THE SCOPE COULD be minimized a bit — there are too many counties involved for a start — but state Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind and Coastal Region Director Larry Phillips will take questions from the public in an online broadcast from 6 to 7 tonight (Thursday, Nov. 21).
Phillips, director of Region 6, is an avid angler and a yearly participant in the Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby, so he knows about us up here on the North Olympic Peninsula.
“From the coast to the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound, this region faces a wide range of management and conservation challenges,” Susewind said.
“As a popular destination for many in the state, our efforts here affect more than just the residents of the region. We want to hear what’s on the minds of those who live and recreate in these areas during this digital open house.”
Susewind and Phillips will share updates on a number of local and statewide issues, including this winter’s promising razor clam season, hunting access on private and industry lands, the department’s budget challenges and salmon forecasts and closures so far in 2019.
Region 6’s territory spans Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific, Pierce and Thurston counties.
To watch or participate in the online open house, visit tinyurl.com/PDN-Region6.
Anglers meet tonight
Elwha River restoration efforts will be discussed at tonight’s meeting of the North Olympic Peninsula chapter of Puget Sound Anglers.
The meeting will be held in Sequim at Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 S. Blake Ave. Viewing of raffle prizes and fish stories begins at 6:30 p.m., with the speaker set for 7 p.m.
A representative from Natural Systems Design will speak about the Elwha River restoration.
Natural Systems Design is a company known for pioneering engineered logjam design and methodology throughout world river systems. Over the last 24 years has worked on sites in North America, the Hawaiian Islands, Haiti and Bolivia.
Refreshments and a $75 membership drawing also are on tap.
The public is welcome.
Winterfest this Saturday
Winterfest — a dinner, auction and film festival — is set for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $65 in advance and $80 at the door. Community tables for eight are $500.
A prime rib dinner will be sponsored by First Federal, Manitou Lodge and 7 Cedars Casino.
A series of short films featuring local skiers and snowboarders at Hurricane Ridge will be screened.
Appetizers, live and silent auctions and music by Bill, Barry and Friends are planned.
Contributions are tax-deductible and proceeds support capital improvements to the Hurricane Ridge Ski Area, as well as scholarships to underprivileged community youths who would like to learn how to ski, snowboard or participate on a ski team.
Tickets can be purchased at www.hurricaneridge.com.
For more information, email info@hurricaneridge.com.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
