Salish Sea News and Weather: September 2023

Friday, September 29, 2023

9/29 Sweetgum, orcas v. porpoise, beavers and salmon, sanctuaries, otters, grizzly bears, week in review

Sweetgum

Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua
The sweetgum is a large, aromatic tree, with a straight trunk and conical crown that becomes round and spreading. Yellow-green flowers appear in spherical clusters in April-May, and give way to the infamous gum balls, which are hard, spherical, bristly fruiting clusters up to 1.5” diameter. The common name of sweet gum refers to an aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds to the tree. Native Americans would use the resin from the sweetgum tree to maintain dental hygiene, and early pioneers in America would use the resin as chewing gum.

Puget Sound orcas beat up and even kill porpoises, new research reveals. But why?
In a study published Thursday in Marine Mammal Science, researchers analyzed 78 documented interactions between southern residents and porpoises in the Salish Sea, mostly around the San Juan Islands, beginning in 1962. Lynda Mapes reports. (Seattle Times) See also: Humpbacks vs. orcas: Intense whale chase caught on camera. Alanna Kelly reports. (Bowen Island Undercurrent)

Can the age-old affinity between beavers and salmon be restored?
Salmon restoration groups are learning how to work with beavers to create better salmon habitat. The process hinges on reducing human-beaver conflicts while taking a natural approach to ecosystem recovery. The beavers are happy to help. Sarah DeWeerdt reports. (Salish Sea Currents Magazine)

Going to Sea
Adam M. Sowards follows up his story about the Northwest Straits Initiative with how a marine sanctuary was born while another died. (Taking Bearings)

Otters in our Midst
David B. Williams in Street Smart Naturalist writes about the wonderful day he had seeking out and collecting otter poop. What more could an urban naturalist want? (Street Smart Naturalist)

There are new proposals to bring back grizzly bears in the North Cascades
Federal plans to reintroduce the bears in Washington derailed during the Trump years. A grizzly hasn’t been seen in the region since the 1990s. Bill Lucia reports. (Washington State Standard)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 9/29/23: Stop Waste Friday, Duwamish R., Columbia R., warm ocean, worst fire season, mineral claim consultations, Fairy Cr., orcas v. humpbacks, grizzlies.

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your weekend tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 233 AM PDT Fri Sep 29 2023
TODAY Light wind becoming E to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 4 ft at 9 seconds.
TONIGHT W wind 5 to 15 kt in the evening becoming light. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 4 ft at 8 seconds.
SAT Light wind becoming N to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 ft. W swell 5 ft at 8 seconds.
SAT NIGHT W wind to 10 kt in the evening becoming light. Wind waves 1 ft. W swell 5 ft at 8 seconds.
SUN Light wind becoming SE to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 ft. W swell 4 ft at 8 seconds.

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Thursday, September 28, 2023

9/28 Highbush cranberry, Biden's salmon, Fairy Cr protest ban, Woods Cr trestle, WA state budget, BC Ferries threats

Highbush Cranberry [OSU]

Highbush Cranberry Viburnum edule
Highbush cranberry or gooseberry is a species of shrub native to Canada and the northern parts of the US. Numerous Indigenous peoples have traditionally used the plant. The Nuxalk people from the Bella Coola region of British Columbia utilize the berries for food due to the plant's rapid growth rate and high berry production. Notably, a single Viburnum edule shrub can produce a yield of up to 100 berries. (Wikipedia)

Biden calls for ‘abundant’ salmon populations, directs agencies to honor tribal treaty rights
President Biden directed federal agencies to restore healthy and abundant wild salmon populations to the Columbia River Basin. The presidential memorandum also called for tribal treaty and trust obligations to be honored. Tribal and conservation groups applauded the move, calling the memorandum “incredibly historic.” Courtney Flatt and Tony Schick report. (NW News)

Court order that prevents protest blockades at Fairy Creek expires
The court order that made it illegal to block logging activity in the forest near the Fairy Creek watershed on southwestern Vancouver Island has expired. Teal Cedar hasn't said whether it will apply to extend injunction that sought to stop anti-logging protests. Kathryn Marlow reports. (CBC)

As Woods Creek railroad trestle comes down, a new doorway for salmon
The trestle was a toxic, physical barrier for salmon since 1939. Now, migrating fish will benefit from its removal. They are the first group of salmon to benefit from a more than $1.4 million restoration project less than a mile away. The Adopt a Stream Foundation, in partnership with several environmental organizations, helped remove a 165-foot creosote railroad trestle that impeded their migration for decades. Ta'Leah Van Sistine reports. (Everett Herald)

New state budget forecast offers $1B worth of good news for Washington leaders
Lawmakers will have nearly $1 billion more to spend in the current budget, according to the latest analysis from the state’s chief economist. A new forecast released Tuesday projects state revenues will reach $66.7 billion for the two-year budget cycle that began July 1, an increase of $663 million from what chief economist Steve Lerch predicted in June. Jerry Cornfield reports. (Washington State Standard)

B.C. Ferries moves public consultation online after threats
At a recent Sunshine Coast ferry advisory committee meeting, a woman said if B.C. Ferries didn’t make changes, she would ‘take a gun’ to everyone. Also cited: keying of vehicles, shouting, foul language and a disrespect for personal space. Carla Wilson reports. (Times Colonist)

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 233 AM PDT Thu Sep 28 2023
TODAY W wind to 10 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 3 ft. W swell 6 ft at 10 seconds. A chance of showers.
TONIGHT W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NW to 10 kt after midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. W swell 5 ft at 9 seconds. A slight chance of showers.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

9/27 Red Irish lord, warm waters, worst fire season, BC mineral claims

Red Irish lord

Red Irish lord Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus
Red Irish lord are common from the Bering Sea, Alaska to Washington, and are rare south to Central California. They are found in shallow rocky waters. Red Irish lord tend to rest on the bottom, blending in with their surroundings. They are found from shallow waters to depths of 450 m (1,476 ft). Red Irish lord can grow up to 51 cm (20 in) in length, and 1.11 kg (2.45 lbs) in weight. Maximum age is at least 6 years old. (WDFW)

Warm ocean waters work their way into Puget Sound
Unusually warm waters in the Pacific Ocean — now pushing up against the Washington coast — are keeping oceanographers on alert for changes that could reverberate through the food web, potentially affecting fish, birds and marine mammals in coastal waters and in Puget Sound. Rising ocean temperatures may be related to recent sightings of warm-water fish not usually seen in the Northwest, including a bluefin tuna that washed up on Orcas Island and large schools of mackerel observed in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Worrisome levels of domoic acid, a dangerous toxin produced by a type of plankton, have been reported off the Oregon coast. Chris Dunagan reports. (Puget Sound Institute)

This has been the worst wildfire season on record. What could 2024 have in store?
Dry conditions and warmer-than-usual temperatures helped fuel a long and unrelenting wildfire season that, to date, has burned more than 17,500,000 hectares, a 647 per cent increase over the 10-year average. Tens of thousands of residents were forced to flee, and six firefighters lost their lives battling the seemingly endless flames. Nicole Mortillaro reports. (CBC)

Mineral claims require First Nations consultation, B.C. Supreme Court rules
The decision transforms the province’s mineral rights regime, which previously allowed almost anyone to stake a claim in First Nations territory without a duty to consult or even notify them. Francesca Fionda reports. (The Narwhal)

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 229 AM PDT Wed Sep 27 2023
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING
TODAY E wind 5 to 15 kt becoming W in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. SW swell 12 ft at 12 seconds becoming W 8 ft at 11 seconds in the afternoon. Showers likely and a slight chance of tstms in the morning then a chance of showers in the afternoon.
TONIGHT W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SW to 10 kt after midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft subsiding to 1 to 2 ft after midnight. W swell 6 ft at 10 seconds. Showers likely in the evening then showers after midnight.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

9/26 Burning bush, Elsie Mae the seal, TM pipe route, rat defense

Burning bush

Burning bush Euonymus alatus
Burning bush is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae, native to central and northern China, Japan, and Korea. The common name "burning bush" comes from the bright red fall color. The bush is identified as invasive on the east coast.

Elephant seal Elsie Mae teaches, inspires during molting haulout
A quirky northern elephant seal had much to teach visitors to an Anacortes beach this summer. Richard Arlin Walker reports. (Salish Current)

Regulator rules in favour of Trans Mountain route deviation
The Canada Energy Regulator has approved Trans Mountain Corp.'s application to modify the pipeline's route, a decision that could spare the government-owned pipeline project from an additional nine-month delay. The regulator made the ruling Monday, just one week after hearing oral arguments from Trans Mountain and a B.C. First Nation that opposes the route change. Stephenson reports. (The Canadian Press)

In Defense of the Rat
Rats are less pestilent and more lovable than we think. Can we learn to live with them? J. B. MacKinnon answers. (Hakai Magazine)

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 236 AM PDT Tue Sep 26 2023 SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
TODAY SE wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. W swell 18 ft at 14 seconds. A slight chance of tstms in the morning. Showers. A chance of tstms in the afternoon.
TONIGHT E wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 to 3 ft building to 3 to 5 ft after midnight. W swell 15 ft at 13 seconds. A chance of tstms in the evening. Showers. A slight chance of tstms after midnight.

Monday, September 25, 2023

9/25 Vine maple, NW Straits Initiative, Duwamish cleanup, Columbia R negotiations, Tsawout Nation, WA transportation funding, wildfire impacts, Garry oak

Vine Maple

Vine Maple Acer circinatum
“Vine” Maple, although not really a vine, has very slender, often sprawling, branches. Circinatum refers to the “rounded,” regularly lobed leaves. t is found from Alaska and British Columbia to northern California, from the east side of the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific coast. There is some variability in the fall color display. Those growing in shade tend to turn a pale yellow; those growing in sun are more likely to turn orange or scarlet. (Native Plants of the Pacific NW)

Locals in small operation take on 'tall order' in marine ecosystem
Volunteer power is channeled into marine conservation by the Northwest Straits Initiative. Adam M. Sowards reports. (Salish Current)

The secret dispute behind cleaning Seattle’s only river
Toxic legacy of Seattle’s only river could cost Boeing, taxpayers $1 billion. Talks over who pays more are secret. Lulu Ramadan reports.(Seattle Times/ProPublica)

Money, power and an ecosystem are all at stake in Canada-U.S. negotiations over a massive river
...Hammered out between Canada and the United States and ratified in 1964, the treaty outlines control of the river's water flow and benefits from that bonanza of hydroelectric power, including the tens of millions of dollars a year that come with it. The Columbia River Treaty is being negotiated again — a process that has already lasted years — and the potential deal could have profound consequences both for the electrical output of the river and the people and wildlife that depend on it. Christian Paas-Lang reports. CBC)

Tsawout Nation embarks on economic development push
The Tsawout First Nation on the Saanich Peninsula has set up a new corporation with a Surrey-based construction company to generate self-sufficiency through training programs and the creation of jobs. Prior to that deal, the nation bought a Sidney-based wildlife and whale-watching company in the spring. It continues to work with a seaweed cultivation company and is in the midst of talks for potential ventures in other sectors. Carla Wilson reports. (Times Colonist)

Judge upholds Washington’s $17B transportation package
The decision keeps funding plans and climate policies in the 2022 law on course. Opponents, who contend the law is unconstitutional, may appeal. Jerry Cornfield reports. (Washington State Standard)

Scientists say there's still much to learn about how wildfires impact wild animals
Giant 'megafires' likely changing long-term landscape in B.C., but effects on wildlife still unclear. Brenna Owen reports. (Canadian Press)

Garry oak ‘mast year’ a boon for city plant nursery
It’s being called a “mast year” for Garry oaks in the region, as the gnarly limbs drop more than their usual amounts of acorns. Mast years can happen every two to five years — it’s a trigger in a tree’s genetics that ensures the species’ survival. By dropping nearly 20 times the usual amount of acorns in one year, the trees ensure there will be enough to feed the squirrels, birds, deer and others that typically feast on acorns — and for future seedlings, too. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 251 AM PDT Mon Sep 25 2023
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON
TODAY E wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. W swell 3 ft at 9 seconds building to 11 ft at 9 seconds in the afternoon. Rain in the morning then showers and a chance of tstms in the afternoon.
TONIGHT E wind 20 to 30 kt becoming 20 to 25 kt after midnight. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. W swell 13 ft at 14 seconds building to 16 ft at 14 seconds after midnight. Showers likely and a chance of tstms in the evening then a chance of showers and a slight chance of tstms after midnight.

Friday, September 22, 2023

9/22 Crabgrass, Upper Columbia salmon, selling sewage, saving pinks, Coastal GasLink fined, net zero pushback, planting trees, cutting down tree, tugboat death fines, week in review

Crabgrass

Crabgrass Digitaria sanguinalis
Cabgrass may reach up to two feet tall but is often prostrate. Stems lying along the ground may root, forming mats. Crabgrasses are weedy in waste places, cultivated areas, lawns, and other sites, commonly on light soils. (WSU)

Biden administration promises $200 million to help reintroduce salmon in Columbia River
Dams have blocked salmon’s passage, driving them toward extinction and violating tribal fishing rights. The Biden administration agreed Thursday to spend more than $200 million to fully fund Native tribes’ plans to reintroduce salmon in the Upper Columbia River Basin — more than 80 years after construction of the Grand Coulee Dam rendered the fish extinct in parts of Washington, Idaho and British Columbia. Tony Schick reports. (OPB)

Could selling sewage save the Salish Sea?
Waste flushed into Puget Sound harms fish and marine life. A nutrient pricing system — like WA’s cap-and-trade program — may curb pollution. John Stang reports. (Crosscut)

Restoring the flow: Tsleil-Waututh’s race to save salmon habitat in drought stricken southwest B.C.
When tens of thousands of pink salmon became stranded in the Indian River during September’s unrelenting drought, the nation raced into action, continuing their work to rehabilitate culturally significant spawning streams crippled under the twin pressures of climate change and industrial development. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Narwhal)

Reed canary grass
David Beatty of Bellingham writes regarding yesterday's flora profile: "Reed Canary Grass, a non-native invasive, is intolerant of shade. Consequently, an important role of a functioning riparian zone with a canopy of trees and shrubs along both banks of smaller creeks that have salmon."

Coastal GasLink fined $346K for erosion, sediment control issues and providing false information
Coastal GasLink has been fined $346,000 in total for erosion and sediment control issues in the construction of the natural gas pipeline and for providing false information in inspection records. Coastal GasLink is a 670-kilometre pipeline spanning northern B.C. that will carry natural gas across the province to the LNG Canada processing and export facility in Kitimat, about 206 kilometres east of Prince Rupert on the province's northwest coast. Michelle Gomez reports. (CBC)

Inside the World Petroleum Congress and the pushback against net zero
At one of the largest gatherings of the oil and gas industry, the focus on a transition confronts complexity and profit. Drew Anderson reports. (The Narwhal)

New tree-planting projects to sprout in Washington with help from $36M in grants
Over a dozen communities around the state will share in the federal urban forestry funding, which comes amid concerns about climate change and extreme heat. Laurel Demkovich reports. (Washington State Standard)

100-year-old big leaf maple tree to be removed on Capitol Campus Friday
A 100-year-old big leaf maple tree will be removed from the Washington state Capitol Campus on Friday. The Department of Enterprise Services said in a news release that the 60-foot-tall tree with an 80-foot-wide canopy is decaying from within and has reached the end of its lifespan. DES said it is removing the tree because it poses a safety risk to pedestrians and parked cars in the Pritchard parking lot. Shauna Sowersby reports. (Olympian)

B.C. tugboat owner and company fined $310K for fatal sinking that killed 2 workers
The owners of a tugboat that sank near Kitimat, B.C., killing two, have been fined a total of $310,000 at a sentencing hearing in Prince Rupert. James Geoffrey Bates was fined $15,000 by Judge Nina Purewal for failing to provide workers with necessary information, instruction, training and supervision. He was also handed 100 hours of community service. Karin Larsen reports. (CBC)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 9/22/23: Astronomy Friday!, TM pipeline, WA cap-and-trade suit, WA litter, Oly Park fires, heat pumps, American Climate Corps, BC firefighters, Upper Columbia salmon.

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your weekend tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 311 AM PDT Fri Sep 22 2023
TODAY Light wind becoming NW to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 ft. W swell 3 ft at 10 seconds.
TONIGHT W wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 3 ft at 10 seconds. A slight chance of rain after midnight.
SAT NE wind to 10 kt becoming SE in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 3 ft at 9 seconds. A slight chance of rain in the morning then rain in the afternoon.
SAT NIGHT SW wind to 10 kt becoming SE 5 to 15 kt after midnight. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 4 ft at 9 seconds building to 7 ft at 8 seconds after midnight.
SUN E wind 5 to 15 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft building to 2 to 4 ft in the afternoon. W swell 4 ft at 8 seconds.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

9/21 Canary grass, BC firefighters, American Climate Corps, TM sale, heat pumps, EV sales, Bowen Is park

Reed Canarygrass

Reed Canarygrass Phalaris arundinacea
Canary grass is a major threat to natural wetlands. It outcompetes most native species as it forms large, single-species stands with little wildlife habitat value. Its invasion can cause siltation in irrigation ditches. (WA State Noxious Weed Control Board)

‘Treated like machines’: wildfire fighters describe a mental health crisis on the frontlines
Extreme working conditions, low pay and high turnover are leading to a crisis exacerbated by more intense wildfires. Eighteen firefighters tell their stories of the mental toll — from burnout to PTSD to the loss of peers to suicide. Trina Moyles and Jesse Winter report. (The Narwhal)

Wanted: 20,000 Young Americans to Fight Climate Change
President Biden intends to use executive authority to train and employ thousands of young people in jobs to fight global warming, Ali Zaidi, the White House national climate adviser, said on Tuesday. The American Climate Corps, as the White House has named the organization, would provide young people with skills to work in wind and solar production, disaster preparedness and land conservation, Mr. Zaidi said. The White House expects about 20,000 recruits in the first year, he said. Lisa Friedman reports. (NY Times)

Trans Mountain sale to start with federal meeting next week
The government will be meeting with members of some of the roughly 130 indigenous groups that have shown interest in a partial ownership stake. Robert Tuttle reports. (Bloomberg News)

Heat pumps key to WA, coalition’s plan to end building emissions
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee vowed this week to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings, in large part by rapidly expanding the installation of heat pumps. Inslee is joined in that promise by 24 other governors representing states that belong to the Climate Alliance (of which the Washington governor is a founding member). In all, the governors agreed to install 20 million new heat pumps across their states by 2030. Conrad Swanson reports. (Seattle Times)

Is Inslee’s plan working? The electric car age arrives — for some
Our state’s sizzling gas prices, second highest in the nation, have been described this summer as annoying, painful, even scandalous, depending on who’s doing the talking. But here’s another aspect to expensive gas that leaders seem shy to acknowledge: It’s working. Something is happening in the car market, suddenly, but also as part of a long-building strategy. Going electric — saying goodbye to oil — is surging. Danny Westneat writes. (Seattle Times)

Group offers $30M to buy proposed Bowen Island park where camping has become contentious
A Bowen Island, B.C., group opposed to overnight camping at a proposed regional park wants to buy the park site from Metro Vancouver. The Bowen Island Conservancy has sent a letter to the regional district, offering $30 million to buy lands slated for the park on Cape Roger Curtis. Liam Britten report. (CBC)

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 247 AM PDT Thu Sep 21 2023 TODAY E wind to 10 kt in the morning becoming light. Wind waves 1 ft. W swell 5 ft at 11 seconds.
TONIGHT W wind to 10 kt in the evening becoming light. Wind waves 1 ft. W swell 4 ft at 10 seconds.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

9/20 Bulrush, Olympic fire, CA oil suit, BC crabbers, eat frogs, WA litter, clownfish

American bulrush

American bulrush Schoenoplectus acutus
Common tule occurs on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington; Alaska to California, east throughout all of North America except southeastern U.S.in pond and lake margins, wetland and riparian areas.

Blazes spread in center of Olympic National Park
Large helicopters were requested this week to fight fires in Olympic National Park as blazes chew up acreage in the interior of the park. Peter Segall reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

California Sues Oil Giants, Claiming Decades of Deception
Launching one of the most prominent climate lawsuits in the nation, the state claims Exxon, Shell, BP and others misled the public and seeks creation of a special fund to pay for recovery. David Gelles reports. (NY Times)

B.C. crab fishers tagged with $287,000 in penalties, first-time prohibition, says Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Federal fisheries officials say Canadian crab fishers along the Canada-U.S. border in southern B.C. are facing stiff financial penalties and a first-of-its-kind prohibition for illegally setting traps in U.S. waters beginning in 2018 in Boundary Bay. (CBC)

Seeing so many invasive frogs, he asked permission to harvest them for food. This B.C. district said yes
North Cowichan Mayor said private citizen stepping up to help with bullfrog issue well received by councillors. (CBC)

‘Marred by litter’: Millions of pounds of trash soil Washington roads and state lands
Washington has a litter problem. Nearly 38 million pounds of garbage and other debris were strewn across roads, rest areas and state lands last year, according to a new Department of Ecology-commissioned study. That’s nearly 5 pounds per resident annually. The bulk of the waste – about 26 million pounds – is found on roads and highway interchanges, the report says. Another 10.6 million pounds sullies state and county parks. Laura Demkovich reports. (Washington State Standard)

In Hot Water, Clownfish Grow Up Quick
As climate change becomes more serious, even fish may be forced to grow up too soon. Elizabeth Landau reports. (Hakai Magazine)

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 827 AM PDT Wed Sep 20 2023
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON
TODAY NW wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft. W swell 7 ft at 12 seconds building to 9 ft at 12 seconds in the afternoon.
TONIGHT W wind to 10 kt becoming NW after midnight. Wind waves 1 ft. W swell 6 ft at 11 seconds.

Monday, September 18, 2023

9/18 Rose-ringed Parakeet, B'ham downtown, TM pipe, WA cap-and-trade, Foss Waterway ship, Spencer Is, shedding artificial turf, Little Squalicum Cr, Heat pumps

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
The Rose-ringed Parakeet (RRP) is a vibrant green bird native to the Indian subcontinent. RRP grow to around 16 inches in size, including their long tail feather, and have a 20-30 year lifespan. RRP are the most successful species of invasive parakeet worldwide. They pose a significant threat to agriculture in Hawai’i. RRP were first brought to the islands as pets in the 1960’s. In 1968, a pair were accidentally released in Kaua’i, and after Hurricane Iwa, several other pet birds escaped and joined the wild population. Because of their rapid reproduction rate, lack of predators, and abundance of habitat and food, RRP population sky rocketed. RRP are now found on every main island. (Hawaii Invasive Species Council)

Who will solve the problems of downtown Bellingham?
Downtown businesses and civic leaders address downtown Bellingham’s problems of crime and safety. Matt Benoit reports. (Salish Current)

What is the Trans Mountain pipeline — and why should I care?
New roadblocks, ballooning costs, legal actions and its impact on endangered species — we explain the timeline and lingering mysteries behind this contentious Canadian pipeline project. Carl Meyer reports (The Narwhal)

Lawsuit against Washington cap-and-trade program set for hearing
The first legal showdown over Washington’s cap-and-trade program, which went into effect in January, will be Sept. 22 in Thurston County Superior Court. John Stang reports. (Crosscut)

Cleanup of polluted seafood ship on Foss Waterway is complete, Coast Guard says
The seafood processing ship that was leaking ammonia on Tacoma’s Foss Waterway in August has been cleaned of fuel, oil and hazardous materials, the U.S. Coast Guard announced Friday. Craig Sailor reports. (Tacoma News Tribune)

On Spencer Island, groups aim to balance saving salmon, recreation
Tidal wetlands are crucial for Chinook salmon. But efforts to restore habitat may erase many of the island’s trails. Ta'Leah Van Sistine reports. (Everett Herald)

Stream watchers concerned artificial turf field is shedding potentially hazardous material
A society of stream watchers on Vancouver Island says the material from an artificial turf field at a local school is breaking loose and could threaten a nearby creek. Kathryn Marlow reports. (CBC)

Water flows into new Bellingham Bay estuary; trail and footbridge now open, city announces
Little Squalicum Creek again empties into Bellingham Bay, with a new estuary designed to provide habitat for young salmon and other fish. It’s part of a $4.2 million project that began in spring 2022 to remove a culvert at the creek mouth and build the wetland, letting young salmon swim to sea and allowing adults to return and spawn. Robert Mittendorf reports. (Bellingham Herald)

Washington’s reworked heat pump rules get a cool reception from critics
The push to install electric heat pumps, rather than natural gas furnaces, in new homes cleared a key panel Friday amid continuing concern from builders that it will drive up costs. Jerry Cornfield reports. (Washington State Standard)

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 215 AM PDT Mon Sep 18 2023
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM PDT THIS MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON
TODAY Light wind becoming W 10 to 20 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves less than 1 ft becoming 1 to 3 ft in the afternoon. W swell 11 ft at 14 seconds building to 13 ft at 14 seconds in the afternoon.
TONIGHT W wind 10 to 20 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt after midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. W swell 11 ft at 14 seconds. A slight chance of rain after midnight.

Thursday, September 14, 2023

9/14 Bougainvillea, whale winter behavior, cougars and wolves, exotic marine species, biodegradable fishing gear

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees belonging to the four o' clock family, Nyctaginaceae. The first European to describe these plants was Philibert Commerçon, a botanist accompanying French Navy admiral Louis Antoine de Bougainville during his voyage of circumnavigation of the Earth, and first published by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu in 1789. It is possible that the first European to observe these plants was Jeanne Baret, Commerçon's lover and assistant, who was an expert in botany. Because she was not allowed on ship as a woman, she disguised herself as a man in order to make the journey (and thus became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe). (Wikipedia)

Ocean Wise starts studying whale winter behaviour to further conservation efforts
Ocean Wise is embarking on its second winter research project to study the behaviour of whales in the Salish Sea to further protect and boost the populations. Researchers with Ocean Wise have noticed increased activity of whales like humpbacks, Bigg’s killer whales and southern resident orcas around Vancouver Island in the cooler months. (CHEK)

In a battle of apex predators, Washington cougars are killing wolves at a surprising rate
Wolves may be an apex predator, but researchers in Washington recently noticed that they’re being attacked and killed by another carnivore at the top of the food chain: cougars. Libby Denkmann and Alec Cowan report. (KUOW)

Warmer water brings big, exotic species into the Salish Sea
Marine heat is causing some unusual species to show up in Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. Recent reports include two sightings in August of six-foot-long sunfish near Tacoma, Wash. Also recently seen: a huge bluefin tuna in the San Juan Islands. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)

Biodegradable Fishing Gear Isn’t Good Enough
Lower efficiency makes the eco-friendly nets and ropes fall short. That’s a trade-off we might have to accept. Alastair Bland (Hakai Magazine)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 828 AM PDT Thu Sep 14 2023
TODAY E wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 4 ft at 9 seconds.
TONIGHT Light wind. Wind waves less than 1 ft. W swell 3 ft at 9 seconds.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

9/13/23 Pikake, Nooksack flooding, Merritt flooding, urban giants

Pikake (UH Extension)

Pikake is the Hawaiian name for a jasmine, Jasminum sambac, which is one of about a dozen Jasminum species grown in Hawaii as ornamentals. The name is adapted from the word “peacock,” because the Hawaiian Princess Kaiulani reportedly was fond both of this flower and the bird, according to Marie Neal (In Gardens of Hawaii). (University of Hawaii Extension)

U.S., Canada make headway on cross-border Nooksack flood strategy
As the two-year anniversary of a devastating Nooksack River flood approaches, cross-border strategy talks are beginning to take shape, taking community cooperation and climate change into consideration. Is it enough? Catherine Skrzypinski and Clifford Heberden report. (Salish Current)

Walking Among Vancouver’s Urban Giants
Most of the city’s old growth was cleared long ago. But not in Stanley Park. Solana Pasqua reports. (The Tyee)

B.C. government was aware of Merritt dike problems before destructive flooding in 2021, documents show
FOI request shows engineer had warned over integrity of dikes — which province has oversight of — since 2018. Brenna Owen reports.(CBC)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 816 AM PDT Wed Sep 13 2023
TODAY Light wind. Wind waves less than 1 ft. W swell 4 ft at 10 seconds.
TONIGHT W wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 4 ft at 10 seconds.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

9/12 Hibiscus, BC old grwoth, humpbacks, Everett reservoirs, Whatcom water

Hibiscus (Wikipedia)

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus is quite large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. The generic name is derived from the Greek name ἰβίσκος (ibískos) which Pedanius Dioscorides gave to Althaea officinalis (c. 40–90 AD).(Wikipedia)

‘Frustrating as hell’: advocates say old-growth still being cut years after protections promised
The province promised to implement more than a dozen recommendations made by an independent review. Some worry change for the old forests home to at-risk species hasn’t come fast enough. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Narwhal)

Humpback whales find their voice
During the fall months, the Salish Sea comes alive with “whups,” “moans,” “growls” and an assorted variety of “creaks,” “trumpets,” “buzzes” and other humpback whale vocalizations. Jeff Rice reports. (Salish Sea Currents)

New Everett reservoirs built to weather big earthquake in $23M project
Two new reservoirs on Rucker Hill are nearly complete. The city plans to replace another off Evergreen Way in phases. Ta'Leah Van Sistine reports. (Everett Herald)

Candidates talk water as Whatcom wells run dry
Nooksack watershed and Whatcom County leaders face lower streamflows, higher stream temperatures, less snow runoff and higher temperatures. What do candidates say? Kai Uyehara reports. (Salish Current)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 806 AM PDT Tue Sep 12 2023
TODAY E wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 5 ft at 9 seconds. Showers likely in the morning then showers in the afternoon.
TONIGHT SE wind to 10 kt becoming W after midnight. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 5 ft at 10 seconds. A slight chance of showers in the evening.

Monday, September 11, 2023

9/11 Plumeria, wasting disease, humpbacks, AI wildfires, Elwha timber wale, farm pollution

Plumeria (Wikipedia)

Plumeria (Wikipedia)

Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a genus of flowering plants in the subfamily Rauvolfioideae, of the family Apocynaceae. Most species are deciduous shrubs or small trees. The genus Plumeria is named in honour of 17th-century French botanist and Catholic monk Charles Plumier, who traveled to the New World documenting many plant and animal species. The name "frangipani" comes from a fictional 16th-century marquis of the noble Frangipani family in Italy, who created a synthetic plumeria-like perfume. (Wikipedia)

About a decade after an outbreak of disease, researchers find mixed results for sea stars
Almost a decade after a massive outbreak of sea star wasting syndrome, researchers are working to measure sea star populations. Derek Smith, Shannon Point lab manager and a research assistant professor in the marine and coastal science program, said sea star numbers are still low compared to the pre-2014 numbers. Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

How the humpback whale made a massive comeback in the Salish Sea
hey are big. They are beautiful. And they are back. The return of the humpback whale to greater numbers than observed in decades is part of a larger revival of marine mammals in the Salish Sea. It is an astonishing sight of life rebounding, with exception of the endangered southern residents orcas. It’s in these conditions the humpbacks have made a spectacular recovery at about 8% a year. Lynda Mapes reports. (Seattle Times)

How AI is helping detect wildfires in Washington
High-tech fire lookouts are now helping spot wildfires in Washington. This fire season, the state has deployed cameras geared up with artificial intelligence. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has set up 11 stations, consisting of two 360-degree view, ultra-high definition cameras. The cameras, developed by San Francisco-based Pano AI, detect smoke and fire starts within a 15-mile radius. Courtney Flatt reports. (NW News Network)

Contested timber sale advancing
A controversial timber sale near the Elwha River is moving ahead, despite opposition from some local elected officials and environmentalists. On July 26, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) opened bids for auctioning off the 126-acre “Power Plant” timber sale about 7 miles west of Port Angeles even as environmental groups were trying to challenge the sale in court. Murphy Company of Eugene, Ore., won the contract. Peter Segall reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

Farmers know they create a huge share of Canada’s emissions. Now they’re seriously counting them
Fertilizer, fossil fuels and cows mean farming creates 10% of Canada’s carbon pollution. Measuring it all is a complex and uncertain task. Drew Anderson reports. (The Narwhal)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 218 AM PDT Mon Sep 11 2023
TODAY W wind to 10 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 ft or less. SW swell 4 ft at 8 seconds. A chance of rain in the morning then a slight chance of rain in the afternoon.
TONIGHT W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming E to 10 kt after midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 4 ft at 8 seconds. A slight chance of rain in the evening then a chance of rain after midnight.

Friday, September 8, 2023

9/8 Huckleberry hound, metal shredding, Cowichan R, Indigenous Protected Area, fire to flood, water restrictions, tree ordinance, Sierra Club, cap-and-trade, Happy Valley gravel pit, ANWR drilling, week in review

Huckleberry Hound

Huckleberry "Huck" Hound is a fictional cartoon character, a blue anthropomorphic coonhound that speaks with a Tennessee Southern drawl. He first appeared in the series The Huckleberry Hound Show. The cartoon was one of six TV shows to win an Emmy Award in 1960 as an "Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Children's Programming"; the first animated series to receive such an award.

Noise, toxins, traffic concerns with proposed metal shredding
Residents are concerned about noise, toxic dust, fire hazards and increased truck traffic if a proposed metal shredding facility along Bellingham's Marine Drive is built. Questen Inghram reports. (Salish Current)

Environmental stress likely cause of fish die-off on Vancouver Island
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has found that "stressful environmental conditions" likely killed hundreds of salmon and trout in the Cowichan River in mid-July. The cause appeared to be lesions found on the fish. These lesions tend to be caused by stress, which can be related to low oxygen and high pH levels in the water. Kathryn Marlow reports. (CBC)

Water to be pumped into Cowichan River from lake next week
Pumping of water from Cowichan Lake into the Cowichan River could begin as soon as Monday to keep river flow rates from dropping too low. The goal is for the river to maintain current flow conditions of about 4.5 cubic metres per second to protect fish. Carla Wilson reports. (Times Colonist)

Gitanyow celebrates the return of salmon as B.C. inches toward recognizing the nation’s protected area
Two years after the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs declared 54,000 hectares of land and water off-limits to industry, the provincial government still hasn’t officially acknowledged the Meziadin Indigenous Protected Area. Matt Simmons reports. (The Narwhal)

‘It Could Flip Like a Switch.’ Will BC Move from Fires to Floods?
In the midst of unprecedented drought, provincial officials warn that this year looks a lot like 2021. Amanda Follett Hosgood reports. (The Tyee)

Sunshine Coast imposes most severe water restrictions on 20,000 residents due to persistent drought
Prolonged and intense drought conditions are forcing the Sunshine Coast's largest water system to impose its highest-level restrictions on water use starting Friday. That means no watering gardens or plants, using sprinklers or washing vehicles or homes. (CBC)

Climate advocates push to amend Seattle’s new tree ordinance
Tree protection advocates say climate concerns and equity are not adequately addressed in Seattle’s new tree ordinance. It passed in May amid calls from the city’s Urban Forestry Commission for more time to address concerns that the update favored developers. Now the commission is looking at proposals to amend it. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)

The Sierra Club hired its first Black leader. Turmoil over racial equity followed.
The Sierra Club, one of the nation’s largest and oldest environmental groups, laid off staffers of color and scaled back its equity work under new leadership. Maxine Joselow reports. (Washington Post)

Federal affirmative action ruling may impact WA cap-and-trade
Allocating funds from the carbon plan to minority communities most affected by pollution could draw legal battles based on the new SCOTUS decision. Alex Brown reports. (Stateline/Crosscut)

Gravel pit project withdrawn
A Sequim applicant for a permit for a proposed gravel pit in Happy Valley has withdrawn his application, citing threats and even shots fired. After the project was withdrawn Wednesday, a Thursday hearing before the Clallam County hearing examiner to consider the 4.74-acre basalt mine called Happy Valley Pit LLC was canceled. Matthew Nash reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

Biden Approved a Big Oil Project. Now, He’s Cracking Down on Drilling.
In the months since the president allowed the Willow project in Alaska, his administration has curtailed fossil fuel activities on millions of acres of public land and in federal waters. Lisa Friedman reports. (NY Times)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 9/8/23: Star Trek Friday, heat wave survivial, Gulf Islands' water, Growlers, pumped storage hydro, WA cap-and-trade, BC old growth logging, ANWR drilling, Gitanyow celebration.

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Now, your weekend tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 234 AM PDT Fri Sep 8 2023
TODAY W wind to 10 kt becoming NW 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 2 ft at 10 seconds.
TONIGHT W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming to 10 kt after midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 2 ft at 10 seconds.
SAT Light wind becoming N to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 1 ft at 10 seconds.
SAT NIGHT W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming to 10 kt after midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 1 ft at 10 seconds.
SUN SW wind to 10 kt becoming W in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 2 ft at 7 seconds.

Thursday, September 7, 2023

9/7 Huckleberry Island, tsunami, WA cap-and-trade, BC old growth logging, BC groundwater, Tofino drought, gray squirrel status, ANWR drilling, mola mola

Huckleberry Island [WA Dept. of Ecology]

Huckleberry Island is situated in the center of the Samish Nation's traditional territory, and is approximately 4 miles south of Samish Island, the site of the tribe's largest historical village. The state agreed in 2010 to transfer ownership of Huckleberry Island, just east of Guemes Island, to the Samish Island Nation. As the steward of Huckleberry Island, the tribe is committed to maintaining public day use access to the island, which is frequently visited and explored by boaters and kayakers. The Samish Nation intends to develop an inventory of plant species on the island, and assess the impacts of invasive species. (Anacortes Now)

Signs of a hidden threat: preparing for the really big one
New signs around the Salish Sea raise awareness in areas that might be inundated by tsunami. Adam M. Sowards reports. (Salish Current)

Out of the smokestack, into the state budget
Washington’s cap-and-trade auctions are pulling in money faster than expected, spurring new ideas for spending, along with calls to rework the program to ease costs for consumers. Jerry Cornfield reports. (Washington State Standard)

A company was forced to reduce logging in Haida Gwaii’s old-growth forests. Now they’re suing for $75M
The Haida Gwaii Management Council’s decision to protect ancient trees meant Teal-Jones could no longer log them. Now, the B.C. Supreme Court will decide who pays when conservation cuts into corporate profit. Arno Kopecky reports. (The Narwhal)

B.C. groundwater licensing delays abound, 7 years after requirement was introduced
According the provincial forestry ministry's website, there are about 20,000 non-domestic groundwater users in B.C. People who use groundwater for their household are not required to get a licence or pay fees. Mike Wei, a hydrogeologist who has worked with the provincial government on its groundwater program, believes as few as 7,000 businesses or organizations have applied for licences. (CBC)

Tofino remains vigilant as water reservoirs hit lowest level
Short-term rental operators, resorts and hotels asked to remove unnecessary linens and bathtub stoppers to discourage tub use. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)

Washington may upgrade Western gray squirrel to 'endangered' status
Washington’s Western gray squirrels are in trouble. So much so that state officials are considering uplisting the squirrels from threatened to endangered. The change comes after a periodic status review. Declining habitat is a big problem for the squirrels. Biologists said their habitat has changed because of timber harvests, wildfires, land conversion and climate change. Courtney Flatt reports. (NW News)

The Biden administration is ending drilling leases in ANWR, at least for now
The Biden administration is canceling the only seven oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The leases were originally issued by the Trump administration over the protests of environmentalists and some Alaska Native groups who argue the region should be protected as a critical wildlife habitat. Ximena Bustillo reports. (NPR)

Video captures another sunfish spotted in the Puget Sound
An ocean sunfish called a Mola Mola was spotted while a couple was cruising south between McNeil and Anderson islands. Mola Molas can grow to 11 feet long and weigh more than a ton. This is the second sunfish spotted in recent weeks in our region. Last week, Jonah Zimmerman got a video of the big fish swimming near his boat not far from Tacoma. (KIRO)

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Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 243 AM PDT Thu Sep 7 2023
TODAY W wind to 10 kt becoming NW in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 3 ft at 9 seconds.
TONIGHT W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming to 10 kt after midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 3 ft at 9 seconds.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

9/6 Huckleberry, bird flu, BC Ferries, Growlers, oyster insomnia, pumped storage hydro, clown wedgefish, Whatcom book award

Huckleberry [Wikipedia]

Huckleberry
The name 'huckleberry' is a North American variation of the English dialectal name variously called 'hurtleberry' or 'whortleberry' (/ˈhwɜːrtəlbɛri/) for the bilberry. In North America, the name was applied to numerous plant variations, all bearing small berries with colors that may be red, blue, or black. In the Pacific Northwest and mountains of Montana and Idaho, this huckleberry species and several others, such as the black Vaccinium huckleberry (V. membranaceum) and blue (Cascade) huckleberry (V. deliciosum), grow in various habitats, such as mid-alpine regions up to 3,500 metres (11,500 ft) above sea level, mountain slopes, forests, or lake basins. (Wikipedia)

Bird flu outbreak in Washington possibly spreading to seals
A bird flu outbreak around Fort Flagler State Park near Port Townsend may be spreading to mammals, according to the state Department of Health. As of last week, an outbreak of a deadly strain of the avian influenza had likely killed 1,700 gulls and Caspian terns on Rat Island – a small wildlife preserve near the state park, and its adjacent shores. The island is currently closed due to the outbreak. Laurel Demkovich reports. (Washington State Standard)

Amid forecast of financial uncertainty, B.C. Ferries seeks to buy 4 new electric vessels
B.C. Ferries says it’s planning to order four new electric-powered Island-class vessels under an accelerated schedule. But it’s also facing financial uncertainties while it awaits a decision on passenger-fare increases during the next four years. Carla Wilson reports. (Times Colonist)

Judge: Growler flights continue
A U.S. District Judge has ruled that jet training flights over Whidbey Island can continue even as the Navy is ordered to redo its environmental impact statement concerning the impacts of noise and emissions on the area. In an order issued Friday in the Western District of Washington, Judge Richard Jones wrote that while the Navy underreported the true amount of fuel emissions from flights, failed to take a hard look at species-specific impact on birds and failed to analyze impacts on childhood learning, stopping the flights would pose a risk to national security. Peter Segall reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

Light Pollution Is Causing Oyster Insomnia
Even artificial light that’s dimmer than the full moon can knock oysters’ circadian rhythms out of sync. Hannah Seo reports. (Hakai Magazine)

Pumped storage hydropower is the greenest renewable energy technology, study says
Researchers with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory said closed-loop pumped storage hydropower will have a lower carbon footprint throughout the lifecycle of the technology, from construction to decommissioning, than other renewable energy storage technologies like lithium-ion batteries. Monica Samayoa reports. (OPB)

Detective McDavitt and the Curious Case of the Clown Wedgefish
Scientists were writing an obituary for this species when a lawyer turned internet sleuth found evidence of its existence in an unlikely place. Brian Howey reports. (Hakai Magazine)

State book award finalists include four Whatcom authors
Rena Priest, Clyde Ford, Caitlin Scarano and Tom Crestodina have been named finalists from among 242 entries for Washington State Book Awards. Dean Kahn reports. (Salish Current)

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Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 244 AM PDT Wed Sep 6 2023
TODAY Light wind becoming N to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 3 ft at 10 seconds. Patchy fog in the morning. Showers likely.
TONIGHT W wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 3 ft at 10 seconds.