11/5 WA Senate, Big BC Oil, 'soil burritos,' resident orca research, Super Natural BC, BC ferries

Liquid Light (Laurie MacBride)

Liquid Light in the Forest
Laurie MacBride in Eye on Environment writes: "The bracket fungus in this photo grows on the side of a fir tree on our property. Usually it looks rather unprepossessing, but the other day, after one of our many recent downpours, a network of raindrops clung to its edge and that ordinary bracket fungus became something very special…."

Democrats trailing in state Senate races
Despite record spending on both sides in the contest for control of the state Senate, incumbent Republicans were winning re-election in Tuesday’s returns, retaining a narrow working majority. Republicans leaders praised the resulting 26-23 majority, saying state voters want balance and bipartisanship in the legislature where Democrats control the House and the Governor’s office…. The results mean it will be harder for Gov. Jay Inslee to act on an aggressive plan to reduce carbon emissions in the state, or to pass legislation that’s been a priority for Democrats including education and transportation funding. Lynn Thompson reports. (Seattle Times)

Pete McMartin: When Big Oil acts like a big bully
You would think that, in the name of public relations, somebody at Kinder Morgan might take a clue from the company’s name to work on its image. It could do with some “kinder.” But no. Quite the opposite. In its clumsy handling of its proposed pipeline expansion to bring diluted Alberta bitumen to Vancouver, Kinder Morgan — through its pipeline subsidiary Trans Mountain Pipeline — has alienated the city of Burnaby, the city of Vancouver and, well, me, for one. As part of its survey work, it took down trees in a public park. Pete McMartin reports. (Vancouver Sun)

‘Soil Burritos’ Hold Together Northwest River Banks More Like Nature Does
The Environmental Protection Agency is testing out a new technique for keeping heavily-used river banks from eroding into the water. The EPA wants to see if these living retainer walls can contain lead pollution at a Superfund site in north Idaho. To make these “soil burritos,” a construction crew pours a layer of dirt into what looks like a car-sized piece of burlap. Then they put down willow branches. If all goes according to plan, those willows will start taking root in the dirt next spring. Jessica Robinson reports. (EarthFix)

"Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales: 10 Years of Research and Recovery Efforts" is a talk by Dawn Noren, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, on Nov. 11 at 7 PM at C&P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave. SW, in Seattle. Dawn discusses results from research on risk factors and data gaps associated with the Southern Resident Killer Whale population as well as how the results are critical to informing management actions. Sponsored by The Whale Trail. Tickets: $5 suggested donation, kids free, Brown Paper Tickets

If you like to watch: Video: Exciting new look to showcase Super, Natural British Columbia
Destination BC (formerly Tourism BC) has revitalized the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand to focus on the power of B.C.’s natural wilderness and beauty to entice tourists from around the world. The first of a continuing series of campaigns will be used to market the ski season this month through a number of social media, advertising and PR initiatives. Watch “The Wild Within: British Columbia, Canada”  (Vancouver Sun)

B.C. Ferries considers closing Nanaimo terminal, axing Horseshoe Bay route
B.C. Ferries is considering major changes to service between Vancouver Island and the mainland, including closing one Nanaimo terminal and funnelling mainland-bound traffic through Tsawwassen instead of Horseshoe Bay. The proposals are part of a massive rethink of B.C. Ferries’ mid-Island service, in an attempt to drive down billions in new capital costs and slow the rise of ticket prices. Rob Shaw reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA- 300 AM PST WED NOV 5 2014
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON PST TODAY THROUGH LATE TONIGHT
 GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON
TODAY
SE WIND 10 TO 20 KT...RISING TO 15 TO 25 KT IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT...BUILDING TO 2 TO 4 FT IN THE
 AFTERNOON. W SWELL 6 FT AT 11 SECONDS. RAIN.
TONIGHT
SE WIND 15 TO 25 KT. WIND WAVES 2 TO 4 FT. W SWELL 5 FT AT 10 SECONDS. RAIN.
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