7/19 Ants, more flies, Vancouver quake, crows, Vancouver carbon reduction, week in review

 

Ant

Ants
There are an estimated one million billion ants currently living on Earth, spread out over 12,000 different species. That’s a lot of ants! Luckily, there are only four common types of ants you have to worry about here in Washington: Odorous house ants, carpenter ants and pavement ants. (Sound Pest Control)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Initiative to repeal Whatcom County child care tax goes to court / Incumbents draw challengers in Skagit County commissioner races

Regarding flies
Reader Wendy Feltham writes: "Thanks for another great blog! I just had to reply this time, because so many native flies are important pollinators, especially of our native wildflowers. They're beneficial in other ways, and quite beautiful as well.  One example is the Syrphidae family of "flower flies," also known as "hover flies." In his excellent field guide to PNW Insects, Merrill A. Peterson writes, "Flies are often considered a nuisance, as many species can cause painful bites..., transmit pathogens..., and some are serious pests of crops. However, many flies are beneficial in various ways. Some process dead organic matter and animal waste, limiting its accumulations. Others are valuable pollinators of crops and wildflowers. Still others are natural enemies of pest insects..., and flies and fly larvae are important sources of food for many other organisms , including fish, bats, and birds." [Wendy also shared some of her photos, thank you.]

Scientists creating first maps of Metro Vancouver’s earthquake hazards
Scientists are creating the first data set that will systematically map local earthquake hazards across Metro Vancouver. The data being collected will form a “comprehensive, high calibre, high quality product that hasn’t been generated up until now in Canada,” said Sheri Molnar, associate professor at Western University. Nathan Griffiths reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Seattle crows are so smart, they’re challenging what we know about evolution
Researchers have made startling discoveries in recent years about a crow’s ability to communicate, solve problems, remember people, and use tools. What they’re discovering about crow brains is changing how scientists understand intelligence — and bringing into question our accepted version of evolution. Stephen Howie reports. (KUOW)

Vancouver not on track to meet carbon reduction target by 2030
Vancouver’s five-year climate plan began in 2020. With that timeline coming to an end next year, the report recommends the city refresh a plan to 2030, one that includes stepping up efforts to meet the emissions targets. A report to city council next week recommends directing staff to refresh the climate plan in order to meet the targets. Tiffany Crawford reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Inslee to agency leaders: Money's too tight for new programs
With tax collections down and costs climbing, Washington’s outgoing governor tamps down expectations as he makes spending decisions in his final budget proposal. Jerry Cornfield reports. (Washington State Standard)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 7/19/24: Beekeeping Friday, Tacoma heat, butterflies, plastic bag ban, Kus-kus-sum salmon, Marysville stormwater, seagrass and plastic, Seattle Aquarium, tribal climate, The Blob.

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Here's your weekend tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  250 AM PDT Fri Jul 19 2024    
TODAY  NW wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt this  afternoon. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: NW 2 ft at 3 seconds  and W 2 ft at 9 seconds.  
TONIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: NW  2 ft at 3 seconds and W 2 ft at 10 seconds. 
SAT  W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: NW 2 ft at 4 seconds and W 2 ft at  9 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: NW  2 ft at 5 seconds and W 4 ft at 8 seconds.  
SUN  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  9 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 msato at salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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