Originally published February 5, 2009 at 5:08 PM | Page modified February 6, 2009 at 1:37 AM

NEW - Introducing two new blogs

Go beyond the headlines on cops and courts.

Exploring philanthropy, non-profits and socially motivated business.

Taylor Shellfish lease in limbo

Taylor Shellfish Co. won't receive a lease to harvest geoducks on state tidelands until the new public lands commissioner can receive public input on the issue, the Department of Natural Resources announced this afternoon.

By Michelle Ma

Seattle Times staff reporter

Taylor Shellfish Co. won't receive a lease to harvest geoducks on state tidelands until the new public-lands commissioner can receive public input on the issue, the Department of Natural Resources announced this afternoon.

Taylor Shellfish, based in Shelton, Mason County, was found last year to be growing shellfish on state tidelands without permission in Totten Inlet near Olympia. The company has said the trespass was unintentional and agreed to pay more than $800,000 to cover back rent, scientific research, among other things.

But that settlement with the former public-lands commissioner depended on Taylor Shellfish getting a five-year lease from the state to harvest oysters and geoducks from the trespass site.

Newly elected Commissioner Peter Goldmark said today he wants to settle the trespass with the shellfish company apart from any lease agreement.

More Local News headlines...

Print Share: Digg Newsvine