9/22 Big brown bat, forest saved, BC marine detective, Puget Sound warming waters, city coyotes, democracy watch.

Big Brown Bat [Northwest Trek]

 
Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus
Washington state is home to 15 species of bats. The big brown bat is one of the largest bat species in Washington and features a heavy body, large head, and broad nose. The large, powerful jaw musculature and heavy teeth of big brown bats allow them to feed on hard-bodied insects as well as other prey. Big brown bats range from southern and central Canada to northern South America and the Caribbean. This species is present throughout Washington. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  The artists, history and heart behind the Bellingham Circus Guild

Trees in coastal temperate rainforest spared from the chopping block
The Elwha Legacy Forests Coalition essentially bought out the rights to harvest 29 acres of state forests from a logging company. Aspen Ford reports. (Washington State Standard) 

An Underwater Interview with BC’s Marine Detective
Jackie Hildering teaches people that we can build a better world. And that depends on a healthy ocean. Michelle Gamage reports. (The Tyee) 

What will super El Niño mean for Puget Sound’s already warming waters?
The Puget Sound region is heating up; there’s no doubt about it. Puget Sound’s waters are warming as well. Jan Newton is executive director of the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS), an agency that tracks ocean data in the Pacific Northwest. She said that water temperatures have been warmer than average in Puget Sound for a couple of years now. Gavin Feek reports. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

UW study suggests more coyotes are living in cities
University of Washington researchers found that coyote density in Seattle was nine times higher than in the wild. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX) 

Democracy Watch

• CNN, MS NOW, Politico sue over denied White House access, citing First Amendment (AP) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  130 PM PDT Mon Sep 21 2026    
TUE  W wind around 5 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 12 seconds.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming S 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 11 seconds. A  chance of rain in the evening, then rain likely after midnight.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



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9/21 Mountain huckleberry, Arctic oil threat, war canoe racers, Roadless Rule, Seattle birds, quagga mussels, democracy watch.

Mountain Huckleberry [Native Plants PNW]

 
Mountain Huckleberry Vaccinium membranaceum
There are about 450 species of Vaccinium worldwide, about 40 in North America with about 15 in the Pacific Northwest. It is Idaho’s State Fruit. The flavorful, juicy berries were collected by natives, eaten fresh or cooked, mashed and dried into cakes.  Mountain Huckleberry is the dominant species of huckleberry consumed by Grizzly Bears and Black Bears; they eat the berries, leaves, stems and roots.  Elk, moose and deer will also browse on the foliage.  Small mammals, grouse and other birds also eat the berries as well as use the shrub as cover. (Native Plants PNW) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Removal underway for sinking boat in Lake Whatcom 

Oil interests threaten life in Arctic refuge’s fragile coastal plain 
The coastal plain of the Arctic Wildlife National Refuge, one of the most fragile and fought over pieces of public land in our country, is caught in a fight that has continued over the same thing for decades. Oil. Lynda Mapes reports. (Seattle Times) 

Asia Youngman's new docuseries takes you out on the water with war canoe racers 
War canoe racing is a traditional style of paddling that has been a way of life for Coast Salish and other Pacific Northwest communities for thousands of years. Racing Waters, a new nine-part docuseries, introduces us to the modern version of the sport, taking viewers into the world of First Nations war canoe and outrigger racing. Ruby Cornish reports. (CBC) 

Foresters, activists dispute federal Roadless Rule claim
The U.S. Department of Agriculture claims that a 25-year-old conservation measure, the “roadless rule,” blocks preventative wildfire work, but some foresters and activists disagree. “The argument that there are more fires in roadless areas versus non-roadless areas is false,” said George Geissler, who oversees the state Department of Natural Resources’ forest resilience and wildland fire program. Taylor Scott Richmond reports. (Everett Herald) 

Why are Seattle’s birds in decline?
Across the eight sites — which included flagship parks like Seward Park, Discovery Park, Golden Gardens Park and Magnuson Park — the diversity of bird species declined by 18% and the average number of birds observed in each survey declined by 21%. Seward Park was a bright spot in the survey results. Amanda Zhou reports. (Seattle Times)  

How Idaho hopes to eradicate its quagga mussel invasion — before it reaches the Columbia River
Idaho has taken an aggressive approach to try to rid the Snake River of invasive mussels before they reach the Columbia River. And they said their approach is working. Courtney Platt reports. (NW Public Broadcasting) 

Democracy Watch

• MS NOW, CNN and Politico say their journalists were denied access to White House after Trump ban (AP) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  133 PM PDT Sun Sep 20 2026    

MON  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  13 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W  6 ft at 12 seconds.

---


"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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9/18 America at 250, river otter, Ts'ele7álhse, natural gas initiative, BC land zoning, AI poll, democracy watch, week in review.

"America at 250" features eminent historian and Western Washington University scholar Johann Neem and journalist Ron Judd discussing the search for a common narrative to describe what our county means to us. The event is a fundraiser supporting Salish Current, and features live and silent auctions of fine art from local artists curated by artist Chris Moench and a paddle-raising led by guest auctioneer Frank Catalano. Appetizers and no-host bar are available. Wednesday, Oct. 7, Hotel Leo, Bellingham. Early reservations encouraged. salishcurrent.rsvp@gmail.com

 

River otter [Keith Nelson]

River otter Lontra canadensis
Although seldom seen, river otters are relatively common throughout Washington in ponds, lakes, rivers, sloughs, estuaries, bays, and in open waters along the coast. In colder locations, otters frequent areas that remain ice-free in winter—rapids, the outflows of lakes, and waterfalls. River otters can be found in fresh, brackish, or salt water, and can travel overland for considerable distances. River otters are sometimes mistaken for their much larger seagoing cousin, the sea otter. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Governor’s response to WDFW investigation sows more discord

New orca calf officially has a name
A killer whale calf designated as J63 officially has a name. The Samish Indian Nation chose the name Ts'ele7álhse, which means "the heart of the Salish Sea" in Coast Salish. (KIRO) 

WA high court tosses natural gas measure approved by voters
Justices, in a 6-3 decision, found Initiative 2066 unconstitutional because it dealt with multiple unrelated subjects. Jerry Cornfield reports. (Washington State Standard) 

How Much Plastic Does it Take to Kill a Seabird?
For the first time, researchers uncover how eating plastic trash may impact seabirds at the population level. Greg Noone reports. (bioGraphic) 

Will BC’s Land Zoning Plan Protect More Forests?
New pilot sites will help determine whether restored areas are logged again, government ministers say. Ben Parfitt reports. (The Tyee) 

Americans are increasingly concerned about the environmental consequences of AI
A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) finds that 53% of Americans are extremely or very concerned about the environmental impacts of AI, up from 41% who said the same in 2025. Younger adults ages 18-29 have become particularly concerned, increasing from 38% last year to 60% today and moving from levels similar to other age groups to the highest level of concern. (Associated Press/NORC) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump calls possible Canada-EU move a hostile act after escalating trade war (Canadian Press) 
• Postal Service chief says work stopped on computer system key to Trump effort to limit mail voting (AP)
• WA governor takes stand against initiative repealing ‘parents bill of rights’(KNKX) 

 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 9/18/26: America at 250, Bamboo Friday, WA coal plant, tire burning, breeding spotted owls, greenhouse gas limits, wolf ESA. toxic tires, ESA 'take,' paper mill pollution, bringing back bluebirds. 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  138 AM PDT Fri Sep 18 2026    
TODAY  NW wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 8 seconds.  
TONIGHT  NW wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: NW  3 ft at 8 seconds.  
SAT  W wind around 5 kt, veering to NW in the afternoon. Seas  around 3 ft in the morning, then around 2 ft or less. Wave  Detail: W 2 ft at 8 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 2 ft or less, then  around 3 ft after midnight. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 5 seconds.  
SUN  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 9 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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9/17 Sea urchin, orca!, ESA 'take,' BC bluebirds, PT paper mill fined, Skagit energy storage, BC Hydro reporting, Sim,ilk estuary, restoration grants, crashes and spills, Byron Sher, democracy watch.

Green sea urchin [Ask Nature]

 
Sea urchin
The red sea urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus) and the green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) occur in large numbers throughout the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Admiralty Inlet, and the San Juan Islands but are also found in the inland waters of Puget Sound. Sea urchins graze actively on seaweed using sharp jaw parts (found in a structure called Aristotle's lantern) to chew up kelp, a favorite food source. (Swinomish Fisheries)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Bellingham’s Salish Landing Park moves closer to completion

Breathtaking
An orca peeks above the water on Monday afternoon at the Port Angeles Boat Haven in front of spectators from a yacht. The Orca Network identified the orca as Biggs T109A4 Garrett. Jay Cline reports. (Peninsula Daily News) 

Trump administration moves to gut a core endangered species protection 
In what would be a seismic shift, the Trump administration is quietly moving to strip a core protection of the Endangered Species Act. At the center of the change is what it means to “take” an endangered animal, something that has long been prohibited under the act. Under a new interpretation of the law’s language outlined in the memo, the accidental killing or injury of an animal would no longer be considered illegal; only actions specifically intending to target an animal would. The change would be transformative because, in the United States, the killing of endangered animals almost always happens incidentally, in the course of economic activity. Catrin Einhorn reports. (NY Times) 

Bluebirds Went Extinct on Vancouver Island. Now They’re Back
Seventy landowners and many other volunteers have helped return their gentle, chortling song to the Cowichan Valley. Sarah Cox reports. (The Tyee) 

WA fines Port Townsend paper mill for chemical spill, poor maintenance 
Washington’s Department of Ecology fined the Port Townsend Paper Company $734,000 this week for a series of spills, including two that poured out thousands of gallons of highly alkaline black liquor. Conrad Swanson reports. (Seattle Times) 

Bayview Ridge energy storage facility fight returns to Skagit County
The fight over a building permit issued for a battery energy storage facility on Bayview Ridge west of Burlington is once again in the hands of the Skagit County Board of Commissioners. On July 29, Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Robert E. Olson ruled that the Skagit County Board of Commissioners did not properly enter facts and findings in its denial of Stewards of Skagit’s appeal, and did not explain its reasoning. The court reversed the board’s decision and remanded the matter back to the board for the appeal. On Aug. 28, Stewards of Skagit filed an appeal with the Skagit County Board of Commissioners. A hearing is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 14, the county confirmed. Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

BC Hydro just scaled back its clean electricity reporting
BC Hydro has to supply 100% clean energy by 2030. As the province stares down a supply crunch, the utility just made it harder for the public to track its progress. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal) 

NOAA awards $4.2 million for Similk estuary project
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is awarding $4.2 million to the Skagit River System Cooperative, which is a natural resource consortium of the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. The grant will fund the restoration of the Similk Bay estuary and pocket marsh just west of the Swinomish reservation. Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Nooksack Indian Tribe, Whatcom Land Trust awarded $778K to restore salmon habitat
The Nooksack Indian Tribe and Whatcom Land Trust were awarded a total of $778,482 in grants for projects to restore salmon habitat. In all, 75 grants totaling $21.5 million were awarded to projects in 27 counties, according to a Wednesday, Sept. 16 news release from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. (CDN) https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2026/sep/16/nooksack-indian-tribe-whatcom-land-trust-awarded-778k-to-restore-salmon-habitat/

Truck Crashes and Fuel Spills Are Endangering BC’s Wild Sheep
A ‘very poor’ recent recovery effort highlights the need for improvements, locals and advocates say. Josh Kozelj reports. (The Tyee) 

Byron Sher, an uncomfortable politician who left an indelible mark on California’s environment, dies at 98
Byron Sher, a Stanford law professor turned California legislator who wrote some of the state’s most far-reaching environmental laws, died Saturday. He was 98. Dan Morain reports. (LA Times) 

Democracy Watch

• Federal judge blocks Trump administration from limiting stay of international students (KUOW) 
• Group aims to ‘DeFlock’ Everett with citizen-led initiatives (Everett Herald) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 

West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  200 PM PDT Wed Sep 16 2026    
THU  E wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  8 seconds.  
THU NIGHT  W wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 8 seconds.

---


"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


9/16 Killdeer, BC toxic runoff grants, Farmland Legacy Program, WDFW commission ills, Hispanic Heritage Month, democracy watch.

 

Killdeer [Brad Imhoff]

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Killdeer are graceful plovers common to lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and parking lots. These tawny birds run across the ground in spurts, stopping with a jolt every so often to check their progress, or to see if they’ve startled up any insect prey. Their voice, a far-carrying, excited kill-deer, is a common sound even after dark, often given in flight as the bird circles overhead on slender wings. (All About Birds)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  New poetry collection speaks to ‘Women, Madness, Whiteness’

2 UBC researchers awarded $1M each to study toxic tire particles, microbial ocean life
University of British Columbia researchers Patrick Keeling and Rachel Scholes have been granted $1 million each for projects that study microscopic ocean organisms and toxic road run-off. Marissa Birnie reports. (Canadian Press) 

Farmland Legacy Program adds 219 acres of protected land
Skagit County has protected 219 acres of agricultural land southeast of Samish Island owned by Jerry Nelson and Jenny Nelson of Double N Potatoes through the county's Farmland Legacy Program. Cameron Martinez reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Governor’s response to WDFW investigation sows more discord
Hunters’ demands for spring bear kills led to dubious reprimand, tarnished reputations, say commissioners. K.C. Mehaffey reports. (Columbia Insight)  Gov. Ferguson orders investigation of WDFW commissioners following hunting group’s petition, leaked letters An out-of-state group angry over the end of spring bear hunts says the commission is guilty of “politicking” and “backroom dealing” (Columbia Insight) 

National Hispanic Heritage Month begins with celebrations across the US
Celebrations across the U.S. are expected in observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, showcasing the vast diversity and culture of Latinos. Marked each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the month is an opportunity for many in the U.S. to learn about or be reminded of the contributions of Hispanic people. The nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority, over 70 million ethnically Hispanic residents make up one-fifth of the total U.S. population. (Associated Press) 

Democracy Watch

• US Supreme Court blocks Trump rule limiting mail voting, sides with Dem states (Washington State Standard) 
• Trump’s push to restrict mail ballots has failed. Other efforts to reshape the midterms are ongoing (AP) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  143 PM PDT Tue Sep 15 2026    
WED  E wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 7 seconds.  
WED NIGHT  NW wind around 5 kt, veering to E after midnight.  Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 9 seconds.

---


"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

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9/15 Sweetgum, power plant gas, wolf ESA, legacy forest harvest, public school funding, Salish Sea walk, democracy watch.

 

Sweetgum [John M. Hagstrom]

Sweetgum Liquidambar Styraciflua
The American sweetgum — with its star-shaped leaves, neatly compact crown, interesting fruit, and twigs with unique corky growths called wings — is an attractive shade tree. It has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and large yards across the country. The glossy green leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in the autumn. (Arbor Day Foundation)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Get to know a Ferndale art haven and 2 artists it celebrates

EPA eliminates rule that limits planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants 
The Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it is repealing rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas and announced it is taking a separate but related step to prevent future administrations from regulating climate pollution from power plants. Matthew Daly reports. (Associated Press) 

Trump gives feds 90 days to consider removing endangered species protections for wolves
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Sept. 4 giving the U.S. secretary of interior 90 days to decide whether to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves and Mexican wolves in the United States. The Supporting America’s Ranchers executive order calls for Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum to decide within 90 days whether gray wolves and Mexican wolves have met their recovery criteria and to begin the process of delisting or downlisting them. Clark Corbin reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Reykdal objects to Clallam County timber harvest
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal was the only member of the six-person Board of Natural Resources to vote against a Clallam County timber sale on Sept. 1, objecting to the harvest of what he called a legacy forest. The Fishhook sale on 240 acres of state forest transfer land near Sequim is scheduled to move forward in October. It was the only sale Reykdal voted against. Paula Hunt reports. (Peninsula Daily News) 

Reykdal seeks $2B infusion for WA public schools in next budget
The state schools chief says Washington is backsliding on its commitment to provide ample funding for basic education for its 1 million students. Jerry Cornfield and Aspen Ford report. (Washington State Standard) 

‘Walk to Protect and Restore the Salish Sea’ brings awareness and healing to islands
Friends, advocates and Indigenous elders from across the country and Canada gathered on San Juan Island from Sept. 3-7 for a four-day prayer walk that organizers describe as equal parts ceremony, protest and homecoming. “Walk to Protect and Restore the Salish Sea” wove together spiritual renewal, a reckoning with colonial history and a campaign to stop oil tanker traffic before what many here call the point of no return. Darrell Dirk reports. (Islands Sounder) 

Democracy Watch

• WA Supreme Court race heats up over alleged ‘partisan’ attack  (Seattle Times) 
• As Supreme Court Weighs Trump Mail Ballot Plan, Another Judge Blocks It (NY Times) 
• Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebration was partially funded by Russian oligarch, the couple confirms (Associated Press) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  209 PM PDT Mon Sep 14 2026    

TUE  NW wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 8 seconds. Patchy fog in the afternoon.  

TUE NIGHT  NW wind around 5 kt, veering to E after midnight.  Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

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Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


 

9/14 America at 250, Douglas squirrel, Centralia coal plant, geothermal plans, bull elk, burning tires, BC spotted owls, woolly dog pelt, McClatchy layoffs, democracy watch.

 

"America at 250" features eminent historian and Western Washington University scholar Johann Neem and journalist Ron Judd discussing the search for a common narrative to describe what our county means to us. The event is a fundraiser supporting Salish Current, and features live and silent auctions of fine art from local artists curated by artist Chris Moench and a paddle-raising led by guest auctioneer Frank Catalano. Appetizers and no-host bar are available. Wednesday, Oct. 7, Hotel Leo, Bellingham. Early reservations encouraged. salishcurrent.rsvp@gmail.com

Douglas squirrel 

Douglas squirrel Tamiasciurus douglasii
The Douglas squirrel is a pine squirrel found in western North America, from the Pacific Northwest (including the northwestern coastal states of the United States as well as the southwestern coast of British Columbia) to central California, with an isolated subspecies in northern Baja California.  John Muir described the Douglas squirrel as "by far the most interesting and influential of the California Sciuridæ". (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Guided by faith: Finnish founder keeps Lynden’s musical heart beating

For 4th time, Trump administration orders Centralia coal plant to remain open
The U.S. Department of Energy on Friday issued its fourth emergency order requiring Washington’s only coal-burning power plant to stay open for another 90 days. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

East Coast energy company announces geothermal plans for Oregon, Washington Weyerhaeuser lands
Hexagon Energy says it has reached an agreement to eventually develop as much as 3 gigawatts of geothermal power. Courtney Sherwood reports. (OPB) 

‘Adrenaline pumping.’ It’s the time of year for bull elk to bugle in the PNW 
It’s bugling elk season in Pierce County! It’s just regular elk, but this time of year, the bulls (males) transform into haunting ultra-soprano performance artists. Ultra-soprano because their bugle (calls) fly far beyond human capability. Gavin Feek reports. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

Seattle cement plant blocked from burning more tires
Regulators have stopped a Seattle cement plant's push to burn more tires for fuel. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

Hope remains for owl species despite no known wild population left in B.C., conservationist says
B.C. facility breeding northern spotted owls in captivity in hopes of returning species to wild. Amber Moniz reports. (CBC) 

The only known woolly dog pelt has returned to Canada. It's a 'powerful moment' for Indigenous communities
For thousands of years, woolly dogs played an integral role in the lives of Salish and Makah peoples, who bred them and used their silky fur for weaving. But the beloved animals were driven to extinction under colonialism in the late 1800s. The only known woolly dog pelt has been in storage in a U.S. museum for 160 years. But now, it's back in Coast Salish territory, on loan at the University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology (MOA) in Vancouver. Sheena Goodyear reports. (CBC) 

McClatchy layoffs hit local WA newspapers
McClatchy, the media company that owns 30 newspapers nationwide, slashed jobs at dozens of publications on Thursday, including four in Washington and one in Idaho. McClatchy laid off a third of its unionized employees across its newspapers in Washington and Idaho — 10 at The Idaho Statesman and seven in total at The News-Tribune in Tacoma, The Olympian, The Bellingham Herald and The Tri-City Herald. Alexis Weisend reports. (Seattle Times) 

Democracy Watch

• Alien Terrorist Removal Court deports legal US resident to Afghanistan in first-ever case (NPR) 
• Amid uncertainty about mail-in ballots, WA leaders say they’re ready for what comes next (Washington State Standard) 
• Contractor Blames Its Own Repairs, Not Vandals, for Reflecting Pool Failure (NY Times) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  211 PM PDT Sun Sep 13 2026    

MON  SW wind around 5 kt, veering to NW in the afternoon. Seas  around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  W wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 8 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told