 |
| Rattlesnake plantain [UBC Botanical Garden] |
According to the "Doctrine of Signs," early settlers believed that because the markings om the leaves of the rattlesnake plantain resembled snakeskin markings, this plant could be used in treatment of rattlesnake bites. Presumably, it was also thought to resemble a plantain (Plantago major) because of the similarity of the flattened basal leaf rosettes. Stl'al'imx children used to make 'balloons' from the leaves by rubbing them until the top and bottom layers separated and then blowing through the stem to inflate them. Goodyera is named for John Goodyer, a 17th-century English botanist.
Trump Administration Limits States' Power To Stop Oil And Gas Pipelines
The Trump administration is removing a tool some Democratic states have used to block construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure, such as oil and gas pipelines. In recent years climate change activists encouraged states and tribes to exercise their power under section 401 of the Clean Water Act. It gives local authorities the right to review new projects to make sure they don’t harm local water. Jeff Brady reports. (NPR) See: Statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on federal rule undermining Washington’s water quality “This massive federal overreach under Section 401 is unprecedented. It is also illegal and indefensible – and it will not stand. We will work with Attorney General Bob Ferguson to defend our state’s authority to protect water quality for the environment and for the 7.5 million Washingtonians we serve.” (Dept of Ecology)
Site C set to 'move a river' to build mega dam in northern B.C.
BC Hydro is poised to divert part of a major river to build the $10 billion Site C mega dam in northern B.C. For years, the project faced vocal opposition and controversy. But now, Site C is just a few months away from rerouting the Peace River near Fort St John, a temporary measure that could last up to five years. Betsy Trumpener reports. (CBC)
As COVID-19 upends wildland firefighting, Pacific Northwest forests poised for conflagration
With summer still weeks away, Washington’s fire season is shaping up as onerous — and in this pandemic year, especially dangerous. Hotter than usual temperatures are forecast and more than half of the state is in or near drought. Summer fire forecasts for Washington and Oregon are the worst in the nation. And 2019 was a light fire year, leaving a particularly heavy buildup of underbrush that can fuel backcountry blazes this summer. Already this year, Washington has seen nearly triple the usual number of wildfires, said Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, who, as head of the Department of Natural Resources, leads the state’s wildfire response. While some of that uptick can be attributed to homebound residents’ enthusiasm for burning away brush in the countryside, the increase is worrisome. Levi Pulkkinen reports. (InvestigateWest)
Scientists tackle starfish plagues on endangered Great Barrier Reef
Upon first glance, the crown-of-thorns starfish looks a lot like an enemy creature you’d find in a nature-based video game. Long spikes cover its body, which can reach 2 1/2 feet in diameter. It’s somewhat reminiscent of a land mine, if a land mine had 14 to 21 movable arms. But its exterior isn’t nearly as intimidating as its appetite. By the time a crown-of-thorns matures at 4 months old, it eats live coral voraciously — up to its own body weight in one evening. Just one can consume 20 to 32 feet of living coral a year. Thirty of them per 2 1/2 acres can kill an entire reef’s coral. Allison Hirschlag reports. (Washington Post)
June is Orca Month
June is Orca Month in the Pacific Northwest! Orca Month is a chance to celebrate one of our region’s most iconic wildlife species, but also an opportunity to reflect on the plight of these fragile creatures. Orca Month raises awareness of endangered Southern Resident orcas and the need to help them recover to a healthy population. The celebration has taken many forms, from orca wine vintage dedications to orca songs, dances, and gubernatorial proclamations. For a month-long calendar, go to the Orca Action Month events page.
B.C. boat dealers report record-breaking sales amid COVID-19 restrictions
Jes McFarlen, knows how to handle the ebb and flow of life as a boat salesman. A sales manager for the Parksville Boathouse, the father of two has weathered his fair share of economic disruptions since he got his start in 2005....As other businesses struggle to stay afloat, McFarlen and other B.C. boat sellers say they have been buoyed by record sales, often running low on stock as mariners of all stripes and experience explore safe ways to get in a little recreation while following COVID-19 guidelines. With the Canadian government advising residents to avoid non-essential travel, McFarlen says families are dipping into reserves normally earmarked for all-inclusive getaways and instead are putting those savings toward a boat. than Sawyer reports. (CBC)
Mass Extinctions Are Accelerating, Scientists Report
We are in the midst of a mass extinction, many scientists have warned — this one driven not by a catastrophic natural event, but by humans. The unnatural loss of biodiversity is accelerating, and if it continues, the planet will lose vast ecosystems and the necessities they provide, including fresh water, pollination, and pest and disease control. On Monday, there was more bad news: We are racing faster and closer toward the point of collapse than scientists previously thought, according to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The extinction rate among terrestrial vertebrate species is significantly higher than prior estimates, and the critical window for preventing mass losses will close much sooner than formerly assumed — in 10 to 15 years. Rachel Nuwer reports. (NY Times)
Climate change an imminent threat to glass sponge reefs
Warming ocean temperatures and acidification drastically reduce the skeletal strength and filter-feeding capacity of glass sponges, according to new UBC research. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, indicate that ongoing climate change could have serious, irreversible impacts on the sprawling glass sponge reefs of the Pacific Northwest and their associated marine life—the only known reefs of their kind in the world. Sachi Wickramasinghe reports. (UBC/Phys.Org)
How PETA Won Its Messy Fight and Took a Seat at the Table
...PETA’s mode of making social change has always been to inspire shock and ignite boycotts. For years, we’ve watched videos of screaming animals and seen red paint splatter fur coats. With these in-your-face and highly visual tactics, the activists helped win the culture war over fur. But it’s been 15 years now since Anna Wintour was last dealt a tofu pie to the face. Behind closed doors, PETA has embarked on a mission of corporate diplomacy. These days, much of its activism involves organizing conference calls and sending forceful but respectful emails. Supporters don’t flood the streets as often as they flood Twitter. The famously loud group, now 40 years old, is operating more quietly. More brands than ever are listening. Jessica Testa reports. (NY Times)
Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 238 AM PDT Tue Jun 2 2020
TODAY W wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 3 ft at 8 seconds. Rain likely in the morning then rain in the afternoon.
TONIGHT SW wind to 10 kt becoming W 5 to 15 kt after midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 6 ft at 9 seconds.
--
"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.
Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate
Follow on Twitter.
Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete