2/4 Sword fern, BC polluter pays, MAHA enviro rules, WA income tax, democracy watch.

Sword fern [Greg Rabourn]

 
Sword fern Polystichum munitum
This is the king of northwest ferns. Its stately appearance and adaptability for almost any site condition, make it one of the most usefull of all native plants. The clump of upright, evergreen leaves has an architectural quality and can be used as a structural element in almost any kind of planting. It can also be used as a ground cover. Does best in organic soils but can stand the most acidic conditions found under cedar and redwoods. As older fronds die they provide excellent amphibian habitat around their base. (King County Native Plant Guide)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Major changes coming to Bellingham’s Marine Life Center 

BC Halts Plans to Make Polluters Pay for Cleanup Costs
The province billed its Public Interest Bonding Strategy as a key step to protect the public from massive cleanup bills. Now it’s on hold. Zoë Yunker reports. (The Tyee) 

MAHA has reshaped health policy. Now it's working on environmental rules
MAHA activists who want to hold corporations accountable for harming Americans’ health have found an unlikely ally in a Republican-led Environmental Protection Agency that has traditionally supported big businesses and less regulation. Sejal Govindarao, Ali Swenson and Michael Phillis report. (Associated Press) 

Income tax debate opens up in WA Legislature
Democrats want to tax personal income over $1 million. Gov. Bob Ferguson says lawmakers’ initial plan doesn’t offer enough tax relief for lower earners and small businesses. Bill Lucia reports. (Washington State Standard) 
 

Democracy Watch

• Trump demands $1 billion from Harvard as a prolonged standoff appears to deepen (AP) 
• Honoring Renée Good, Alex Pretti with ceremony (ICT) 

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-  221 PM PST Tue Feb 3 2026    
WED  SE wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming E 5 to 10 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 15 seconds.  
WED NIGHT  E wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 14 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)salish-current.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