WASHINGTON – U. S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced 42 new designations to the America’s Byways® collection, including five All-American Roads and 37 National Scenic Byways in 26 states. This increases the number of America’s Byways® to 151.

At the request of the Washington State Legislature, a thorough investigation of the potential for utilization of wood for renewable energy in Washington has been conducted by University of Washington scientists. This report represents a synthesis of information and analysis provided from many sources.

Grays Harbor County, WA - Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved the first razor clam dig of the season, starting this Friday. The agency approved the digs at five Pacific beaches after tests for marine toxins showed the clams are safe to eat. 

Evening digs are scheduled at Twin Harbors from Friday through next Monday; Long Beach and Copalis from Friday through Sunday; and at Mocrocks and Kalaloch Beach on Saturday and Sunday. Additional digging opportunities are planned through Jan. 3.For a complete list of planned digs, hours and harvesting requirements, go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/

OLYMPIA ¾ Marine biotoxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) have been detected at dangerously high levels in shellfish samples collected from north Puget Sound. The so-called “red tide” toxin levels have been as much as 100 times higher than the closure level.

The state Department of Health has closed several areas to recreational shellfish harvest because of these dangerous toxin levels. All of Whatcom County and all of San Juan County, Deception Pass, Fidalgo Bay, Samish Bay, Sinclair, and Cypress Islands in Skagit County are closed. The northern part of Whidbey Island, from Keystone Harbor on the west to Strawberry Point on the east including Deception Pass, is also closed to recreational shellfish harvest.