5/17 Bumblebee, planning permit woes, wildfire smoke, Snoqualimie Tribe, Extinction Rebellion, Tom Banse

Bumblebee [Peter Pearsall/USFWS]

Tricoloured bumblebee Bombus mixtus
Bombus mixtus is a species of bumblebee. It is native to western North America, where it occurs in western Canada and the United States. It is also disjunct in the Great Lakes region. It is known commonly as the fuzzy-horned bumblebee, tricoloured bumblebee, orange-belted bumblebee, and mixed bumblebee. (Wikipedia)

San Juan County permit woes result in director firing
Months of complaints of delays, discourtesy and interpretation led to a decision by the San Juan County council to “part ways” with the county’s Community Development director. Nancy DeVaux reports. (Salish Current)

Wildfire smoke rated 'very high risk' in B.C.'s Interior drifting toward Vancouver: meteorologist
Wildfire smoke already blanketing much of B.C.'s north and Interior is headed toward Vancouver, forecasters are warning. But while an air quality advisory for the Metro Vancouver region was lifted Tuesday, the clear skies are unlikely to last, according to Weather Network meteorologist Tyler Hamilton. (CBC)

Snoqualmie Tribe enacts 2% land protection tax to help preserve ancestral lands
The Snoqualmie Tribe has instituted a new land protection tax that’s believed to be the first of its kind in North America. The new tax is being collected on various sales made at the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie and has been in effect since March 1. Snoqualmie Falls is one of the tribe’s most sacred sites and is also a popular tourist destination. The tribe says revenue from the 2% land protection tax will go towards projects and expenses associated with the tribe’s work to protect their ancestral lands. Diana Opong reports. (KUOW)

Extinction Rebellion Vancouver winds down, says new group will move away from public disruption
The co-founder of Extinction Rebellion Vancouver says a new approach is needed to build a broader, more effective movement to fight climate change. Environmental group hopes to organize large event that will bring 100,000 people to Vancouver's streets. (CBC)

KUOW salutes reporter Tom Banse
It's a bittersweet day at KUOW as we say goodbye to a legend — journalist Tom Banse. For the last 37 years, one reporter has brought listeners to every corner of the state as he’s broken news, covered politics, the environment, and told countless stories about the fascinating people around us. But after 37 years of diligent reporting, Banse is retiring. Libby Denkman reports. (KUOW)

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Now, your tug weather--West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  243 AM PDT Wed May 17 2023   
TODAY  W wind to 10 kt becoming NW 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. SW swell 1 ft at 8 seconds. Patchy fog  in the morning. 
TONIGHT  W wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell  1 ft at 7 seconds.

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