A razor clam dig that was scheduled for this weekend at Kalaloch Beach has been canceled due to the federal government shutdown.
The dig was set for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday evening at low tide, but a lapse in government funding forced officials to cancel it.
“Olympic National Park staff are not available to help ensure a safe and orderly opening in the area,” Dan Ayres, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife coastal shellfish manager, said in a statement.
Kalaloch Beach is part of Olympic National Park, which is open with limited access during the shutdown. However, most park roads and campgrounds are closed due to damage from a December storm, and the damage won’t be addressed until the government re-opens. Kalaloch Lodge and Lake Crescent Lodge remain open, but all visitor centers, contact stations, and permit desks are closed.
WDFW says it will work with Olympic National Park to consider alternate dig dates to make up for the lost harvest opportunity.
This weekend was supposed to be the first dig of the season at Kalaloch.
Clam diggers will still be able to dig for razor clams this weekend at several other locations on the Washington coast, including Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks.
The full dig information is as follows:
Thursday, Jan. 17, 3:39 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Twin Harbors
Friday, Jan. 18, 4:30 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors
Saturday, Jan. 19, 5:18 p.m.; -1.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Sunday, Jan. 20, 6:05 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
Monday, Jan. 21, 6:51 p.m.; -1.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
The next razor clam dig has been proposed for early February pending the results of a marine toxin test, according to WDFW.
