1/19 Pussy willow, Petrogas, orca rights, elephant seals, moving species, WSF, BC bitcoin, news by AI

Pussy willow [Wild Seed Project]

Pussy willow Salix discolor
Native pussy willow features soft, fuzzy catkins in late winter, one of the first plants to bloom in northern climates, heralding the arrival of spring; upright and spreading habit, forms a small multi-stemmed tree; quite versatile and hardy.

This is why Petrogas will pay $4 million for unpermitted emissions
In the largest penalty settlement in the Northwest Clean Air Agency’s 56-year history, Petrogas West has agreed to pay $4 million and make operational changes to the company’s Cherry Point facility in Whatcom County. The plant’s issues began in October 2021 when the company started projects without permits, allegedly leading to increased emissions, which were not reported by Petrogas West. Jack Belcher reports. (Bellingham Herald)

Following local cities, Jefferson County proclaims rights for ocras
Jefferson County is the latest local government to declare inherent rights for the region’s Southern Resident orca population, making it the first county in the state to issue such a proclamation. Three Puget Sound cities issued similar declarations in December — Port Townsend was the first —all of which recognize inherent rights for the orcas, including the right to life, autonomy and free and safe passage. Peter Segall reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

Race Rocks guardian films two elephant seal births
The group of small islands is sometimes called the Galapagos of the North because of its unique high tidal current that attracts marine mammals, sea birds, fish, algae and sea grass. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)

Moving species emerges as last resort as climate warms
In a desperate effort to save a seabird species in Hawaii from rising ocean waters, scientists are moving chicks to a new island hundreds of miles away. Moving species to save them — once considered taboo — is quickly gaining traction as climate change upends habitats. Similar relocations are being suggested for birds, lizards, butterflies and even flowers. Concerns persist that the novel practice could cause unintended harm the same way invasive plants and animals have wreaked havoc on native species. Christina Larson and Matthew Brown report. (Associated Press)

Submerged log just another obstacle to revival of WA ferries
...Washington State Ferries has funded a hiring binge to reduce chronic crew shortages, ridership is rising, and the Legislature is sending more money since the depths of fall 2021, when ferry leaders announced a skimpy “alternate service” schedule. Ridership statewide grew by 100,000 passengers, or 0.6%, to a total 17.4 million in 2022. Vehicle traffic reached 82% of pre-pandemic, full-service levels, total riders at 73%, but walk-on passengers only 49% as many continued to work from home. Mike Lindblom reports. (Seattle Times)

Gold Rush 2.0? Why BC Is Putting the Brakes on Bitcoin
Cryptocurrency operations have been taking up residence in forestry towns. Amidst a turbulent market, the province is hitting pause. Amanda Follett Hosgood reports. (The Tyee)

A news site used AI to write articles. It was a journalistic disaster.
CNET scared some journalists when it tapped artificial intelligence to produce surprisingly lucid news stories. But there was a hitch. Paul Farhi reports. (Washington Post)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  209 AM PST Thu Jan 19 2023   
TODAY  SE wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 8 ft  at 13 seconds. A chance of showers in the morning. A slight  chance of showers in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  S wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 7 ft  at 12 seconds. A slight chance of rain after midnight.

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