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)

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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.

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