6/2 Peony, gray whale decline, Seattle birds, Longview dead fish, Tacoma young trees, Alberta oil pipes, Skagit data centers, democracy watch.

Peony

Peony Paenoia
Peony is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants (family Paeoniaceae) known for their large showy blossoms. All but two species are native to Europe and Asia, and several species are cultivated as ornamentals and for the floral industry. (Brittanica) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Fight or fleet

Gray whales are declining at an alarming rate. Why? 
So far this year, 25 gray whales have been found dead in Washington, making this year’s count the third highest in a half century, and the migration season is not over yet. Lauren Frohne reports. (Seattle Times) 

Seattle bird populations, diversity are declining, new study finds
Average bird counts across Seattle dropped by 21% from 2005 to 2023, according to a new study from Birds Connect Seattle. The nonprofit’s “Neighborhood Bird Project” volunteers have been studying birds for decades at eight Seattle sites, including Golden Gardens Park, Seward Park, and the Washington Park Arboretum. Sami West, Andy Hurst and Patricia Murphy report. (KUOW) 

Longview dead fish count nears 2,000 after pulp mill disaster
The Washington Department of Ecology reported Friday evening it had collected 23 dead fish in the affected area near the mill. By Saturday evening, crews counted 200 dead fish. By Sunday evening, nearly 2,000 fish had been found in ditches and sloughs in west Longview. Authorities expected the number of reported dead fish would continue to grow. Lauren Rosenblatt reports. (Seattle Times) 

Ensuring some of Tacoma’s youngest trees continue to thrive
Driving the streets of South Tacoma, there’s a sleek, black electric Ford Lightning F-150 truck pulling a trailer. The trailer is carrying a 500-gallon water tank on a mission to water some of Tacoma’s newest trees. Lauren Gallup reports. (NW Public Broadcasting) 

Alberta considering 3 oil pipeline routes through northern B.C., documents show
The Alberta government has considered three different pipeline routes through northern British Columbia for a new major oil export pipeline, according to documents obtained by CBC News which provide a first glimpse into where the project could be located. The provincial government is also exploring the idea of a fourth route through southern B.C. and a port in the Vancouver area. Kyle Bakx reports. (CBC) 

Skagit County temporarily bans data centers to protect farmland, water
Data centers won’t be allowed in unincorporated Skagit County for at least the next six months, after the Skagit Board of County Commissioners on Monday passed a temporary moratorium. The county will spend the time refining its development regulations around data centers in order to protect farmland and water resources. Julia Tillman reports. (CDN) 

Democracy Watch

• Pentagon policy illegally banned transgender troops from military service, appeals court panel rules (AP) 
• Pentagon Bars Reporters From Its Press Office (NY Times) 
• Pride Month 2026 has begun. Here's what to expect for the LGBTQ+ celebrations (AP) 

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  107 PM PDT Mon Jun 1 2026    
TUE  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft  at 3 seconds and W 3 ft at 9 seconds.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 12 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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