8/23 Hairy woodpecker, BC fires, PFAS, 'Aroma of Tacoma,' E-coli, Tokitae, SR 20, Bay Day

 Hairy Woodpecker (Avibirds)

Hairy Woodpecker Dryobates villosus
The Hairy Woodpecker makes nesting cavities in dead parts of live trees – usually a dead stub – and in dead trees. They make a new nesting cavity at the start of every breeding season. They feed on pupae and larvae of bark beetles, woodboring beetles, ants, moths, caterpillars, bees, and wasps. Pupae and larvae constitute approximately three-quarters of their dietary requirement. Spiders, fruit, seeds, and millipedes make up the rest. (Avibirds)

B.C. officials look ahead at recovery and rebuilding efforts, as residents reckon with losses from wildfires
More than 27,000 people remain out of their homes across B.C. due to the wildfires, with thousands of firefighters on the frontlines. Up to 200 homes have been charred in the Kelowna area. (CBC)

WA public water systems can access part of $1.2B PFAS settlement
Public water systems across the U.S. — including those in Washington — that have found “forever chemicals” in their drinking water are eligible for a piece of roughly $1.2 billion as part of a court settlement with chemical and manufacturing giants DuPont, Chemours and Corteva. Isabella Breda and Manuel Villa report. (Seattle Times)

Century-old paper mill once famous for wafting ‘Aroma of Tacoma’ to close
A Tacoma paper mill is closing its doors next month, ending operations at a site that, over 94 years of operation, became a local legend for all the rottenest-smelling reasons. The closure, announced earlier this month, is expected to take effect on Sept. 30. WestRock, an Atlanta-based paper and packaging manufacturer, employs approximately 400 workers at its waterfront facility in Tacoma. Camilo Fonseca reports. (Seattle Times)

Life’s a Beach — Until You Get E. coli
Understanding the closure of popular BC swim spots. And how to enjoy the water safely. Michelle Gamage reports. (The Tyee)

Following Tokitae's sudden death, Northwest tribes call for repatriation of orca's remains
Tokitae, the orca who died suddenly last week before her scheduled return to the Pacific Northwest, has been sent to the University of Georgia for an autopsy. It was a move that the Lummi Nation, one of the groups working to bring Tokita home to the Salish Sea, said blindsided them. The tribe is now calling for the orca's remains to be returned to the region. Ruby de Luna reports. (KUOW)

North Cascades Highway to reopen as Sourdough, Blue Lake fires burn
The North Cascades Highway, or Highway 20, will reopen Wednesday morning as the Sourdough fire continues to burn. Through traffic has been closed since Aug. 11. Vonnai Phair reports. (Seattle Times)

Fidalgo Bay Day
The Skagit Marine Resources Committee holds its Fidalgo Bay Day, Aug. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fidalgo Bay Resort. The annual Bay Day is a free, fun, and educational event for the entire family celebrating our local estuaries’ beauty, history, and wonderful marine life. Information.

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  253 AM PDT Wed Aug 23 2023   TODAY  W wind to 10 kt becoming NW 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. NW swell 3 ft at 8 seconds. A slight  chance of rain.
TONIGHT  W wind 5 to 15 kt easing to 10 kt after midnight. Wind  waves 2 ft or less. NW swell 2 ft at 7 seconds.

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