9/7 Big-leaf maple, fungal parasite, green crabs in AK, freeing Capitol Lake, John Hart dam

Big-Leaf Maple [Native Plants PNW]

Big-Leaf Maple Acer macrophyllum
Big-Leaf Maple, sometimes called Oregon Maple, derives both its common name and its scientific name, macrophyllum, from the fact that it can have leaves up to 12 inches across–the largest of any maple. Big-Leaf Maple is native to the Pacific coast from southeast Alaska to southern California. This majestic tree is made even more interesting by the life it supports.  Its deeply ridged bark creates an ideal habitat for epiphytes (plants that grow on trees without soil). Some natives used the bark for making rope.  The leaves were used for containers or in cooking pits.  The wood was extremely popular for carving both artwork and items such as dishes and paddles. Sprouted seeds were also eaten.  Maple syrup can be made by boiling down the sap.  The greenish-yellow flower clusters make a tasty garnish for salads.  Commercially, the wood is mostly used for making veneers for furniture, but is also used for musical instruments and interior paneling.  Burls are used for clocks and tabletops. (Native Plants PNW)

Maples around Vancouver Island have a silvery tinge this summer. Here's why.
Vast tracts of big leaf maple trees across the Island are turning a white-silver colour this summer. But while alarming, it’s not a cause for concern in the long term, according to registered professional botanist Andy MacKinnon. The leaves and stems of maples are being hit with a powdery mildew — a fungal parasite — that is thriving amid humid and warm conditions, and the spores are being spread by consistent breezes. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)

Green crabs have already invaded Washington's shorelines. Now they're heading to Alaska.
The first signs of the Alaskan invasion were discovered by an intern. In July, a young woman walking the shoreline of the Metlakatla Indian Community during an internship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found a shell of a known menace in the U.S. — the European green crab...Within a month and half, more than 80 live green crabs had been trapped along the Metlakatla shoreline, Winter said, making the community ground zero in the fight against the species in Alaska, though it’s possible other areas of Alaska have been colonized already. Evan Bush reports. (NBC)

Olympia, state officials outline who’s responsible for turning Capitol Lake into an estuary
Over the last year, state and local leaders have voiced their support for turning Capitol Lake back into an estuary. The decision has been met with mixed reviews from the public, some raising concerns about recreation, smell and aesthetics. The State Department of Enterprise Services released its draft Environmental Impact Statement for long-term management of the lake in June 2021, and in March of this year announced the estuary as the preferred alternative to the lake...A lot of work will go into turning Capitol Lake back into an estuary and restoring the Deschutes River’s flow into Budd Inlet. Sediment that’s pooled in the lake for years and contaminated sediment in the bay will have to be dredged before the Fifth Avenue dam is removed. Then a new reconfigured bridge will be built at Fifth Avenue and Deschutes Parkway. Ty Vinson reports. (Olympian)

B.C. Hydro preparing lands for massive John Hart dam seismic upgrading
B.C. Hydro crews start work mid-month to prepare sites for civil work next year on the ­massive John Hart Dam ­seismic upgrading project near ­Campbell River. The cost of the entire project is estimated at between $497 million and $882 million. Once completed in 2029 the dam is expected to be able to survive a major earthquake. Carla Wilson reports. (Times Colonist)

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  246 AM PDT Wed Sep 7 2022   
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON PDT TODAY THROUGH  THIS EVENING   
TODAY  W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NW 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 ft or less building to 2 to 4 ft in the  afternoon. W swell 4 ft at 9 seconds building to 6 ft at  10 seconds in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  W wind 15 to 25 kt becoming NW 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft subsiding to 2 ft or less after  midnight. W swell 7 ft at 9 seconds building to 9 ft at  10 seconds after midnight.

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