7/21 Hardhack, Indian Cr spill, shooting owls, EPA shutdown, Vancouver is forests, democracy watch

Hardhack

Hardhack Spiraea douglasii
Spiraea douglasii is a species of flowering plant in the rose family. Common names include hardhack, hardhack steeplebush, Douglas' spirea, douglasspirea, steeplebush, and rose spirea. It is native to northwestern North America and is an invasive species in other locales. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Trial foot ferry to San Juans ends; return in doubt / How we view disabilities defines our humanity

‘Devastating’ spill in salmon habitat near Port Angeles: What to know 
Hundreds of dead juvenile fish. An oily sheen. The overpowering smell of gasoline. These were the scenes over the weekend near where a fuel tanker truck crashed Friday off Highway 101, spilling some 3,000 gallons of fossil fuels into Indian Creek and prompting a “do not drink” order for Port Angeles tap water that ended Sunday evening. Isabella Breda reports. (Seattle Times) 

A plan to shoot 450,000 owls — to save a different owl — could be in jeopardy
An unusual alliance of Republican lawmakers and animal rights advocates, together with others, is creating storm clouds for a plan to protect one threatened owl by killing a more common one. But the coalition argues the effort is too expensive, unworkable and inhumane. They’re urging the Trump administration to cancel it and lawmakers could pursue a reversal through special congressional action. Lisa Seidman reports. (LA Times) 

EPA eliminates research and development office, begins layoffs
The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it is eliminating its research and development arm and reducing agency staff by thousands of employees. The agency’s Office of Research and Development has long provided the scientific underpinnings for EPA’s mission to protect the environment and human health. The EPA said in May it would shift its scientific expertise and research efforts to program offices that focus on major issues like air and water. Matthew Daly reports. (Associated Press) 

Vancouver Islanders call for better access and environmental oversight of private forest lands 
A survey by a private forest management company on Vancouver Island shows thousands of outdoor enthusiasts want better access to forest land — but an alliance of wilderness advocates is also raising concerns about environmental accountability.  Claire Palmer reports. (CBC) 


Democracy Watch

• ICE releases WA green-card holder after 2 months in detention center (Seattle Times) 
• The USDA wants states to hand over food stamp data by the end of July (NPR) 
• Hegseth tells lawmakers about plan to detain immigrants at bases in Indiana and New Jersey (AP) 
  Hegseth replaces Naval Academy superintendent, first woman to hold post  (Washington Post) 

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

Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  246 AM PDT Mon Jul 21 2025    
TODAY  W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 15 to 20 kt late. Seas  around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 8 seconds and W 2 ft at  11 seconds.  
TONIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to around 5 kt after  midnight. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 11 seconds.

---


"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.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told