12/13 Ragbag, Wild Olympics, LNG sea lions, avian flu, Jane Goodall

Ragbag [WikiCommons]

Ragbag lichen Platismatia glauca
Ragbag is a bewilderingly variable species. It also has a broad distribution, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. Both these facts suggest that the Ragbag may be of great evolutionary age. As the common name implies, some forms have a very tattered appearance. (Plants of the Pacific NW Coast)

Campaign to expand Olympic wilderness nears finish line after 15 years
...Buffeted by political headwinds facing wilderness expansion and undeterred by false starts over the years, campaigners believe the finish line for the conservation proposal known as Wild Olympics has never been closer. A lame duck Senate may establish several new, federally protected public lands, and Washington state conservation advocates have converged on Capitol Hill in D.C. for a final push. Gregory Scruggs reports. (Seattle Times)

Wild Olympics Campaign
"The Wild Olympics Campaign team and our thousands of supporters are very hopeful that our champions Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Derek Kilmer are able to "bring it home" very soon. The Wild Olympics and Wild & Scenic Rivers designation for wilderness and our 19 rivers and tributaries will protect these wild places for current and future generations, adding permanent safeguards for the Olympic Peninsula’s most priceless natural treasures: Our towering ancient forests, free-flowing rivers, critical fish and wildlife habitat and our clean water." Connie Gallant, Chair, Wild Olympics Campaign.

Will Sea Lions Slow the Construction of Woodfibre LNG?
Construction on the Woodfibre LNG project in Squamish is set to take off in 2023, but the “curious and gregarious” nature of sea lions could make the construction “neither technically nor economically feasible.” Woodfibre LNG raised this concern with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, which has published proposed changes that would create less stringent rules for construction activities impacting seals and sea lions. Natasha Bulowski reports. (National Observer)

Deadly virus taking toll on wild birds
While the highly contagious avian flu has wiped out millions of poultry birds across North America this year, populations of water fowl, raptors and even crows and ravens are also likely seeing untold losses, say wildlife rescue organizations. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)

Jane Goodall on hope, fatigue and finding pockets of nature wherever you are
At 88 years old, the world’s best-known naturalist is calling on her fans to roll up their sleeves and ‘do something.’ Emma Gilchrist reports. (The Narwhal)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  240 AM PST Tue Dec 13 2022   
TODAY  E wind to 10 kt in the morning becoming light. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. W swell 3 ft at 11 seconds. 
TONIGHT  Light wind. Wind waves less than 1 ft. W swell 3 ft at  11 seconds.

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