2/12 Wild Olympics, BC fisheries, Shell drills, Black oil, Fraser gravel, GBBC, storks

Today's Birdnote: Storks Bring Babies

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray plans to reintroduce “Wild Olympics” legislation that would expand wilderness in Olympic National Forest by more than 126,000 acres and which would create a protective buffer around Olympic National Park. New 6th Congressional District Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, continues to hold off on taking a stand on the Wild Olympics proposal, which would ban logging in the protected areas. Such legislation was introduced in the last session of Congress by Murray and Kilmer's predecessor, Norm Dicks, but the bill died as the 2012 Congress adjourned. Paul Gottlieb reports. Sen. Murray to resurrect Wild Olympics bill  

British Columbia’s recreational fishery is worth as much to the provincial economy as commercial fishing, aquaculture and fish processing combined, according to a new report from BC Stats. The report, the first major economic review of the sector since 2007, estimates overall B.C. fisheries and aquaculture sector revenue at $2.2 billion for 2011 including $936 million contribution from recreational angling. That boils down to a $325 million contribution to gross domestic product from the recreational sub-sector — not including spending on angling gear, boats and other vehicles — compared to $340 million in combined GDP from the commercial, aquaculture and fish processing sub-sectors including commercial boats and gear. Scott Simpson reports. Sport angling a runaway leader in B.C.’s fishing and aquaculture sector

Shell Oil will send two Arctic drilling rigs to Asia — rather than Seattle — for major repairs that could put at risk plans to resume a search for oil next summer off Alaska’s North Slope. One of the rigs, the Kulluk, which has no propulsion system, was being towed to Seattle on Dec. 31 when it broke free amid fierce storms and went aground off Alaska’s Kodiak Island. It was later refloated. A second drilling ship, one that moves under its own power, the Noble Discoverer, has problems with its propulsion system and could require an engine replacement, according to Curtis Smith, Shell’s spokesman in Alaska. Damaged Shell drilling rigs to be shipped to Asia — not Seattle — for repairs  

British Columbia newspaper magnate David Black says he’ll know in about 60 days whether his controversial idea for a new refinery on the West Coast will move forward or die a quiet death. In a recent interview, Black said he has signed memorandums of agreement with parties interested in the idea of a $15-billion refinery at Kitimat, done some preliminary design work and talked to financial backers — though any deal has a long way to go. Fate of David Black's proposed refinery to be determined within 60 days, newspaper tycoon says

First Nation concerns could derail controversial provincial plans this winter to extract gravel from the lower Fraser River. Contractors for Emergency Management B.C. were poised to begin extracting 230,000 cubic metres of gravel at Gill and Hamilton bars downstream of Agassiz to reduce flood risks. But gravel extraction “has been halted due to concerns by the Cheam Indian Band” in Rosedale and may have to be postponed for another year, said Tim Preece, flood-protection program manager with EMBC. Larry Pynn reports. Gravel extraction from lower Fraser River put on hold  

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of winter bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the event and report their sightings online. Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning bird watchers, to experts, and you can now participate from anywhere in the world!  The 16th annual GBBC will be held Friday, February 15, through Monday, February 18, 2013. Please visit the official website for more information and be sure to check out the latest educational and promotional resources.  Great Backyard Bird Count  

And if you wondered: Storks and babies have been linked together for centuries. But how did that old legend get started? Researchers suggest that the legend goes back to pagan times, when civilizations were keen to have high birthrates. The myth of storks and babies was forged by the birds' return in spring, when many babies were born. Many people in Europe still associate White Storks with good luck and look forward to the birds' return. Storks Bring Babies http://birdnote.org/show/storks-bring-babies

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA- 245 AM PST TUE FEB 12 2013
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING
TODAY
SW WIND TO 10 KT...RISING TO 15 TO 25 KT. WIND WAVES 1 FT OR LESS...BUILDING TO 2 TO 4 FT. W SWELL 10 FT AT 15 SECONDS...SUBSIDING TO 8 FT AT 13 SECONDS. AREAS OF FOG IN THE MORNING. RAIN LIKELY.
TONIGHT
W WIND 15 TO 25 KT...EASING TO 10 TO 15 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES 2 TO 4 FT...SUBSIDING TO 1 TO 2 FT. W SWELL 6 FT AT 12 SECONDS. RAIN.
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