OLYMPIA – July 11, 2016 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Parks Foundation invite the public to attend ShellFest 2016 at Twanoh State Park in Mason County.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Twanoh State Park, 12190 E. SR 106, Union. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/s8EzWEMn33R2). The event will include exhibits, shellfish lunch, children activities, beach walks and education about restoring and protecting shellfish beds in Puget Sound and the coast as part of the statewide Washington Shellfish Initiative (WSI).
Shellfish have a significant influence on Washington’s cultural and culinary identity and as recreational, commercial and tribal resources. In January, Gov. Jay Inslee launched Phase II of the WSI, a collaborative partnership with federal, tribal, industry and non-profit partners aimed at protecting and enhancing the unique shellfish resources that are at the heart of creating shellfish-farming jobs, cleaning Washington’s waters and continuing traditions of eating shellfish from our shores. Washington became the first state in the nation to establish a shellfish initiative to strengthen the health of shellfish resources and bolster their role in the state’s economy.
Activities for the day will feature low-tide beach walks guided by local experts, ice table display, hands-on activities for children, touch tanks and more. Cambodian Classical and Folk Dance Northwest will provide special entertainment.
A free shellfish lunch will be provided by Hama Hama and Seattle Shellfish from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is free with a suggested donation of $7/person or $20/family to benefit the Washington State Parks Foundation.
Admission is free. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the event. More information about the pass is here: www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Other event partners include the Washington State Department of Health, the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Washington Sea Grant, Washington State Parks Volunteer Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Wildlife Federation, Washington Water Trails Association, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Conservation Corp and the Razor Clam Society. These sponsors all have a role in protecting and restoring bountiful shellfish and marine life as well as ensuring communities have access to clean water, beaches and thriving shorelines.
In June, the Governor also signed a ceremonial proclamation for Washington Shellfish Week, which took place June 4 – 11. State Parks and numerous partners sponsored an earlier ShellFest on June 4 at Westport Light State Park. More information about Washington Shellfish Week is here:
https://aquaculture.wsg.uw.edu or #digWAshellfish.
About Twanoh State Park
Twanoh State Park, situated on the shoreline of Hood Canal, features one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Washington state. The 182-acre marine camping park has 3,167 feet of saltwater shoreline. The name of the park derives from the Native American Twana tribes, better known as the Skokomish, who made their home in the area.
Twanoh is popular for recreational shellfish harvesting. A shellfish license is required. Oyster beds are seeded annually, providing for ample harvests. Visitors also enjoy other recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, water skiing and wildlife viewing
Automated pay station: This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.
For more information about Twanoh State Park, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/294/Twanoh
About the Washington State Parks Foundation
The Washington State Parks Foundation mission is “to ensure a vibrant Washington State Parks system for generations to enjoy. We engage, expand, and sustain a broad base of supporters who give to, advocate for and treasure our state parks.” For more information, visit http://wspf.org.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Follow Washington State Parks Foundation:
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit
www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Srey Ryser, State Parks, (360) 902-8626
John Floberg, Washington State Parks Foundation (206) 437-6086
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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