Biotoxin levels shut down shellfishing
Clallam County health officials last week closed west portion of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, from Cape Flattery to Lyre River/Low Point, including Dungeness Bay, for recreational harvest of all species of shellfish.
All areas in the region, including Discovery Bay, Sequim Bay, the east portion of the Strait of Juan de Fuca (Lyre River/Low Point to the Jefferson County line) and ocean beaches, are also closed.
Closed to all species means clams (including geoduck), oysters, mussels and other invertebrates such as the moon snail. All areas are closed for the sport harvest of scallops. Closures do not apply to shrimp. For more information, call the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 800-562-5632, or visit the Department of Health’s Marine Biotoxin Website at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm.
Operation Christmas Child to host guest speaker
Operation Christmas Child, a program that collects shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies and hygiene items for children around the world, hosts a special speaker at three appearances in early August.
The community is invited to hear Veronica Miranda in person to tell how the Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift changed her life, event organizers say. Miranda was 13 and living in an orphanage in Mexico when she received her shoebox gift.
Hear Miranda speak at one of three events: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Sequim Community Church, 950 N. Fifth Ave. (contact Melody Wilson, 209-639-3995); 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Bethany Pentecostal Church, 508 S. Francis St., Port Angeles (contact Cookie Allison, 360-775-6865); and, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Eastern Hills Community Church, 91 Savannah Lane (contact Susan Hedding and Paul Muncey, 206-817-5634).
Get ‘Squishy Soap’ at local libraries
As part of the Summer Reading Program, the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is offering a “Take and Make: Squishy Soap” kit. Beginning Monday, Aug. 1 and while supplies last, stop by any NOLS library branch and pick up one free kit per person.
Families and teens can make their own squishy soap with a few simple ingredients, library representatives said. Make different soaps in fun colors, sculpt it like play-dough,and tear off a piece to make hand washing more fun. Adult supervision is recommended.
For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit nols.org/srp, call 360-417-8500 or email discover@nols.org. The Summer Reading Program is generously supported by Friends of the Library groups at all four NOLS branches.
Elwha River recovery is subject of celebration
The 10-year anniversary of Elwha dams removal is being celebrated with public presentations and discussion at an event hosted by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, set for 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Peninsula College’s Little Theater, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles.
The event will highlight how the Elwha River system is recovering and how study of the region is advancing the science of dam removal and river restoration. A short film highlights how dam removals and river restoration work is proceeding across the American West.
Presentations will also focus on plans for major dam removals on the Klamath River in California, and on the growing movement — inspired in part by the Elwha — for dam removal in Europe.
Poster presentations by river restoration experts, environmental groups, and local students will highlight recent scientific discoveries and opportunities for community and citizen science involvement in long-term monitoring efforts. Light refreshments will be provided.
This event is free to all, but registration is required at tinyurl.com/3s9v892p.
