Environment
Environment
Judge Strikes Down Ballot Measure On Whale Watching Distance Rules In San Juan County
Whale watch tour companies have knocked a proposed orca protection initiative off the November ballot in San Juan County, Washington. The ballot measure would have asked voters to greatly increase the stand-off distance between boats and endangered killer whales. Continue Reading Judge Strikes Down Ballot Measure On Whale Watching Distance Rules In San Juan County
Wildlife Roam Where U.S. Once Made Nuclear And Chemical Weapons, Including Hanford
An astonishing array of animals and habitats flourished on six obsolete weapons complexes — mostly for nuclear or chemical arms — because the sites banned the public and other intrusions for decades. Continue Reading Wildlife Roam Where U.S. Once Made Nuclear And Chemical Weapons, Including Hanford
Four Wolves Killed In Northeastern Washington Hours Before Court Hearing To Decide Their Fate
King County Superior Court judge ordered state officials on Friday morning to temporarily stop killing members of a wolf pack in the Colville National Forest, in northeastern Washington — but their fate had already been decided. Continue Reading Four Wolves Killed In Northeastern Washington Hours Before Court Hearing To Decide Their Fate
Eastern Washington Wheat Farmers Say Removing Snake Dams To Help Orcas Would Hurt Them
Washington’s Snake River dams are important to wheat farmers.The state’s wheat crop brings $700 million into the state’s economy, more than any crop except apples. The vast majority of that wheat gets exported, most of it to Asia. Continue Reading Eastern Washington Wheat Farmers Say Removing Snake Dams To Help Orcas Would Hurt Them
Northwest Conservation Groups Contend New Federal Rules Threaten Wildlife
The Trump administration’s announced changes Monday to how the Endangered Species Act will be enforced by federal agencies set off waves of criticism, including vows by several states to challenge the move. Environmental groups also say they may sue to stop the new rules. Continue Reading Northwest Conservation Groups Contend New Federal Rules Threaten Wildlife
‘Humpback Comeback’ Delights Whale Watchers As Rescuers Study Surge And Warn Of Risks
Humpback whales are resurfacing in big numbers in the Salish Sea, the Columbia River mouth and the Northwest coast. Along with excitement over the humpbacks’ return comes concern about ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Continue Reading ‘Humpback Comeback’ Delights Whale Watchers As Rescuers Study Surge And Warn Of Risks
Residents Say A Columbia River Gorge Mine In Washington Violates Federal Law
Residents of Washougal, Washington, say a controversial rock-mining operation is disrupting their neighborhood’s peace and quiet and violating the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act. Continue Reading Residents Say A Columbia River Gorge Mine In Washington Violates Federal Law
Whale-Come To Washington! Biggest Animal On Earth Spotted Off Northwest Coast
A whale expert is reporting a rare sighting of blue whales off the Washington state coast. The largest animals on the planet have also been sighted in unusual numbers offshore of Oregon this summer. Continue Reading Whale-Come To Washington! Biggest Animal On Earth Spotted Off Northwest Coast
Trump Administration Makes Major Changes To Endangered Species Protections
In a move that critics say will hurt plants, animals and other species as they face mounting threats, the Trump administration is making major changes to how the Endangered Species Act is implemented. Continue Reading Trump Administration Makes Major Changes To Endangered Species Protections
Across The West, Land Managers Face Hurdles In Fighting Fire With Fire
Prescribed fires are credited with making forests healthier and stopping or slowing the advance of some blazes. Despite those successes, there are plenty of reasons they are not set as often as officials would like, ranging from poor conditions to safely burn to bureaucratic snags and public opposition. Continue Reading Across The West, Land Managers Face Hurdles In Fighting Fire With Fire
Tribes Release 1st Salmon Into Upper Columbia Since Dam Construction
Salmon are now swimming in the upper Columbia River for the first time in decades. For regional Native tribes, Friday’s ceremonial fish release is a big step toward catching fish in traditional waters. Cheers erupted from the crowd as the first salmon was released since 1955 into the Columbia River above Chief Joseph Dam. Continue Reading Tribes Release 1st Salmon Into Upper Columbia Since Dam Construction
Careful With Those Birthday Candles, Smokey: Beloved Wildfire-Prevention Bear Turns 75
The longest-running public service campaign is tied to a reduction in wildfires, but in some ways Smokey’s message may have worked too well. Here’s how he’s changed. Continue Reading Careful With Those Birthday Candles, Smokey: Beloved Wildfire-Prevention Bear Turns 75
