CO2 levels reach monthly record – BBC

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Al Bergstein

We are heading into totally uncharted territory, and we have only just begun to see the effects at scale. California is only one of many locations around the world, from sub-saharan Africa, Australia, and South America, dealing with the effects of our runaway economic practices. Here on the Olympic Peninsula, a serious drought hazard is building and with it, record low river flows, which affect salmon runs, and other creatures that rely on them.

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-32625429
The milestone was announced by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa). They said it was the first month that the entire globe broke 400ppm, reaching levels that haven’t been seen for about two million years. Noaa’s Pieter Tans said that reaching the mark was “a significant milestone”. Scientists announced that CO2 had passed the 400 ppm level for the first time in the Arctic in 2012, and then at Mauna Loa in Hawaii in 2013. (BBC) See also: Summer 2015: The Northwest’s Global Warming Stress Testhttp://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2015/05/summer-2015-northwests-global-warming.html Cliff Mass reports. (Weather Blog)

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North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center Natural Resources Program – An open letter for support

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Al Bergstein

From supporters of the program:

Dear supporters of the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center Natural Resources program,

Your efforts leading up to and at the 4/28 Skills Center Administrative Council meeting allowed us to turn a corner in our effort to retain the Skills Center Natural Resources program.  Today saw encouraging developments in that the program has been verified as profitable (~$37K profit for 2014-15), and the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is willing to help the Skills Center fix some minor compliance issues with the current Natural Resources program delivery model.

Today, 5/6 at 1 pm at the Skills Center, the Administrative Council meets to vote on the future of the program.

Your attendance and participation in the most clear, respectful and civil way possible will help ensure the program’s survival and success.

To learn more, please visit http://nrprogram.weebly.com and read the following points:

  • The program has now been demonstrated to be a net revenue producer.  This fully addresses the most widely alleged shortcoming of the program.
  • Multiple other alleged concerns have either been determined to be completely unfounded, or have been identified as easily resolvable.
  • Appropriate staff at OSPI have already indicated a readiness to assist in addressing any of these residual compliance and administrative concerns—including appropriate minor adjustments required to ensure proper alignment of the course structure & content with the instructor’s credentials.
  • There is extensive community support for continuation and expansion of the program, as demonstrated in two Administrative Council meetings, two PASD board meetings, and numerous other contacts and expressions of support.  The NOPSC and the respective school districts can count on increased involvement and assistance from existing partners, the program advisory committee, and the broader constituency that has shown its support.

Given all the above:

  • There is no logical reason to discontinue the program.
  • To the extent that Skills Center finances are a driving concern, it is clear that this program is a significant positive component in the Skills Center’s overall bottom line, with every reason to expect further growth.
  • Particularly in the financial context, it would be completely counterproductive to discontinue a program with a positive revenue stream, an established curriculum and constituency, and extensive community attention and support, only to try substituting any new program that would be starting from scratch.
  • The program has significant potential to expand in several ways, including closer relationships with existing partners, addition of more partners, and potential development of curriculum continuity into college-level content.
  • The remaining compliance and administrative issues, acknowledged by agency staff as being easily resolvable and in no way program-threatening, are essentially no different than the sort of periodic administrative and compliance issues that all Skills Center programs are accountable for or called upon to address in the normal progression and evolution of educational programs.

In spite of the above, it is possible that a resolution may be introduced to fully or partially lay off teacher Dan Lieberman or discontinue the NR program.  Please come to Wednesday’s meeting with the above information in mind.

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Quilcene, Dabob bays closed to recreational shellfish harvesting because of biotoxin fears  – PDN

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Dabob Bay and Quilcene Bay beaches have been closed to the recreational harvest of shellfish because of high levels of a potentially deadly biotoxin. Shellfish samples taken Wednesday were found to contain dangerous amounts of the biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), said Michael Dawson, lead environmental health specialist for the Jefferson County Water Quality Program. (Peninsula Daily News)

http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150504/news/305049969/quilcene-dabob-bays-closed-to-recreational-shellfish-harvesting

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End of an era in Shelton, as the long lumber collapse continues

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Simpson pulling up stakes is painful

Shelton was always a company town. For most of the 20th century, Simpson Timber Co.’s logging and mill operations were synonymous with the city’s industrial waterfront and the forest economy of rural Mason County. That era is over now, and this week Mason County’s struggling economy got another clear, urgent message. It needs to diversify, or reinvent its economic identity, and its workforce needs retraining opportunities. Some 270 jobs at Simpson’s mills in Shelton and Dayton are going away by June 30 as Simpson sells those operations to a Northern California firm, Sierra Pacific Industries. (Olympian)

http://www.theolympian.com/2015/05/01/3702867_simpson-pulling-up-stakes-is-painful.html

It’s worth mentioning, as the story does, that these mills once were competitive because of the big timber that was in the hills beyond Shelton, and now that’s gone. It’s not that environmentalists have locked up what tiny amount remains to protect birds, there is no big timber left, and the mill is not efficient even if it was.

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Update on Willapa Bay Oysters and Spraying

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Last week, when  the controversy finally peaked regarding the decision by both the Washington State Department of Ecology and oyster growers in Willapa decided to spray a chemical that has been linked to Colony Collapse Disorder, a reader took me to task for not covering it. Be assured I was working on an article but when the mainstream news gets a hold of a big controversy, as this was, they are way ahead of me on reporting it. I contacted folks I knew at Taylor, and WSU, but by the time I got responses, the bigger story, that buyers and consumers were already in an uproar over this, had moved beyond just press statements by media flacks.

Here’s the first hint that things were moving fast.

Plan to put neurotoxin on oyster beds distresses restaurants
A plan to spray pesticide over the sizable oyster beds at Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor is raising concerns with chefs and their diners. Renee Erickson was on the phone to her oyster suppliers as soon as she heard the news about Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor. As chef/owner of several Seattle restaurants, including renowned oyster bar The Walrus and The Carpenter, the region’s famous bivalves are her bread and butter, so she was “horrified” by a newly approved plan to spray some Washington oyster beds with imidacloprid, a neurotoxic pesticide, starting as soon as low tide on May 17. Bethany Jean Clement reports. (Seattle Times)

http://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/plan-to-put-neurotoxin-on-oyster-beds-distresses-restaurants/

and finally this…
Pesticide spray plan for Willapa Bay oyster beds canceled after public expresses concerns

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/05/pesticide_spray_plan_for_willa.html

The department reported hearing from residents across Washington state that the practice did not meet their expectations.

The pesticides were supposed to control burrowing shrimp in the oyster beds. The shrimp burrow into the shellfish beds, making the ground too soft for oysters, causing them to suffocate.

“We believe we have no choice but to withdraw our permit and address these issues to the satisfaction of our customer base, and the public,” said Don Gillies, president of the WGHOGA, in the letter requesting withdrawal of the permit……

— The Associated Press

 and as so eloquently stated
After receiving calls, emails and social-media comments from customers all day Friday, Washington’s largest shellfish producer has announced it will not treat its oyster beds with a controversial pesticide. “Our customers spoke loud and clear today, and that speaks volumes to us,” Bill Dewey, spokesman for Taylor Shellfish, said Friday.  Carol Garnick reports. (Seattle Times)
See also: Oyster pesticide battle shows who really wields powerhttp://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/oyster-pesticide-issue-shows-who-really-wields-power/
 A couple of chefs accomplished in a few days what two powerful federal agencies couldn’t do in more than a year: head off the plan to spray pesticides on oyster beds. Danny Westneat reports. (Seattle Times)
Why does it have to take public outrage and a threatened boycott to get the officials in this state that work to theoretcially protect us, to do the right thing? And what the hell is WSU Extension doing supporting this proposal in the first place?

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Update on North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center Funding

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Dear supporters of the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center’s Natural Resources program,

Due to the tremendous show of support and key actions of more than 100 citizens (including 60 who came to the 4/28 NOSPC Administrative Council meeting and 20 who spoke), the decision on the future of the Natural Resources program was tabled until the 5/6 NOPSC Administrative Council Meeting.  If not for the public involvement at this meeting, the program would already be gone.

PDN Article: http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150501/news/305019960/0/SEARCH
10 Minute Recap Movie: http://youtu.be/5Z_eCxncpVE

On 4/28, the Council said they would investigate some of the key points that came into question at the meeting, including program finances, alternative learning experiences at Skills Centers and highly-qualified teacher requirements for Career and Technical Education teachers. The Council chair has invited Natural Resources teacher Dan Lieberman to a meeting Tuesday morning to share the results of the Council’s communications with the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  At this point, they have not shared what their questions were, who they consulted with, or what the answers were.

It may turn out to be critical for you come again this Wednesday to show your support as the Administrative Council determines the fate of the Natural Resources program.

SAVE THE DATE:  Wednesday, May 6, 1 pm , NOPSC (905 W. 9th St., Port Angeles)

Expect a follow-up email by Tuesday evening.

For extensive documentation about this situation, including full video footage of the 4/28 meeting, see http://nrprogram.weebly.com/.

Sincerely, Ed Chadd

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Fighting the proposed Electronic Warfare Range? Action needed by Friday May 8

Posted on May 3, 2015 by Al Bergstein

News from the Protect Olympic Peninsula people:

The US Forest Service is asking for public input regarding the management of Olympic National Forest. They want to know:

What does the public want the Forest Service to consider as they develop their forest management plan? How does the public want to be engaged with the science that will inform their revisions? How should the pubic be engaged during this revision process?

Consider including some of the “POTENT POINTS” below in your comments. Comments need to be mailed and postmarked by Friday, May 8th. Send to:

Attention: Listening Session Comments

Olympic National Forest

1835 Black Lake Blvd SW

Olympia, WA 98512

POTENT POINTS

1.The public wants the management of our National Forests to be based on solid science, not politics. Comprehensive, unbiased, current scientific data should be the foundation for all management decisions. This data, in an easily understandable format, should be accessible to the public.

2.The Navy’s application for a permit to use the Olympic National Forest for an Electronic Warfare Range must be denied until unbiased, solid scientific data can support their claim that the Range will have “No Significant Impact”.

NOISE: No sound studies have been done of actual noise levels of trios of Growler jets practicing for 8-12 hours a day directly above Endangered Species Habitat.

The stress of these extreme levels of noise could push these species to extinction.

ECONOMICS: Socio-economic repercussions of the Navy’s plans on local communities have not been analyzed. The warjets aim to practice directly over Olympic National Park, the region’s main tourist attraction. Jet noise and fear of Electromagnetic Radiation will erode tourism drastically. A quiet atmosphere —free from the clamor of man-made noise — is central to “the wilderness experience” that is desired by the majority of visitors to this region. Managers of Olympic National Forest need to recognize that the economic stability of the small communities on the Peninsula has shifted from timber harvesting and forest products to outdoor recreation and tourism. Visitation to Olympic National Park grew over 10% last year, flushing the local economies with millions of tourist dollars. See:

http://www.wta.org/signpost/new-study-the-economic-benefits-of-our-adventures-outdoors

INCREASED FIRE RISK: The risk of fires ignited by jet crashes, transmitter vehicle sparks, operators’ cigarettes, and misdirected electromagnetic beams hitting dry vegetation must be thoroughly analyzed. With drought conditions increasing every year, crashes occuring in remote, roadless areas could create runaway fires. Growlers fuel tanks would explode, dumping thousands of gallons of highly toxic fuel into a pristine ecosystem. The probabilities and the consequences of these inevitable events should be rigorously and scientifically evaluated BEFORE any permit is granted to the Navy for their Warfare Range. The enormous cost of these fires to the Forest Service, the communities here, and the wildlife must be evaluated.

RADIATION HARM:  Subjecting sensitive species such as butterflies, bees, amphibians, birds and insects, as well as children and pregnant women, to this powerful and potentially harmful technology without adequate scientific studies is unacceptable. The public wants to see comprehensive, current, peer-reviewed scientific data that shows that the Growlers’ Electromagnetic Radiation is harmless to humans and wildlife BEFORE a permit is granted. See:

http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/28009-documents-show-navy-s-electromagnetic-warfare-training-would-harm-humans-and-wildlife

3.STRENGTHEN THE NW FOREST PLAN. We must NOT revert to a “forest-by-forest” management plan. Strong protection is needed for our ancient groves, endangered species, and watersheds.

  1. Revamp the Forest Service’s flawed public comment process. Thousands of citizens voiced objections to the Electronic Warfare Range. Many expressed sentiments that cannot be “quantified”—such as valuing the peace and silence they experience in the wilderness. They were informed that such objections would carry no weight in the Forest Service’s decision because their comments were not considered “substantive”.

This disregard of citizen’s input makes the Forest Services’ mission statement of “serving the people” and “encouraging public participation” a farce. We want our voices to be heard, and we want our opinions to carry weight.

Important: Keep a copy of your letter.

After sending a hard copy to the Forest Service (postmarked by May 8th) email a copy of your letter to Representative Derek Kilmer, Senators Murray and Cantwell, and Govenor Inslee.

To know more about the grassroots efforts to stop the Navy’s takeover of the Olympic Peninsula, see:

www.protectolympicpeninsula.org

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Event: Golden Paintbrush: Back from the Brink May 11th 7PM

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Joe Arnett, rare plant botanist for the Washington Natural Heritage Program, and his botanist predecessor, Florence Caplow, will tell the story of Golden paintbrush and the sometimes-controversial process of its recovery. What does it take to rescue an iconic native plant species from extinction? Golden paintbrush once thrived on rocky shorelines and in prairie remnants from Vancouver Island to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. But by 1997 its numbers had dwindled to only a dozen small, scattered populations, and it was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Since then, intensive efforts have gone into restoring the species throughout its historical range. Current estimates peg golden paintbrush numbers at more than 185,000 flowering plants inhabit—a success story by any measure. Sponsored by the JLT Natural History Society. More info here.

 

Monday, May 11, at 7:00 pm

Quimper UU Fellowship

 

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Whaling opponent changes mind to support Makah tribe’s request; turnaround shocks those at Port Angeles meeting  – PDN

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Al Bergstein

I don’t think that any of us that understand the Treaties our government made with the Tribes of this country would say that the Makah don’t have the right to hunt whales. The question is, in this day and time, is it the right thing to do? Many old rights, that once were considered ‘normal’ are now considered the wrong thing to do, environmentally, especially. I think of old mining and timber practices, fishing out all the fish in an area, etc. To me, looking from the outside in on this, is that the killing of whales simply to sustain a traditional practice, in light of all we now know about whales, is a wrong thing to do, no matter what the reason based on tradition or even religion. It would be interesting to see a tribe come up with a new way to honor traditions that also honors the whale. Killing the whale does not honor it. It kills it. And from what I saw of the reports last time, it wasn’t even used other than for small samples of meat that were distributed. Hardly like in the days when the entire animal was used to support a village for  a long time. The Makah are huge supporters of environmental protection projects, such as the oil spill emergency response vessel in Neah Bay. Surely they can find the right way forward for both them and the whales.

At least one mind changed sides Wednesday at a public meeting on the Makah tribe’s request to resume whaling, turning upon a flow of tears shed by a man who said he’d swum with whales. Gary Michael Lee of Salt Spring Island, B.C., led off the 19 people who testified at a NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service public hearing… He first urged NOAA Fisheries administrators to deny the Makah request for a waiver from the Marine Mammal Protection Act. But after 18 others had spoken — 15 in favor of whaling — Lee returned to the lectern about an hour later and tearfully renounced his point of view. “I’ve listened to all this testimony, and I’m moved,” he said. “These [whales] are valuable creatures, but a deal [the 1855 Treaty of Neah Bay] has been made. James Casey reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150430/NEWS/304309973/whaling-opponent-changes-mind-to-support-makah-tribes-request

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Judge extends TRO after hearing on Greenpeace injunction – Alaska Journal of Commerce

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Al Bergstein

More from the battle to protest Shell (and the Obama Administrations) drilling of the north slope.

Shell’s court battle to obtain a preliminary injunction against Greenpeace USA continued in U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason’s court in Anchorage April 28. Gleason is considering whether to issue an order that would keep Greenpeace protestors at a certain distance from vessels Shell hopes to use for its 2015 Arctic offshore drilling. After the hearing, Gleason extended the temporary restraining order against Greenpeace covering two drill rigs and a heavy lift vessel; that order issued April 11 expired April 28 and she extended it to May 9 or until she rules on Shell’s request for an injunction that would cover all 27 vessels being mobilized for its Arctic exploration this summer. The company is asking for a court-ordered safety zone of 1,000 meters while vessels are en route, and a 1,500-meter safety zone while drill ships are anchored in the Chukchi Sea and support vessels are maneuvering in the area to move anchors and perform other support tasks. Tim Bradner reports. (Alaska Journal of Commerce)

http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/May-Issue-1-2015/Judge-extends-TRO-after-hearing-on-Greenpeace-injunction/

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Forage Fish in Spring – Video

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Al Bergstein

When scientists and citizen activists want to implement regulations to protect the shoreline, one of the things that they are attempting to protect is spawning habitat for a critical piece of our ecosystem, such as sand lance. These fish spawn on the shore, and nearshore, and supply food for salmon, and most other species of fish that we eat. So the inconvenience of protecting some shorelines is off set by the food resource all of us get from it.

While much attention is paid to herring spawning, kelp habitats are critical for a number of forage fish species and life history stages, including young of the year sand lance. Here’s a glimpse of this captivating and beautiful component of our marine ecosystem. (Coastal Watershed Institute)

Nearshore Spring 2015 https://vimeo.com/126381367

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Olympic Climate Action Meeting – May 3 – 3 to 5 in PA

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Our next OCA meeting will be this Sunday, May 3, from 3-5 pm at the Clallam County Courthouse “After-Hours” entrance on 4th St. to the west of the flagpoles.  Current and planned actions will be discussed.

“NICKNAME THE RIG” CONTEST:  And the winner is…No-Solar Profiteer!  Submitted by OCA member Adrian Hoban, who also submitted the first runner-up:  Drill Maybe Spill…congratulations, Adrian!  Second runner-up was OCA member Shelley Lesh for her entry “Earth Bleed”.  Adrian wins a $10 gift certificate to the Port Angeles Farmers Market, where he can buy a variety of locally-produced low-carbon products.

Speaking of the Profiteer, we’ve been invited by the Clallam County Democrats to speak about the rig and the dangers it poses to the Arctic and the world, May 13 at 6 pm.  More detailed press release to follow from the CCD’s.

Ed Chadd

Olympic Climate Action

Citizens addressing the threat of climate change on the Olympic Peninsula

Clallam County, Washington State, U.S.A.

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Master Composting Class offered in May and June

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Jeffco_Master-Composter-Flyer

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BC launches new movie on dive spots – CBC

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Looking to get out and into nature this weekend? BC’s diving community released a video and this link also shows some of the favorite dive spots north of the border.

British Columbia’s diving community has just released a slick new video showcasing the province’s beautiful waters in the hopes of attracting local residents and tourists to the sport.- CBC

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-scuba-video-highlights-province-s-best-diving-locations-1.3046511

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Connie Gallant on Olympic Peninsula War Games – Daily KOS

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Our own Connie Gallant has an article in the Daily KOS, a blog for the Democratic Party.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/21/1379272/-Navy-War-Games-over-Olympic-National-Park-and-Forest#

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Working to save the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center Natural Resources Program

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Ed Chadd has sent this out and I thought I would share it with our readers. Please help save this great program that is educating kids in our natural resources.

—————————————

Dear supporters of the NOPSC Natural Resources program,

It appears that there will be one final and very reasonable chance to save the Skills Center Natural Resources program at the upcoming NOPSC Administrative Council meeting:

Tuesday, April 28 at 9 am at the Skills Center (905 W. 9th St., Port Angeles)

You can do any or all of the following:

1. Attend the meeting and invite as many other people as you can.

  1. Be prepared to speak if the opportunity presents itself.
    3. Write statements in support of the NR Program and email them to Tara Morrow (tmorrow1008@gmail.com– cc’d here). Please include your name and physical address.
    4. Send those same statements directly to the NOPSC Administrative Council and PASD School Board (email addresses below).

    If you have any questions or time to contribute in ways beyond the items listed above, please respond.

Some interesting recent developments include these:

* The State AG’s office has informed PASD and NOSPC that the Administrative Council meetings should but have not been following the Open Public Meetings Act. One penalty is that all actions taken at out-of-compliance meetings are null and void.
* This upcoming week, PASD’s Business and Finance Director plans to produce the official Natural Resources program financial report and have it available at the 4/23 PASD School Board meeting in case any School Board members ask to see it (she has never been asked to create a financial report for the NR program).
* A very reasonable solution that could be pursued, if decision makers are willing, is to run the NR program as “CTE Instructional Worksite Learning” instead of “Alternative Learning Experience (ALE).” The current program structure fits both of these sets of state rules, but in 2010, NOPSC decided to run the NR Options and NR 2 classes through the ALE rules.  Changing to CTE would address a concern about ALE, namely that CTE is funded at a higher rate than ALE, and it would allow all parties to compromise while still offering this valuable program.

Thanks, Ed Chadd

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Seattle ‘Kayaktivists’ Building Ranks For Direct Action Against Shell’s Arctic Drilling Fleet – KPLU

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Al Bergstein

With the gigantic well sitting in our local port of Port Angeles, this story is front and center, though the real action will happen later in Alaska. It’s astonishing that on the anniversary of the BP Gulf Spill (which happened not long after the Obama administration talked about opening up the east coast to drilling due it being ‘safe”) that we find the Obama administration opening up oil and gas drilling on the extremely sensitive North Slope waters.

On the shore of Seaview Park in West Seattle, a group of young activists stand behind a row of bright yellow kayaks.  Most of them are new to boating. An instructor from Alki Kayak Tours gives a safety briefing before they head out for a sunset paddle.  While the excursion has the trappings of a simple evening kayak instructional class, it is anything but. This class is a training session for “Kayaktavists.” And they are putting in practice time before Big Oil arrives in the Puget Sound. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KPLU)

http://kplu.org/post/seattle-kayaktivists-building-ranks-direct-action-against-shell-s-arctic-drilling-fleet

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Agency proposes lifting most humpback whales’ protections – Bellingham Herald

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Hmmm. I’m waiting to hear more from the whale protection groups before calling this a good story. One person interviewed stated that it might be premature to do this. The fact that Alaska is pushing to get it done worries me. Their politics up there are distinctly anti-environmental in nature.

The federal government on Monday proposed removing most of the world’s humpback whale population from the endangered species list, saying they have rebounded after 45 years of protections. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries wants to reclassify humpbacks into 14 distinct populations, and remove 10 of those from the list…. Humpbacks were listed as endangered in 1970, four years after the International Whaling Commission banned commercial whaling. Caleb Jones reports. (Associated Press)

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2015/04/20/4250936_noaa-proposes-take-most-humpbacks.html

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Severely polluted hawk found near Vancouver BC

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Al Bergstein

We have battled with the legislature for years to ban flame retardants in the environment. Representative Van De Wege has been a leader in this battle, thankfully. Here’s why we need to keep the pressure up. If it’s in hawks, it’s in us.

Hawk found near Langley transfer station among world’s most polluted

A male Cooper’s hawk found near Metro Vancouver’s Langley waste transfer station is polluted with more flame retardant than any other bird tested, globally. A study of the hawk’s liver fat showed 197,000 parts per billion of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, chemicals that persist in the environment and have been used in a wide array of polymer resins and plastics including in furniture, TVs, stereos, computers, carpets, and curtains. Larry Pynn reports. (Vancouver Sun)

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Hawk+found+near+Langley+transfer+station+among+world+most/10989319/story.html

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Dick Goin Passes Away – A giant of citizen science on the Peninsula

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Al Bergstein

This is incredibly sad news. I first met and interviewed Dick and his wife Marie for “Voices of the Strait.” Dick started fishing on the Elwha in the 30s, when his family moved there to farm from the midwest. For the next 80 years, he documented the salmon, worked in the mills, noticed how the mill pollution was causing them to die in huge numbers, and became what then was called a ‘conservationist”. In his own low key way, was one of the people who helped form the backbone to the battle to remove the Elwha Dam, which luckily he got to see happen before he died. I was extremely impressed by the humble nature of Dick and Marie, and understood when they did not choose to accept the “Eleanor Stopps Award” which was given to them a few years ago by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. To them, it was just who they were, and didn’t require special attention.

Dick published a piece of personal research called, “Roll Call of the Lost” about what he experienced on each of the rivers he fished on the Peninsula. I’ve published it here for anyone to use in their personal journey to help restore the salmon. I think it is a fitting tribute to his life, and I cannot find it published anywhere else. He told me when he gave it to me that he was alright with me sharing it with others.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4ug-DZzsb1Dd2tuYlVWeUFlR1k/view?usp=sharing

Our hearts go out to Marie and Dicks’ extended family. We all will miss him in our own ways.

You can listen to Dick describe his life at my video, “Voices of the Strait.”  He was so influential that I started the film with  a short clip of him, and he tells his full story later in the film.

https://vimeo.com/12452315

The Peninsula Daily News has a good obituary.

Dick Goin, defender of Elwha River salmon, dies at age of 83

http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150415/NEWS/304159982/dick-goin-defender-of-elwha-river-salmon-dies-at-age-of-83
Dick Goin, who gave voice to the Elwha River’s salmon, has died. Services are pending for Goin (pronounced GOH-in), 83, who died of natural causes Sunday night at his Port Angeles home surrounded by family members, said Marie, his wife of 64 years, on Tuesday. The Goins received the Clallam County Community Service Award in 2007 and the Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership Award from the Port Townsend Marine Science Center in September 2011. Paul Gottlieb reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

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