preserve and protect nearly than 400,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands across the United States. Its largest single sensitive lands transaction was the protection of approximately 90,000 acres of timberland in King County, Washington, in 2004. Under this agreement with King County, Hancock Timber sold the development rights on the vast majority of the Snoqualmie Forest, just east of Seattle, ensuring that the land will remain a working forest in perpetuity.

In talking with various people who were there, the confirmation hearing on state Fish and Wildlife Commission member Miranda Wecker went as expected given the political ill will surrounding the commission these days.

There was no vote taken to confirm Wecker's seat on the commission following this morning's hearing. Wecker has been on the commission for four years without being confirmed.

Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, allowed two Wecker supporters and two opponents speak before his natural resources committee. At least another 40 people signed in on behalf of Wecker, according to one source.

From all the reports, the bulk of questions had to deal with fisheries, the commission's relationship with treaty tribes and communications between the commission and committee.

That is understandable. A recent report done for the state shows sport fishing supports 12,850 jobs in Washington and 3,524 commercial fishing jobs. Recreation fishing generates $376.1 million in earnings along with $148 million from commercial fishing. Perhaps committee members failed to remember that hunting ($313 million) and wildlife watching ($122.6 billion) also generate plenty of income within the state.

Even if those issues are valid -- and I question the veracity of some -- is a confirmation hearing the best time to discuss them? I thought the hearing was supposed to be a discussion of Wecker's qualifications and ability to serve on the commission, one that serves ALL interests in the state.

If Jacobsen has issues regarding communication with the commission, why not ask for a meeting with them? Why not try to resolve them, rather than sit there and be critical of a lone commissioner? After all, communication is a two-way street.

In the meantime, there was a hearing this afternoon on HB 17788 that nows includes Jacobsen's attempt to greatly reduce the authority of the commission. I had no word on how that went.

It concerns me that we have all this turmoil at the time when the state and treaty tribes are supposed to sit down next week and hammer out salmon fishing seasons for the 2009-10 season.

Fishing at Long's Pond in Lacey will be closed for two days before the Lacey Family Fish-In youth fishing event.

The pond will be closed from 12:01 a.m. April 16 until 8 a.m. April 18. This will allow staff time to set up nets and stock fish for the event.The fishing event will begin at 8 a.m. April 18.

Long's Pond is located at Woodland Creek Community Park, 6729 Pacific Ave. S.E., Lacey.

Long's Pond is open for fishing only to juvenile anglers, 14 years of age or younger.

Pre-registration is required for participation in the April 18 Family Fish-In. Juvenile anglers are not required to have a fishing license. For information about the event, contact Lacey Parks & Recreation at 360-491-0857.

From 710 AM radio:

Bonneville Seattle Radio Group today announced “The Outdoor Line” will be added to the Saturday programming line-up for its new, all-sports radio station, 710 ESPN Seattle, launching next Monday, April 6th.

The Outdoor Line, hosted by former Seahawks Pro-Bowler and tournament angler Robbie Tobeck, fisheries biologist Tom Nelson and veteran fishing guide and charter captain Rob Endsley, will air Saturdays from 6am – 8:30am, beginning April 11th, 2009. The show will discuss recreational opportunities available for Pacific Northwest outdoor enthusiasts thru a unique blend of fishing, hunting, and sports talk.

A stand out student athlete at Washington State University in the early 90’s, Rob Tobeck went on to play 14 years in the NFL. Since retiring from the NFL, Tobeck has taken his competitive spirit to the water and now participates in fishing tournaments and derbies up and down the West Coast. In addition, he has also taken an active role in the Coastal Conservation Association and currently sits on both the state and national boards for the CCA.

Rob Endsley is a full time river guide and charter captain who operates in both Washington and Alaska and has well over 2,000 days logged on the water. Endsley is a founding member of the Wild Steelhead Coalition, a non-profit group that backs the conservation, protection and continued study of wild steelhead.

Tom Nelson is a graduate from The University of Washington’s School of Fisheries, where he was subsequently employed by the school’s Fisheries Research Institute (F.R.I.) as a Research Assistant for several Alaskan salmon research projects. Nelson has been featured in several episodes of Outdoor Channel’s “Western Sportsfishing” and serves as a Pro-Staff member for Evinrude Motors, Woolbridge Boats and Stabi-Craft Marine.

Bonneville International (www.bonneville.com) is an award-winning, dynamic media company with radio, television, online, satellite, and advertising properties in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Phoenix, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City. Living its three-fold mission of “People, Communities, and Profit” as a way of life, the company has a long-standing reputation and is known industry-wide for its innovative business model, its values-oriented programming, and for its nationally recognized commitment to serving the communities where it broadcasts.

I have a couple of updates since I wrote my column regarding the state Fish and Wildlife Commission.

First, the language of SB 5127 has been attached to HB 1778. The Senate bill, introduced by Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, died when it failed to make it out of the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The language is Jacobsen's attempt to greatly weaken the power of the commission.

Also, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Ocean & Recreation has finally scheduled a confirmation hearing for a commissioner. The committee, chaired by Jacobsen, will hold a hearing on Miranda Wecker on Friday at 8 a.m.

Supporters of recreational fishing and hunting in this state need to fire up their computers to e-mail their representatives, senators and the governor's office. We need to act now to stop Jacobsen's vendetta against the commission.

The State Parks and Recreation Commission just announced that the campgrounds at Fort Flagler will remain closed until May 13 while scheduled capital improvement projects are completed.

Here is the rest of the news release:

Due to the construction, there are no full-service restroom or shower facilities available in the day-use area. Vault toilets are available in the day-use area for visitor convenience. All other facilities at Fort Flagler will remain open during construction, including the retreat center, watercraft launch sites, moorage, trails and the day-use areas. Camping is available at nearby Fort Worden, Old Fort Townsend and Sequim Bay state parks. Click here for more information on those park.

The capital improvement projects include the construction of a new state-of-the-art membrane bioreactor sewage treatment facility. Visitors should be prepared for the continued use of large, heavy equipment on the roadways of the park during construction. Additionally, extensive hydro-seeding in the lower campground area is underway at this time. The hydro-seeding, which will re-vegetate the areas affected by the construction, was delayed due to cold, inclement weather.

The commission also reminds visitors to prepare to take alternate routes to Fort Flagler and other state parks serviced by the Hood Canal Bridge beginning May 1. The bridge will be closed for six weeks while the State Department of Transportation replaces the entire east half of the bridge along with the east and west trusses.

Fort Flagler State Park is a 784-acre marine camping park surrounded on three sides by 19,100 feet of saltwater shoreline. The park rests on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound, with views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Many historic buildings remain at this 19th-century-established military fort.

Whistler Blackcomb’s stranglehold on the title as the Northwest’s best ski resort might be slipping.

At least in the 10-and-younger demographic.

My daughter, who has long considered Whistler to be the coolest place on earth, turned 10 last week so, as I gift, I took her with me on an assignment that included a stop at Silver Mountain in Northern Idaho.

“Dad,” she said during a ride on the resort’s 3.1-mile gondola, “this place is cooler than Whistler. When can we come back?”

Keep in mind this is coming from the perspective of a 10-year-old who probably wouldn’t place skiing in her top 10 required amenities for a ski resort.

The skiing at Silver Mountain above Kellogg, Idaho, is good, but hardly on par with Crystal Mountain let alone Whistler Blackcomb.

But what Silver Mountain does have is something no other Northwest ski area can boast – the ability to ski and surf before lunch.

In May, Silver Mountain celebrated its 40th anniversary by unveiling an indoor water park.

John Williams, marketing director for Silver Mountain, said the Silver Rapids Water Park has turned a ski area longer considered a “hidden gem” into a year-round resort.

“We get people coming here just to use the water park,” Williams said.

The park has three large water slides that require climbing 81 steps for a ride through the darkened tubes. It has three hot tubs, including two next to the bar where I was able to hang out while watching the NCAA Tournament regional finals last weekend.

It has tame slides for kids, a glass roof designed for year-round sun tanning and a 315-foot river you can float on an innertube.

Then there’s the FlowRider, a 60,000-gallon constant wave that’s kind of a treadmill for surfers.

Needless to say, all this waterpark fun made it hard to keep my daughter on the slopes.

“We get a lot of that,” said Neal Scholey, the resorts’ real estate director. “It’s like parents are having to make their kids eat their vegetables before they have their dessert.”