12/7 Bird count, Bainbridge shores, Kinder Morgan, BC & Montana coal, ocean acid, Cortes logging, Fort Worden SP

Snowy owl (Mark Mulligan / The Herald)

Thousands of volunteers across the country who dub themselves the Binocular Brigade are gearing up for Audubon's annual Christmas Bird Count. And hopes are high that they'll see more birds from the north spotted in strange places. The count runs from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. To find a count near you, click here.   Area bird watchers gear up for annual count  

Two Bainbridge Island shoreline restoration projects have been selected among projects nationwide for recognition by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA presented the city of Bainbridge Island with the Excellence in Restoration award for projects at Strawberry Plant Park and Pritchard Park East Bluff. The projects involved the removal of bulkheads, artificial fill and debris. The goal of the projects was to re-create natural shorelines important in maintaining habitats.  Bainbridge restoration projects win national awards  

An information session in Victoria on a plan to expand Kinder Morgan’s oil pipeline from Alberta to Burnaby ended earlier than planned Wednesday night after company officials walked out. The meeting was supposed to address concerns about the expansion, but when protesters began replacing company signs with their own, company representatives left. In a statement, Kinder Morgan says it decided to close down the public information session in response to what it calls “vandalism.” Kinder Morgan shuts down public information session after protesters switch signage  And Jack Knox asks: What's in Kinder Morgan pipeline for Victoria?

Port Metro Vancouver is coming under increasing pressure to hold a public inquiry over coal terminal expansion plans that could turn the port into North America’s largest exporter of coal. Elected officials in Vancouver, New Westminster and Delta say they are concerned that the proposals are being considered by port authorities through an internal review without adequate public consultation. Civic politicians demand public inquiry on expanding coal exports from B.C. ports

A pair of coal companies have struck a deal on a disputed Montana mine that both sides said could boost Asian exports through the West Coast, but won't prevent up to 75 layoffs in the short term. The deal calls for Australian-based Ambre Energy to gain full control of the Decker mine near the Wyoming border for $57 million. The company wants to ramp up production and ship fuel overseas through a pair of Columbia River ports. Matthew Brown reports. Coal deal on Montana mine could boost exports; layoffs still planned

If you want to watch: Slip beneath the water’s surface and you’ll find a world teeming with life. Schools of yellowtail fish dart through colorful coral reefs. Spiny lobsters emerge from the crevices of ocean rocks searching for a tasty meal. And sea anemones nestle in the nooks of oyster beds. But there is trouble in the world’s ocean. Scientists are learning more about how carbon dioxide is dramatically changing the makeup of the oceans and the communities that depend on them. Coral Reefs and Shellfish Battle Acidifying Oceans  

Cortes Island residents who blockaded roads for a week in a fight to modify logging plans say they are hopeful talks with Island Timberlands can lead to a compromise. But Mark Leitao, a spokesman for the company, said Thursday no commitment has been made to meet with the islanders, who are organized under the banner, Wildstands Alliance. The group lifted its blockade Wednesday, after logging crews withdrew from the island. But Mr. Leitao said the crews will be back. Mark Hume reports. Cortes Island residents seek compromise with loggers

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission voted Thursday afternoon to approve a cooperative plan between the State Parks and the Port Townsend Public Development Authority for management of Fort Worden State Park. Now that the business plan has been approved, the parks staff will begin working with the public development authority to determine the details of the co-management agreement, such as the two organizations' respective responsibilities for maintenance of the park and as a learning center.  State panel OKs plan to share Fort Worden State Park management  

Now, your weekend tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA- 300 AM PST FRI DEC 7 2012
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING
TODAY
W WIND 20 TO 30 KT...EASING TO 15 TO 25 KT. WIND WAVES 2 TO 5 FT. W SWELL 8 FT AT 10 SECONDS. SHOWERS.
TONIGHT
NW WIND 15 TO 25 KT...BECOMING W 10 TO 20 KT. WIND WAVES 2 TO 4 FT. W SWELL 7 FT AT 10 SECONDS. SHOWERS LIKELY.
SAT
NW WIND 5 TO 15 KT...BECOMING N TO 10 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 8 FT AT 11 SECONDS. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS.
SAT NIGHT
E WIND 10 KT...BECOMING SE. WIND WAVES 1 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 6 FT AT 10 SECONDS.
SUN
SE WIND 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 4 FT AT 9 SECONDS.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to: msato@salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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