Topic: Environment
Beachwalkers Wanted! COASST Training Session
Written on September 16, 2018 at 6:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
On October 13thfrom 11 am to 5 pm, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a free training session in Friday Harbor, WA for citizens interested in surveying for marine debris. The COASST Marine Debris program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. Rather than simply identifying debris, the Continue Reading
Save Our Shorelines
Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Safe Shippers… Proudly, our San Juan County Council Members recently joined their Canadian counterparts, the Islands Trust Council, in calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to abandon the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project, once and for all. As Safe Shippers well know, if approved, this project would increase tanker traffic by 700% Continue Reading
Burn Risk Level Changed to Moderate
Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:38 am, by Tim Dustrude
The recent rains have resulted in San Juan County moving the fire risk level to Moderate. This does not change the status of burning in the county, it is merely a risk level modification that reflects fuel moisture levels rising. Campfires remain allowed in San Juan County. Residential burning remains closed until the expected opening Continue Reading
River Otters in a Land Without Rivers
Written on September 7, 2018 at 6:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Did you know that most of the otters we see around here are river otters? It is true. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) has adapted to our salt water environment. “River otters are semi-aquatic mustelids (the weasel family), and are traditionally thought to be freshwater animals. However, across both coasts of North America, river otters Continue Reading
Park Fire Ban
Written on August 20, 2018 at 4:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island National Historical Park Issues Fire Restrictions Due to very dry conditions and increasing fire danger on San Juan Island, Superintendent Elexis Fredy has announced fire restrictions in San Juan Island National Historical Park. Beginning August 21, 2018, fire restrictions prohibit: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, charcoal grill, tiki Continue Reading
Fight Fire with Fire
Written on August 16, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Notice any smoke in the air this summer? Yeah, how about last summer? Has it always been wildfire season in the summer or is this something new? Check out the video below for some answers…
Explore The Salish Sea: A Nature Guide For Kids
Written on August 15, 2018 at 9:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are excited to host an evening for both kids and adults. Come out for Joe Gaydos’ lively and inter-active book talk– Explore the Salish Sea: A Nature Guide for Kids— at the Library on Wednesday, August 22, 7:00 pm. This is a book that children and Continue Reading
Air quality affected by wildfire smoke
Written on August 14, 2018 at 12:19 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Air monitors in our region today are reporting ‘unhealthy’ levels of particulate matter in the air due to wildfire smoke, largely from fires burning in British Columbia. San Juan County Health & Community Services is advising the public to limit time spent outdoors and avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Outdoor smoke contains very small particles and Continue Reading
Free the Snake
Written on August 7, 2018 at 5:54 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following is from the Dam Sense news Room… This piece is in response to Governor Inslee’s Interview with Simone Del Rosario of Q13 Fox on July 26th. It is meant to serve as a correction of mis-information due to lack of appropriate information. “We can’t wait for that study, we need to reduce the Continue Reading
Atlantic Salmon Net Pen Summer Lecture Series
Written on August 2, 2018 at 9:36 am, by Tim Dustrude
UPDATED – The SJ Update has just learned there will be another event here on San Juan Island as well. So – 2 events, One at the UW Labs on August 8, and one on Orcas in Eastsound on August 9th… This past March, Washington state successfully passed a law phasing out open-water Atlantic salmon Continue Reading
Action needed to ensure the survival of Southern Resident Orca
Written on August 1, 2018 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag, we have this letter to you written by Christopher Wilson of San Juan Island… I quote Ken Balcomb’s blog found at www.whaleresearch.com/blog. I am writing out of a deep concern for the continued survival of the Southern resident orca pods that have lived much the year for millennia around the San Continue Reading
First We Mourn; Then We Take Action
Written on July 31, 2018 at 5:55 am, by Tim Dustrude
Safe Shippers and Friends of the San Juans share this with you… Our beloved and endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs) suffered another loss this week. The world heard the news of J35’s deceased calf and sent back words of alarm and sympathy to us here in the Salish Sea. We mourn together – Let’s Continue Reading
Ferry Out of the Fog
Written on July 31, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Did you hear the ferries blowing their horns in the fog Sunday morning? It was foggy in the harbor right up until the Yakima arrived at 7:45. And then, just like that, the fog crept away. You could almost see it retreating.
Another Newborn Orca Dies
Written on July 27, 2018 at 9:33 am, by Tim Dustrude
Regrettably, approximately 75% of newborns in the recent two decades following designation of the Southern Resident killer whale (orca) population as “Endangered” have not survived, and 100% of the pregnancies in the past three years have failed to produce viable offspring. The following is some sad news from the Center for Whale Research… We are Continue Reading
Orcas Islander Michel Vekved Joins Friends Of The San Juans
Written on July 25, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friends of the San Juans (Friends) announces the addition of Michel Vekved as Director of Philanthropy. Michel will be responsible for increasing the frequency and reach to our community, cultivating and strengthening long term relationships, strategic planning for legacy, and developing major gifts. “I am deeply honored to join the Friends and work with an Continue Reading
Sustainable Recyclable Compostable Fair
Written on July 24, 2018 at 6:28 am, by Tim Dustrude
This story was written by Brad Fincher The San Juan County Fair is the largest community event of the year. Always in the third week of August, we consistently have over 20,000 visitors/locals/volunteers come to the fairgrounds over a four day period. With this many people, unfortunately a lot of garbage and waste is produced. Continue Reading
Fire Marshal’s Office Increases Fire Risk To High
Written on July 23, 2018 at 1:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
At noon on July 24th, 2018 the fire risk in San Juan County will be going from Moderate to HIGH. Campfires remain legal as do barbecues. A few reminders to keep you and your families and community safe at this time: Have a charged hose nearby at all times to extinguish fires that may get Continue Reading
More on the American Camp Fire
Written on July 20, 2018 at 5:55 am, by Tim Dustrude
Thanks to 23 Fire District #3 volunteers, Sunday’s 6.7-acre grass fire on the parade ground at American Camp was brought under control less than 75 minutes after it was called in. Park superintendent Elexis Fredy, who is in Minnesota this week working on a review committee related to workforce development, said by email, “I am Continue Reading
Keith Keyser to talk on Permaculture
Written on July 20, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Islanders can produce an abundance of food for their families while restoring degraded lands and fighting climate change. Tall order, you say? Permaculture designer Keith Keyser will show how it has been done elsewhere and how it can be done here. Join Keyser on Wednesday July 25th at the San Juan Island Grange Hall for Continue Reading
Wanna Sing a Song for Quiet?
Written on July 18, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Check out this email that came into the SJ Update mailbag… Dear San Juan Update, We are making a music video about noise pollution on the Salish Sea and are seeking community vocalists on the Salish Sea to take part ($500 and expenses for selected singers). If you might be interested, please see the flyer Continue Reading
Volunteer Event – Noxious Weed Pull
Written on July 17, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s an invitation from the Land Bank to help with their work party this weekend… Join us THIS Saturday for a rousing round of weeding. We’ve made great headway in weed control on Mount Grant the last few years – thanks to many volunteers, the San Juan Island Youth Conservation Corps, Northwest Youth Corps, and Continue Reading
Got Visitors?
Written on July 16, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
I saw some SJ Islands Stewardship guide books at the library, created by Public Works, that are intended to be a gentle orientation to island living for visitors. If you run an island business that has guests coming from off island, you may be interested in sharing this guidebook with them in an effort to Continue Reading
Beachwalkers Wanted! COASST Training Session
Written on September 16, 2018 at 6:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
On October 13thfrom 11 am to 5 pm, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a free training session in Friday Harbor, WA for citizens interested in surveying for marine debris. The COASST Marine Debris program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. Rather than simply identifying debris, the Continue Reading
Save Our Shorelines
Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Safe Shippers… Proudly, our San Juan County Council Members recently joined their Canadian counterparts, the Islands Trust Council, in calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to abandon the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project, once and for all. As Safe Shippers well know, if approved, this project would increase tanker traffic by 700% Continue Reading
Burn Risk Level Changed to Moderate
Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:38 am, by Tim Dustrude
The recent rains have resulted in San Juan County moving the fire risk level to Moderate. This does not change the status of burning in the county, it is merely a risk level modification that reflects fuel moisture levels rising. Campfires remain allowed in San Juan County. Residential burning remains closed until the expected opening Continue Reading
River Otters in a Land Without Rivers
Written on September 7, 2018 at 6:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Did you know that most of the otters we see around here are river otters? It is true. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) has adapted to our salt water environment. “River otters are semi-aquatic mustelids (the weasel family), and are traditionally thought to be freshwater animals. However, across both coasts of North America, river otters Continue Reading
Park Fire Ban
Written on August 20, 2018 at 4:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island National Historical Park Issues Fire Restrictions Due to very dry conditions and increasing fire danger on San Juan Island, Superintendent Elexis Fredy has announced fire restrictions in San Juan Island National Historical Park. Beginning August 21, 2018, fire restrictions prohibit: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, charcoal grill, tiki Continue Reading
Fight Fire with Fire
Written on August 16, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Notice any smoke in the air this summer? Yeah, how about last summer? Has it always been wildfire season in the summer or is this something new? Check out the video below for some answers…
Explore The Salish Sea: A Nature Guide For Kids
Written on August 15, 2018 at 9:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are excited to host an evening for both kids and adults. Come out for Joe Gaydos’ lively and inter-active book talk– Explore the Salish Sea: A Nature Guide for Kids— at the Library on Wednesday, August 22, 7:00 pm. This is a book that children and Continue Reading
Air quality affected by wildfire smoke
Written on August 14, 2018 at 12:19 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Air monitors in our region today are reporting ‘unhealthy’ levels of particulate matter in the air due to wildfire smoke, largely from fires burning in British Columbia. San Juan County Health & Community Services is advising the public to limit time spent outdoors and avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Outdoor smoke contains very small particles and Continue Reading
Free the Snake
Written on August 7, 2018 at 5:54 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following is from the Dam Sense news Room… This piece is in response to Governor Inslee’s Interview with Simone Del Rosario of Q13 Fox on July 26th. It is meant to serve as a correction of mis-information due to lack of appropriate information. “We can’t wait for that study, we need to reduce the Continue Reading
Atlantic Salmon Net Pen Summer Lecture Series
Written on August 2, 2018 at 9:36 am, by Tim Dustrude
UPDATED – The SJ Update has just learned there will be another event here on San Juan Island as well. So – 2 events, One at the UW Labs on August 8, and one on Orcas in Eastsound on August 9th… This past March, Washington state successfully passed a law phasing out open-water Atlantic salmon Continue Reading
Action needed to ensure the survival of Southern Resident Orca
Written on August 1, 2018 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag, we have this letter to you written by Christopher Wilson of San Juan Island… I quote Ken Balcomb’s blog found at www.whaleresearch.com/blog. I am writing out of a deep concern for the continued survival of the Southern resident orca pods that have lived much the year for millennia around the San Continue Reading
First We Mourn; Then We Take Action
Written on July 31, 2018 at 5:55 am, by Tim Dustrude
Safe Shippers and Friends of the San Juans share this with you… Our beloved and endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs) suffered another loss this week. The world heard the news of J35’s deceased calf and sent back words of alarm and sympathy to us here in the Salish Sea. We mourn together – Let’s Continue Reading
Ferry Out of the Fog
Written on July 31, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Did you hear the ferries blowing their horns in the fog Sunday morning? It was foggy in the harbor right up until the Yakima arrived at 7:45. And then, just like that, the fog crept away. You could almost see it retreating.
Another Newborn Orca Dies
Written on July 27, 2018 at 9:33 am, by Tim Dustrude
Regrettably, approximately 75% of newborns in the recent two decades following designation of the Southern Resident killer whale (orca) population as “Endangered” have not survived, and 100% of the pregnancies in the past three years have failed to produce viable offspring. The following is some sad news from the Center for Whale Research… We are Continue Reading
Orcas Islander Michel Vekved Joins Friends Of The San Juans
Written on July 25, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friends of the San Juans (Friends) announces the addition of Michel Vekved as Director of Philanthropy. Michel will be responsible for increasing the frequency and reach to our community, cultivating and strengthening long term relationships, strategic planning for legacy, and developing major gifts. “I am deeply honored to join the Friends and work with an Continue Reading
Sustainable Recyclable Compostable Fair
Written on July 24, 2018 at 6:28 am, by Tim Dustrude
This story was written by Brad Fincher The San Juan County Fair is the largest community event of the year. Always in the third week of August, we consistently have over 20,000 visitors/locals/volunteers come to the fairgrounds over a four day period. With this many people, unfortunately a lot of garbage and waste is produced. Continue Reading
Fire Marshal’s Office Increases Fire Risk To High
Written on July 23, 2018 at 1:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
At noon on July 24th, 2018 the fire risk in San Juan County will be going from Moderate to HIGH. Campfires remain legal as do barbecues. A few reminders to keep you and your families and community safe at this time: Have a charged hose nearby at all times to extinguish fires that may get Continue Reading
More on the American Camp Fire
Written on July 20, 2018 at 5:55 am, by Tim Dustrude
Thanks to 23 Fire District #3 volunteers, Sunday’s 6.7-acre grass fire on the parade ground at American Camp was brought under control less than 75 minutes after it was called in. Park superintendent Elexis Fredy, who is in Minnesota this week working on a review committee related to workforce development, said by email, “I am Continue Reading
Keith Keyser to talk on Permaculture
Written on July 20, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Islanders can produce an abundance of food for their families while restoring degraded lands and fighting climate change. Tall order, you say? Permaculture designer Keith Keyser will show how it has been done elsewhere and how it can be done here. Join Keyser on Wednesday July 25th at the San Juan Island Grange Hall for Continue Reading
Wanna Sing a Song for Quiet?
Written on July 18, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Check out this email that came into the SJ Update mailbag… Dear San Juan Update, We are making a music video about noise pollution on the Salish Sea and are seeking community vocalists on the Salish Sea to take part ($500 and expenses for selected singers). If you might be interested, please see the flyer Continue Reading
Volunteer Event – Noxious Weed Pull
Written on July 17, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s an invitation from the Land Bank to help with their work party this weekend… Join us THIS Saturday for a rousing round of weeding. We’ve made great headway in weed control on Mount Grant the last few years – thanks to many volunteers, the San Juan Island Youth Conservation Corps, Northwest Youth Corps, and Continue Reading
Got Visitors?
Written on July 16, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
I saw some SJ Islands Stewardship guide books at the library, created by Public Works, that are intended to be a gentle orientation to island living for visitors. If you run an island business that has guests coming from off island, you may be interested in sharing this guidebook with them in an effort to Continue Reading