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| American pika [WDFW] |
American pika Ochotona princeps
American pika habitat is restricted to rocky talus slopes, primarily the
talus-meadow interface. They are often found above tree lines up to the
limit of vegetation, though they can also survive in rocky areas within
forests or near lakes. Pikas do not dig burrows, but they may enlarge
dens or nest sites under rock. They are sensitive to temperatures above
78 degrees Fahrenheit and rely on winter snowpack to insulate them from
extreme cold conditions. The population size of American pika in
Washington is unknown. It is a montane talus habitat specialist that may
face threats from climate change. (WDFW)
Today's top story in Salish Current: Southern resident killer whales out, Bigg’s in, according to new data
In Sumas First Nation near Abbotsford, B.C., people have gotten used to oil spills, says Chief Dalton Silver. Crude oil has been stored, re-routed and carried through the First Nation's traditional territory for decades. Silver fought the Trans Mountain Expansion Project in 2024 — and lost. Today, he's gearing up for another fight: against the proposed Pacific Link pipeline, which will follow a similar route to Trans Mountain. Jennifer Yoon reports. (CBC)
‘Knowing our opponents’: how a pro-oil-and-gas group tracks journalists, First Nations and environmentalists
New research by Greenpeace Canada lays out a web of pro-oil-and-gas groups working together to influence public opinion on climate change. Carl Meyer reports. (The Narwhal)
Compressed in steel pipes buried underground, natural gas courses down the Interstate 5 corridor from British Columbia. It flows through the Columbia River Gorge from the Rocky Mountains. The Williams Companies owns and operates the Northwest Pipeline, the main natural gas highway into the state. Williams has proposed four projects that could significantly expand the amount of gas that can be moved into Washington. Greg Kim reports. (Seattle Times)
As Fortis expands its facility along the Fraser, pollution is expected to worsen in neighbouring communities. Zoƫ Yunker reports. (The Tyee)
What we know about underlying labor issues that halted WA’s ferry system
Commuters, passengers, and crew on Washington State Ferries hit some choppy waters this week when nearly two dozen engine room workers called out in an apparent “sick out” related to labor concerns. Entire routes went out of service on Monday, with only enough staff to run six out of 18 boats. Casey Martin reports. (KUOW)
Democracy Watch
- Japanese Americans in Seattle embark on 4-day pilgrimage to immigrant detention sites (KUOW)
- Trump bought over $1 million in SpaceX debt days before unveiling space policy (Washington Post)
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 246 AM PDT Fri Oct 9 2026
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING
TODAY W wind 20 to 25 kt, becoming NW 25 to 30 kt late this morning. Seas 5 to 7 ft, building to 7 to 10 ft this afternoon. Wave Detail: W 10 ft at 10 seconds.
TONIGHT NW wind 15 to 25 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt after midnight. Seas 5 to 8 ft, subsiding to 4 to 6 ft after midnight. Wave Detail: W 8 ft at 10 seconds.
SAT E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 10 seconds.
SAT NIGHT NE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 10 seconds and W 2 ft at 20 seconds.
SUN E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft at 8 seconds and W 2 ft at 19 seconds.






