For folks who like to fish in Marine Area 1, the state just sent this out:

Action: Open recreational fishing for halibut in Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco).

Effective date: Open 12:01 a.m. Aug. 7, 2009 until quota has been reached. Open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Species affected: Pacific halibut.

Location: Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)

Reason for action: This rule conforms to federal action taken by Pacific Fishery Management Council. There is sufficient recreational quota to provide for these fishing days.

Other Information: Retention of bottomfish except sablefish and Pacific cod, is prohibited when halibut are onboard the vessel. Recreational halibut fishing is closed in all other marine areas with the exception of the northern nearshore area, located between Grays Harbor and the Queets River in Marine Area 2 (Westport/Ocean Shores). That area will remain open to halibut fishing Thursdays through Sundays until the remaining quota is taken.

No other bottom fish may be retained or landed - except sablefish and Pacific cod - if halibut are onboard the vessel.

From the Associated Press:

Note that of Washington's 9.2 million acres of national forest, 2 million are designated roadless areas.

BY MATTHEW DALY
The Associated Press

A federal appeals court Wednesday blocked road construction in more than 50 million acres of pristine national forests.

The decision by a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstates a 2001 rule put in place by President Bill Clinton just before he left office that prohibited commercial logging, mining and other development on 58.5 million acres of national forest in 38 states and Puerto Rico. A subsequent Bush administration rule had cleared the way for more commercial activity there.

=> Read more!

The state has announced that anglers in Marine Areas 5 and 6 will be requires to release chinook salmon. The rule change takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

The state said the reason for the change was wild fish mortalities have exceeded pre-season expectations in the two areas, Sekiu and Port Angeles.

Salmon fishing will remain open for hatchery coho and pink salmon. The daily limit is two salmon, plus two additional pink salmon. All chinook and chum salmon must be released, and all wild coho salmon must be released.

The staff at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge continue to offer free interpretive programs on Saturdays and Sundays.

The programs include discussions of the plants and birds at the refuge, talks about the history of the area, nature and wildlife photography clinics and a slideshow on the national wildlife refuge system.

The guided walks depart from the visitor center flag pole, and talks are held in the visitor center auditorium. Walking trails are smooth and level. There is no charge for programs, but the $3 per family refuge entrance fee still applies. The programs last one to two hours.

The refuge is located off Interstate 5 at Exit 114. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. For more information, contact Jackie LaRue at (360) 753-9467 or jackie_larue@fws.gov.

Program Details

Quiet Beauty: the Plants of Nisqually NWR is an easy hike exploring the plants of the Refuge.

Take Flight: the Birds of Nisqually NWR is an easy hike focusing on the sights and sounds of the birds on the Refuge (beginner/intermediate level birding walk).

The Wonder of Nisqually is an easy hike exploring both flora and fauna around the Refuge.

Historic Nisqually walks are about the influential human history that occurred within the Refuge boundary: the controversial Medicine Creek Treaty and/or the long-standing, landscape altering farm history that started with the Brown Farm days. Program may be an easy walk or a slide show, dependant on the presenter.

Introduction to Nature and Wildlife Photography is an easy hike that will explore the Refuge through the lens of your camera. An amateur nature/wildlife photographer and Refuge volunteer will lead this general introduction photography walk.

America’s National Wildlife Refuge System is a slideshow presentation.

Here are the remaining programs:

AUGUST

Saturday, August 8, 8:00 am Take Flight
Sunday, August 9, 10:00 am Wonder of Nisqually

Saturday, August 15, 8:30 am Take Flight
Sunday, August 16, 1:00 pm Historic Nisqually: Medicine Creek Treaty (outdoor walk)

Saturday, August 22, 11:00 am Historic Nisqually: Medicine Creek Treaty (outdoor walk)
Sunday, August 23, 10:00 am Wonder of Nisqually

Saturday, August 29, 10:00 am Wonder of Nisqually
Sunday, August 30, 1:00 pm America’s National Wildlife Refuge System

SEPTEMBER
Saturday, September 5, 8:30 am Take Flight
Sunday, September 6, 1:00 pm America’s National Wildlife Refuge System

Saturday, September 12, 1:00 pm Historic Nisqually: The Farming Days (indoor
presentation)
Sunday, September 13, 8:00 am Introduction to Nature and Wildlife Photography

Saturday September 19, 11:00 am Historic Nisqually: Medicine Creek Treaty (outdoor walk)
Sunday, September 20, 1:00 pm Quiet Beauty

Saturday, September 26, 10:00 am-4:00 pm Nisqually Watershed Festival
Sunday, September 27, 1:00 pm Wonder of Nisqually