4/24 Wood hyacinth, tribal climate summit, Haida Gwaii, basking sharks, plastic bag fee, shipping fuel, stormwater goldfish, WA EV rebates, oil tanker traffic

Wood hyacinths

 

Wood hyacinths Hyacinthoides hispanica
Wood hyacinths are called Spanish bluebells by some gardeners. These easy to grow, deer-resistant plants are hardy in USDA planting zones 3 to 8. he flowers are not very fragrant but are loved by pollinators, especially bees. Wood hyacinths are considered invasive in the Pacific northwestern area of the US. (Farmer's Garden)

Today's top story in Salish Current: When Theodore Roosevelt almost visited Anacortes, Bellingham and Roche Harbor

Tribal climate leaders come together to share pain, solutions and laughter
Indigenous people from around the U.S. and Canada convened in Auburn last week, for a summit meeting on tribal climate leadership. Hosted every other year by the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, the event also includes tribal partners such as environmental groups, researchers and energy developers. The summit aims to amplify and empower Indigenous leaders as they navigate the cultural, economic and social challenges of climate change. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)

On Haida Gwaii, a colonial government is no longer lord of the land
British Columbia and the Haida Nation’s historic agreement recognizes Haida land ownership across the archipelago — and marks the first time a colonial government has recognized Indigenous Title outside the courts. Serena Renner reports. (The Narwhal)

Will these gentle giants return to the Salish Sea?
Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) are the world's second-largest shark (and fish) species, and while they were once common in some parts of the Salish Sea, they are now so rare that several of the scientists working to better understand them and restore their numbers have never even seen one. Increasing public awareness of the species could be a key first step to recovering them, these scientists say. Sarah DeWeerdt writes. (Salish Sea Currents Magazine)

Washington's plastic bag fee reduces waste — but not to the extent intended, report finds
Washington’s plastic bag fee was intended to change people’s habit of relying on single-use plastic bags and encourage them to bring reusable shopping sacks instead. But a new study, conducted by a coalition of conservation groups, found that while the policy has helped reduce pollution, the fee hasn’t changed shopper behavior that much. Ruby de Luna reports. (KUOW)

In the Rush to Decarbonize, the Shipping Industry Is Exploring Alternative Fuels
The shipping industry is finally embracing greener fuels, but which one, or ones, will they land on? Chris Baraniuk reports. (Hakai Magazine)

Campbell River tackles goldfish invasion in stormwater pond
Campbell River is trying to get ahead of a goldfish invasion in a stormwater collection pond. This summer, when the pond is low, the city plans to pump it out in an attempt to eradicate the fish. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)

Washington electric vehicle rebates up to $9,000 available beginning in August
Washington motorists will gain access this summer to new state rebates – up to $9,000 in some cases – to help cover the cost of leasing or purchasing electric vehicles. Single Washington residents earning up to $45,180 annually or a family of four with income up to $93,600, will be eligible for a rebate of up to $9,000 for a new electric vehicle lease of three years or more. They’d also qualify for up to $5,000 for a new EV purchase or two-year lease. Used electric vehicles are eligible for a $2,500 rebate on purchases and leases. Bill Lucia reports. (Washington State Standard)

Start of Trans Mountain oil tanker traffic around Vancouver Island imminent
Trans Mountain has announced that it will commence operations on May 1, roughly one week out from Earth Day. That means tanker transportation of crude oil from its Burnaby terminal will begin to move through waters surrounding Vancouver Island. Tankers will be transporting diluted bitumen through the Burrard Inlet, into the Salish Sea and the Strait of Juan De Fuca. (Yahoo News)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  334 AM PDT Wed Apr 24 2024    
TODAY  W wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 3 ft  at 9 seconds.  
TONIGHT  NW wind to 10 kt becoming E after midnight. Wind waves  2 ft or less. W swell 4 ft at 10 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email mikesato772 (@) gmail.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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