DNR sponsoring 10 volunteer events across the state.  The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to celebrate the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® by volunteering on June 1 at one of DNR’s many events throughout Washington.

DNR staff and volunteers will work together to build new trails, as well as perform maintenance on existing trails and structures. National Trails Day®was created by the American Hiking Society in 1993 to bring people together who enjoy trails and the outdoors.

National Trails Day Events on DNR-managed lands on Saturday, June 1:

As Olympic National Park staff begins the annual process of preparing for the main visitor season, effects of the mandatory five percent budget sequester are becoming more apparent.  At Olympic, five percent amounts to an approximate $640,000 loss from the parks $12.9 million annual operating budget, resulting in fewer staff and less funding for supplies and materials.  Most park facilities will remain open, but some campgrounds, roads and visitor centers will open later than in previous years, provide fewer services or remain closed.

IMAGE/Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge, Thu May 9, 2013  Time 8:11am/Elevation 5,242  Temp: 95.0 F °

In applying the five percent cut, park staff has given highest priority to protecting public, staff and partner safety.  Park staff is also working hard to minimize impacts on park visitors and local communities.

“While it’s true that sequestration is requiring us to reduce services, we still have 95% of our annual operating budget and are continuing to use it as effectively and efficiently as possible. We’re looking forward to welcoming our summer visitors to Olympic,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.

An update on the spring and summer seasons at Olympic National Park follows:

Shrimp Season opened May 4 in Puget Sound, where recreational shrimp fishers will get more days to fish and a larger share of the catch.

A map of the new subareas is available on WDFW’s Recreational Shrimp Fishing webpage and is published in the 2013 Spot Fishing Rule pamphlet.

Puget Sound recreational shrimp season opening days are:

• Hood Canal Shrimp District (Marine Area 12):Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 4, 8, 15, 18 and 22.
• Discovery Bay Shrimp District (Marine Area 6): Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 4, 8, 15, 18 and 22.
• Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5, 6 and 13 (excluding Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open daily beginning May 4 at 7 a.m. The spot shrimp season closes when the quota is attained or Sept. 15, whichever comes first. The exception is Marine Area 13, which closes for spot shrimp May 31.
• Marine Area 7 East and South:Open May 4 at 7 a.m. for a one-day fishery and will reopen May 8-11, May 15-18, May 29-June 1.
• Marine Area 7 West:Open May 4 at 7 a.m., open Wednesday through Saturday each week until June 1. After June 1 the area will be open Thursday through Saturday each week until the quota is reached or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.
• Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10 and 11:Open May 4 and May 8 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Additional dates and times will be announced if sufficient quota remains after the initial fishing days scheduled above.

In all areas of Puget Sound, fishers are limited to 80 spot shrimp per day and a valid 2013-14 fishing license is required to participate in the fishery. For a description of the marine areas and fishing rules, see WDFW’s Recreational Shrimp Fishing website.