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)

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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.

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