environment Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Around 30 Steelhead Found Dead Near Idaho’s Dworshak Dam

By Courtney Flatt January 13, 2022

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is investigating numerous steelhead deaths on the North Fork of the Clearwater River in Idaho. Pictured here, an adult steelhead jumps in a holding pond at the Coleman National Fish Hatchery.

The Army Corps of Engineers is investigating whether the start-up of Dworshak Dam’s turbines are responsible for the deaths of around 30 steelhead, according to a press release from the Army Corps. Continue Reading Around 30 Steelhead Found Dead Near Read More

Lethal Removal, Range Rider Concerns Raised At Washington Wolf Advisory Group Meeting

By Courtney Flatt January 9, 2022

For the first time, a wolf wearing a radio collar traveled south of Interstate-90 into Washington’s Southern Cascade Mountains. Photo Credit: Eric Kilby Flickr – Tinyurl.Com/Gngh5n7 Listen Read For the first time, a wolf wearing a radio collar has crossed south of Interstate-90 into Washington’s southern Cascade Mountains, biologists with the Department of Fish Read More

Yakima Water Woes Need More Storage Options, Advocacy Group Says

By Courtney Flatt December 23, 2021

The view of Bumping Lake from the bank near Chris Maykut's cabin. A Yakima Basin water plan could enlarge the central Washington lake, which would flood a small, shoreline community.

Climate change is forcing creative water storage options in the Yakima River Basin to ensure enough water for fish, cities and farmers. Continue Reading Yakima Water Woes Need More Storage Options, Advocacy Group SaysRead More

New Survey Shows Support For Snake River Dams, In Contrast To Earlier Survey

By Courtney Flatt December 23, 2021

According to a new survey, a majority of people in the Northwest want the four Lower Snake River dams removed.

Two surveys about breaching the Snake River dams show opposing results. Continue Reading New Survey Shows Support For Snake River Dams, In Contrast To Earlier SurveyRead More

How Melting Sea Ice Increases Wildfire Risk In The Northwest

By Courtney Flatt December 17, 2021

New atmospheric research has found melting sea ice in the Arctic increases the risks for wildfires on the West Coast.

Recent atmospheric research may help Northwest forest managers better prepare for wildfires. Continue Reading How Melting Sea Ice Increases Wildfire Risk In The NorthwestRead More

Will A Shad Horde Take Over The Columbia River?

By Courtney Flatt December 15, 2021

In recent years, non-native American shad migrating past Bonneville Dam greatly outnumbered the total salmon and steelhead.

Columbia River fish could have another challenge to their ecosystem. Growing numbers of American shad could challenge salmon and steelhead. Continue Reading Will A Shad Horde Take Over The Columbia River?Read More

Smaller Fish Tags To Help Sockeye Studies Above Grand Coulee Dam

By Courtney Flatt November 26, 2021

New, tiny batteries, designed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, will allow researchers to better study young sockeye salmon above Grand Coulee Dam, part of reintroduction efforts for salmon in the Upper Columbia River.

Soon, it could be easier to track young sockeye salmon around dams. Continue Reading Smaller Fish Tags To Help Sockeye Studies Above Grand Coulee DamRead More

More Lynx Are Coming Soon To Washington’s Kettle Range

By Courtney Flatt November 23, 2021

A Canada lynx is released into Washington's Kettle River Range. The Colville Tribes are relocating lynx from Canada, with a goal of transporting 10 lynx per year.

This winter, the Kettle River Range in north-central Washington will be a little more wild. Continue Reading More Lynx Are Coming Soon To Washington’s Kettle RangeRead More

Washington Pauses Controversial Spring Bear Hunt

By Courtney Flatt November 22, 2021

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission suspended the 2022 spring bear hunt season after a split vote to authorize the controversial hunt.

Spring bear hunts in Washington are postponed for 2022, following a vote of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in a meeting on Friday. Continue Reading Washington Pauses Controversial Spring Bear HuntRead More

Tribes Ask For More Support For Salmon Reintroduction To The Upper Columbia

By Courtney Flatt November 17, 2021

Casey Baldwin, a research scientist with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, points out a salmon nest, or redd, on the Sanpoil River.

Upper Columbia tribes want help to continue reintroducing salmon above Grand Coulee Dam. Continue Reading Tribes Ask For More Support For Salmon Reintroduction To The Upper ColumbiaRead More

During Fire Season, One Family Learns To Save Trees, You Must Cut Some Down

By Courtney Flatt November 9, 2021

Peter and Shannon Polson with their dog, Bonnie. For six years, the Polsons thinned trees, chopped off limbs, and built a home resistant to fire to prepare their property for when the flames would come.

One family’s continuous wildfire preparation paid off this summer in North Central Washington. Continue Reading During Fire Season, One Family Learns To Save Trees, You Must Cut Some DownRead More

In New Climate Order, Inslee Says Washington State Vehicles To Plug In

By Courtney Flatt November 8, 2021

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee ordered around 5,000 state vehicles to transition to electric over the next 19 years.

Washington’s state vehicles soon will plug in instead of gas up. Continue Reading In New Climate Order, Inslee Says Washington State Vehicles To Plug InRead More

Record Numbers Of Bigg’s Killer Whale Sightings And Humpback Calves In Salish Sea

By Tom Banse November 1, 2021

Salish Sea whale watchers were treated in May 2021 to humpback whale mother Slate surfacing with her young son Malachite.

Whale watchers have spotted a record number of humpback calves in inland Pacific Northwest waters this season. There was also a record streak of Bigg's killer whale sightings that just ended, according to a local whale research nonprofit. Those observations offer some good news to offset the ongoing concern about the survival of the Northwest's iconic, but critically Read More

Murray, Inslee Detail Salmon Recovery Process That Could Include Snake River Dam Removal

By Courtney Flatt October 25, 2021

A process to considering removing the four Lower Snake River dams will wrap up July 31, 2022.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee said they'll listen to diverse viewpoints with open minds to recover salmon and potentially breach the four Lower Snake River dams. Continue Reading Murray, Inslee Detail Read More

Conservation Groups Want Washington Forests Managed ‘For All The People’

By Courtney Flatt October 25, 2021

At a Washington State Supreme Court hearing, a coalition of conservation groups argued state trust lands, including timberlands, should benefit all Washington residents.

At a Supreme Court hearing, conservation groups argued Washington forest managers should log fewer trees. Continue Reading Conservation Groups Want Washington Forests Managed ‘For All The People’Read More

20-Year Legal Battle Over Salmon To Be Paused Until Next Summer

By Courtney Flatt October 25, 2021

Environmental groups plan to pause their 20-year legal battle to protect salmon.

A longstanding court battle over the federal government’s plan to manage dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers could be on hold until next summer. Continue Reading 20-Year Legal Battle Over Salmon To Be Paused Until Next SummerRead More

Controversial Spring Bear Hunt Up For Debate In Washington

By Courtney Flatt October 21, 2021

Conservation groups would like to stop Washington's spring 2022 black bear hunt.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear a report Friday on potential changes to the 2022 spring bear hunt season. Continue Reading Controversial Spring Bear Hunt Up For Debate In WashingtonRead More

Inslee Says Lower Snake River Dams Report Should Be Ready This Summer

By Courtney Flatt October 18, 2021

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said a report on the four controversial dams on the Lower Snake River should come out this summer.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says a report should come out this summer on the four controversial dams on the Lower Snake River. Continue Reading Inslee Says Lower Snake River Dams Report Should Be Ready This SummerRead More

Salmon Spawning Above Grand Coulee Dam A ‘Hopeful’ Sight

By Courtney Flatt October 14, 2021

Salmon are now spawning in waters blocked by Grand Coulee Dam. It's the start of a larger effort to reintroduce salmon into the blocked area. Continue Reading Salmon Spawning Above Grand Coulee Dam A ‘Hopeful’ SightRead More

Poll Finds Many Washington Voters Support Removing Snake River Dams

By Courtney Flatt October 8, 2021

A poll found 59% of Washington voters who were surveyed support a plan to remove the four Lower Snake River dams to protect salmon.

A new poll supported by environmental groups found Washington voters West and East of the Cascades support dam removal. Continue Reading Poll Finds Many Washington Voters Support Removing Snake River DamsRead More

Washington State Parks Director Resigns 7 Months Into The Job

By Courtney Flatt October 8, 2021

Peter Mayer, the director of Washington State Parks, resigned Wednesday after almost seven months heading up the agency.

Washington State Parks will need to search for a new permanent director, after Peter Mayer resigned Wednesday. Continue Reading Washington State Parks Director Resigns 7 Months Into The JobRead More

A massive oil spill in the Pacific Ocean has reached the Southern California coast

By NPR News October 4, 2021

Oil is seen on the beach in Huntington Beach, California on October 3, 2021, after a pipeline breach connected to an oil rig off shore started leaking oil, according to an Orange County Supervisor.

More than 120,000 gallons of oil that spilled into the Pacific Ocean has reached the Southern California coastline, closing parts of the beach as officials warn residents to stay away from the slick. Continue Reading A massive Read More

Federal Regulators To Limit Hot Water In Snake, Columbia Rivers

By Courtney Flatt October 4, 2021

Federal regulators starting will require dam operators to limit hot water pollution caused by the four Lower Snake River dams.

Federal regulators starting this spring will require dam operators to limit hot water pollution caused by the four Lower Snake River dams. Continue Reading Federal Regulators To Limit Hot Water In Snake, Columbia RiversRead More

More Renewable Energy, Less Energy Efficiency In New Power Plan

By Courtney Flatt September 27, 2021

A view of the Bonneville Power Administration's Big Eddy-Knight transmission line. More renewable energy development and less room for energy conservation are two of the biggest changes in the draft of the new regional power plan.

The draft Northwest Power Plan is dramatically different from previous versions. People can comment on the plan through Nov. 19. Continue Reading More Renewable Energy, Less Energy Efficiency In New Power PlanRead More

NW Conservation Groups Push For Infrastructure Package Ahead Of U.S. House Vote

By Courtney Flatt September 24, 2021

Crews in Bellingham replace an old culvert (center) with a new 12-foot diameter pipe. The old culvert was too smalland sat too high for juvenile fish to navigate during their migration to their spawning grounds.

Northwest wildlife and wildlife habitat could get a helping hand next week from the federal government. Continue Reading NW Conservation Groups Push For Infrastructure Package Ahead Of U.S. House VoteRead More

How A Box Of Negatives Led To A Journey Through Northwest Mountaineering History

By Courtney Flatt September 23, 2021

Jodi Zybul bid on a box of negatives. When they arrived, she found mountaineering images from the 1940s through 1960s.

Reporter Courtney Flatt finds out who is the person in a box of old pictures. Continue Reading How A Box Of Negatives Led To A Journey Through Northwest Mountaineering HistoryRead More

Northwest Deer Dying Of Drought-Related Viral Disease

By Courtney Flatt September 9, 2021

Northwest biologists are hearing more reports of white-tailed deer dying from EHD.

More white-tailed deer are dying in the Northwest of viruses that often cause more die-offs after hot summers and droughts. Continue Reading Northwest Deer Dying Of Drought-Related Viral DiseaseRead More

Ferruginous Hawks In Washington Deemed Endangered

By Courtney Flatt September 7, 2021

The number of ferruginous hawks in Washington continues to decline. The birds face multiple threats, including wildfires, urban sprawl and loss of prey. Continue Reading Ferruginous Hawks In Washington Deemed EndangeredRead More

Fire Officials Ask You Not To Make A ‘Tougher Season’ Tougher This Labor Day Weekend

By Courtney Flatt September 2, 2021

Fire crews on the Schneider Springs fire burned around the critical communication tower on Bethel Ridge to protect it from the main fire

Fire officials hope to avoid another Labor Day weekend marked by extreme fires. Continue Reading Fire Officials Ask You Not To Make A ‘Tougher Season’ Tougher This Labor Day WeekendRead More

Judge Rules Klickitat County Sheriff’s ‘Dangerous Wildlife Policy’ Isn’t Illegal

By Courtney Flatt September 1, 2021

A Washington judge decided on Monday the Klickitat County sheriff’s policy about killing dangerous wildlife can continue.

Wildlife advocates sued Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer after he deputized hound handlers to track and kill cougars. Continue Reading Judge Rules Klickitat County Sheriff’s ‘Dangerous Wildlife Policy’ Read More

In North Central Washington, Forest Thinning, Controlled Burns Help Slow Wildfire

By Courtney Flatt August 26, 2021

Forest managers said thinning this stand in North Central Washington and a controlled back burn set by firefighters helped trees survive this summer's Cedar Creek fire.

As wildfires have burned throughout the Northwest this summer, some forest stands have fared better than others. Managers say that’s thanks, in part, to thinning and prescribed burns, which have made the stands more resilient in the face of wildfire. Read More

Could A New Fish Passage System Help Snake River Salmon?

By Courtney Flatt August 18, 2021

A fish passage technology developed by Whooshh Innovations transported 8,200 salmon around a massive landslide on the Fraser River in a remote part of British Columbia.

Whoosh Innovations said its fish passage system could transport salmon quickly over the Snake River dams – and generate $60 million over 10 years by diverting water from fish ladders to hydropower turbines. Continue Reading Could A New Fish Passage Read More

Skeptics Of Sea Otter Reintroduction Getting Organized On Pacific Coast

By Tom Banse August 13, 2021

Earle is the newest sea otter in Oregon, living at the aquarium in Newport. Sea otters have not naturally repopulated to the Oregon Coast from California or Washington, so a reintroduction effort is now being studied.

Sea otters are undeniably cute, but cuteness only goes so far when major economic interests are at stake. That's an inference you can make from the emergence of organized pushback to the possible reintroduction of sea otters along the Oregon Coast. Read More

How The View From Space Is Helping Fight Wildfires On The Ground

By Courtney Flatt August 13, 2021

Scientists are using satellites to help map wildfire perimeters and hotspots, like with this image of the Jack Fire in Oregon.

Scientists have discovered they can track fire lines and can quickly draw attention to spot fires using satellites. Continue Reading How The View From Space Is Helping Fight Wildfires On The GroundRead More

Hopping Into The Wild: Endangered Frog Release Could Help Boost Only Known Population In Washington

By Courtney Flatt August 11, 2021

Northern leopard frogs are ready to be released at the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Northern leopard frogs are rapidly disappearing in the Northwest. Biologists hope this effort will help the population in Washington. Continue Reading Hopping Into The Wild: Endangered Frog Release Could Help Read More

U.S. Senate Infrastructure Package Could ‘Significantly Improve’ Salmon Habitat

By Courtney Flatt August 11, 2021

Photo of two salmon swimming up a creek or river.

Funding to help fix culverts could open up cold water habitat to Northwest salmon. Continue Reading U.S. Senate Infrastructure Package Could ‘Significantly Improve’ Salmon HabitatRead More

Biden asks governors: How can we help with western wildfires?

By Courtney Flatt August 3, 2021

Washington leaders and President Biden in a meeting, some on zoom.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attend a virtual wildfire briefing with seven governors. CREDIT: Https://Www.Youtube.Com/Watch?V=PzvDeLvcQ7U The federal government is asking how it can help better fight wildfires burning across the West. President Joe Biden on Friday met with seven western governors to hear their concerns. Wildfires burning across the Read More

Fish Managers Say Salmon Runs ‘Could Have Been Worse,’ After Underwater Video Shows Heat-Stressed Salmon

By Courtney Flatt July 30, 2021

This summer’s heat wave led to some unhealthy hot water for salmon. But, fish managers said it hasn’t been as devastating for salmon runs as the warm water temperatures were in 2015. Continue Reading Fish Read More

Pining For Whitebarks: Researchers Work Across The Northwest To Save ‘Quintessential Wilderness Trees’

By Courtney Flatt July 30, 2021

Tree climber Matt Zhun reaches through the branches of a whitebark pine to find cones.

If you’ve ever backpacked in the Northwest’s mountaintops, you’ve likely spent some time among whitebark pines. These important trees are bringing together researchers across the West, who want to save them from a fatal fungus. Read More

The Mysterious Return Of Glacier Ice Worms On Mount Rainier

By NPR News July 14, 2021

Photo of researchers on the icey mountain.

There are thread-like worms on Mount Rainier that reserachers are looking at live at 32 degrees or they die... called ice worms. Continue Reading The Mysterious Return Of Glacier Ice Worms On Mount RainierRead More

Florida Breaks Annual Manatee Death Record In First 6 Months Of 2021

By NWPB News July 12, 2021

Manatees crowd together near the warm-water outflows from Florida Power & Light's plant in Riviera Beach, Fla., on Feb. 5. More manatees have died already in 2021 than in any other year in Florida's recorded history, primarily from starvation due to the loss of seagrass beds. Greg Lovett/AP

More manatees have died already this year than in any other year in Florida's recorded history, primarily from starvation due to the loss of seagrass beds, state officials said. Continue Reading Florida Breaks Annual Manatee Death Record In Read More

Exxon Lobbyist Caught On Video Talks About Undermining President Biden’s Climate Push

By NPR News July 1, 2021

Indiscrete comments made by an ExxonMobil lobbyist to undercover activists may figure prominently in upcoming congressional hearings about the role of oil companies in the battle against climate change. Continue Reading Read More

Wyoming Doubles Down On Coal With Threat To Sue Other Western States, Including Washington

By NWPB News May 3, 2021

In this July 27, 2018, the Dave Johnson coal-fired power plant is silhouetted against the morning sun in Glenrock, Wyo. A law signed April 6, 2021, by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon creates a $1.2 million fund for an initiative that marks the latest attempt by state leaders to help coal in the state that accounts for the bulk of U.S. coal production, which is down by half since 2008. Wyoming coal production, which accounts for about 40% of the nation's total, has declined as utilities switch to gas, which is cheaper to burn to generate electricity. CREDIT: J. David Ake/AP

Last year, Wyoming and Montana — another major coal state — asked the Supreme Court to override a decision by Washington state to deny a permit to build a coal export dock on the Columbia River. The interstate lawsuit followed years of unsuccessful attempts by the dock’s developer, Utah-based Lighthouse Resources, to contest the permit denial in federal court. Read More

Washington Joins Oregon, California, British Columbia In Passing Low-Carbon Fuel Standard

By Courtney Flatt April 27, 2021

File photo of tailpipe vehicle emissions. CREDIT: Flickr/eutopication and hypoxia

The state’s new fuel standards will slowly lower the amount of heat-trapping greenhouse gasses coming out of vehicle tailpipes through 2035. That means cleaner technologies biodiesel or renewable natural gas will get a boost over gasoline and diesel. Read More

WATCH: Is Recycling Worth It Anymore? People On The Front Lines Say Maybe Not

By NPR News April 21, 2021

Rogue Waste System’s Scott Fowler (left) and Laura Leebrick (center) have nowhere to send about 2,000 tons of baled and stacked of co-mingled recycling. CREDIT: JES BURNS

Recycling works, but it's not magic. As America continues to lead the world in per capita waste production, it's becoming more and more clear that everybody – manufacturers and consumers — "over-believes" in recycling. Continue Read More

Washington Lawmakers Move Closer To Passing Clean Fuels Bill; Opponents Say It’s Too Costly

By Courtney Flatt April 9, 2021

Tailpipe exhaust is the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington state and nationwide. CREDIT: RICK BOWMER/AP

Lowering the amount of carbon that comes out of your tailpipe has become a quest for some Washington lawmakers. Now, new standards that would promote biofuels over gasoline are closer to becoming law than ever before. Read More

A Road Across Mount St. Helens Blast Zone Threatens One-Of-A-Kind Research, Lawsuit Says

By NWPB News April 1, 2021

Mount St. Helens left an indellible mark on the Northwest landscape -- not just in the ecology and geology, but in how government officials respond and think about disaster preparedness.

Conservation groups and scientists are challenging a federal decision to build a road through the Mount St. Helens blast zone, saying it would damage more than two dozen decades worth of irreplaceable research plots. Continue Read More

Hazardous Waste Landfill Near Columbia River Seeks To Expand

By NWPB News March 30, 2021

An undated file photo shows leachate evaporation ponds at the CWM hazardous waste landfill in Arlington, Ore.

Military cleanups, federal Superfund sites, firefighter training facilities — all are among reasons cited by Chemical Waste Management, or CWM, to expand its hazardous waste operation outside the Columbia River town of Arlington. Continue Reading Read More

Timber Wars Continued: Conservationists Sue To Save Spotted Owl Logging Protections

By NWPB News March 24, 2021

In this May 8, 2003, a northern spotted owl sits on a tree branch in the Deschutes National Forest near Camp Sherman, Ore. CREDIT: Don Ryan/AP

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit seeking to preserve protections for 3.4 million acres of northern spotted owl habitat from the US-Canada border to northern California, the latest salvo in a legal battle over logging in federal old-growth forests that are key nesting grounds for the imperiled species. Read More

Interior Nominee Deb Haaland Faces Tough Questions On Climate Goals

By NPR News February 23, 2021

Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., during her Senate hearing Tuesday to be Interior Secretary. If confirmed, she would be the first Native American to hold the post. CREDIT: Jim Watson/AP

Congresswoman Deb Haaland would be not just the first Native American Interior Secretary, but also the first in a presidential cabinet. She faced tough — and, at times, misguided — questioning from Republican lawmakers worried about the president's climate goals. Read More