12/8 Caspian terns, enviro justice, Trump's chlorpyrifos, Ted's Tree

Caspian terns [©Tony Angell]

 

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
The largest of the terns, larger than many gulls. Cosmopolitan, nesting on five continents. In North America, it is common along both coasts and locally inland, mainly around large bodies of water. Noted for its long adolescence, with the young dependent on their parents for many months; even in late winter, many an adult Caspian is trailed by a begging youngster from the previous nesting season. (Audubon)

Task force says reparations may be needed as state works toward environmental justice
As they prepare for the next legislative session, state lawmakers are reviewing a report that calls for laws to ensure environmental justice. The map was a collaboration between researchers at the University of Washington and several other entities at the state and federal levels. They found data – and clearly displayed it – showing that where you live in Washington affects your life span. It comes from a new entity, created in 2019 and charged with developing strategies to address findings in the Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map. The map was a collaboration between researchers at the University of Washington and several other entities at the state and federal levels. They found data – and clearly displayed it – showing that where you live in Washington affects your life span. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)

EPA OKs Pesticide Linked to Lower IQs, Memory Issues in Children
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recommending the continued use of a pesticide that is suspected to cause brain damage in children. An interim decision proposed by the EPA on Thursday includes some new restrictions on the chemical chlorpyrifos but stops short of banning its use. Research has suggested that the chemical can cause adverse effects in humans, including damage to developing brains, potentially resulting in significant memory problems, muscle and nerve issues and the development of lower IQ in children.  Aila Slisco reports; (Newsweek)

Ted’s Tree, one of the largest in the state, dismantled
Jackie Serr Miller watched as blocks of the giant madrona tree that bore her father’s name crashed to the ground Monday. Each falling piece of the dead evergreen produced a thud that resonated around Eighth and Cherry streets in Port Angeles, where Ted’s Tree stood for more than 400 years...The stately tree had to be cut because its massive crown extended over West Eighth Street, a sidewalk and Madrona Children’s Academy.  Rob Ollikainen reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  248 AM PST Tue Dec 8 2020   
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON   
TODAY  SW wind to 10 kt in the morning becoming light. Wind  waves 1 ft or less in the morning becoming less than 1 ft. W  swell 19 ft at 18 seconds subsiding to 16 ft at 17 seconds in the  afternoon. Rain likely in the morning then a chance of rain in  the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  NW wind to 10 kt becoming W after midnight. Wind waves  1 ft or less. W swell 13 ft at 16 seconds subsiding to 11 ft at  15 seconds after midnight. A chance of rain in the evening.

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