Progress of the bill and other news.
David Berger, author of “Razor Clams: Buried Treasure of the Pacific Northwest,” was featured on “New Day Northwest,” the morning talk show with host Amity Addrisi on KING 5 TV. Wearing waders, he explains to Amity the how to’s of razor clamming, and demonstrates using a tube and shovel. It aired 11 am on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Watch the 7-minute video here
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Symbols of Washington, from The Spokesman-Review
The Spokesman-Review newspaper of Spokane published a story in 2019 about the effort to make the razor clam the state clam.
<<“Razor clams are very important to our district,” said Sen. Dean Takko, D-Longview. They’re part of the draw that brings between 30,000 and 40,000 people each year to the Long Beach peninsula alone.
Jim Franzel, a retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist who said he has dug clams since 1958, all up and down the Northwest coast, said they draw 400,000 “digger trips” to Washington beaches a year.
There’s one other element that could weigh heavily in favor of naming this state clam if the bill makes it to the Senate floor in the coming days. Lawmakers will be struggling with some contentious budget issues, and may need a chance to insert a bit of levity.
Along with the economic factors, “it’s sure to be a great source of puns.” >>
Full story:
A new bill has been prefiled for the upcoming legislative session. The 105-day session begins Jan. 14. If passed, the razor clam, Siliqua patula, would join the ranks of the American goldfish, Walla Walla sweet onion, green darner dragonfly, and the orca as a state symbol.
A bill has been drafted and introduced! HB 3001 designates the Pacific razor clam as the state clam. Thanks to Representatives Brian Blake, Joel Kretz, Steve Tharinger and Jim Walsh. Please write them and let them know you appreciate their support.
You can view the bill introduction and comment on the bill at the state legislative site. Please comment! You can read the bill itself on the state legislative site here.
It is too late for the bill to pass this session. But we are eager to spread the word and build support so it can pass in the next legislative session in 2019. So please comment at the legislative site, send letters to your representatives, sign the petition on this site, and have your organization pass a resolution of support and let us know. Thank you.
The Spokesman-Review