7/29 Himalayan blackberry, greenhouse gases, Canada PFAS, Big Quilcene R., Mt. Benson transfer, democracy watch

Himalayan Blackberry

 
Himalayan Blackberry Rubus armeniacus
Himalayan blackberry can grow in mixed and deciduous forests and a variety of disturbed sites such as roadsides, railroad tracks, logged lands, field margins and riparian areas. It does well in a wide range of soil pH and textures. It is a notorious invasive species in many countries around the world and costs millions of dollars for both control and in estimated impacts. This species spreads aggressively and has severe negative impacts to native plants, wildlife and livestock. (Noxious Weed Control Board)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Fight continues against sea star wasting disease

EPA set to unravel U.S. authority to regulate greenhouse gases
The Trump administration is set to announce its plans to abolish the U.S. government’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases, threatening to strike a deep blow at Washington’s ability to fight climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency will unveil a proposal as early as Tuesday to scrap a landmark determination that planet-warming gases endanger public health and welfare, according to people familiar with the matter. If finalized, the move would lay the foundation to unwind a host of regulations limiting emissions from power plants, oil wells and automobiles. Jennifer A. Dlouhy and Ari Natter report. (Bloomberg) 

Canada wants cities to start filtering toxic forever chemicals from public drinking water, but that’s no easy feat.
Jaela Bernstien reports on the challenges facing water utilities as they try to adapt to new PFAS guidelines. (CBC) 

Grant funding to aid project 
A major floodplain and salmon restoration project on the Big Quilcene River as been approved to move forward. Elijah Sussman reports. (Peninsula Daily News) 

700 hectares of land on Mt. Benson transferred to Snuneymuxw First Nation
About 700 hectares of land on Mount Benson west of Nanaimo has been transferred by the province to Snuneymuxw First Nation, who plan to use the area for forestry operations. The lands, known as Mount Benson North, were earmarked for the First Nation under a 2020 reconciliation agreement that will see more than 3,000 hectares of land returned to Snuneymuxw. Michael John Lo reports. (Times Colonist) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump Administration Issues Guidance on Religious Freedom at Work (NY Times) 

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  232 AM PDT Tue Jul 29 2025    
TODAY  W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt late. Seas  around 2 ft or less. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 6 seconds.  
TONIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W  2 ft at 6 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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