Natural Resources
J31 is carrying her dead calf
Center for Whale Research posted October 7, 2026 on Facebook: Our team is saddened to report that Southern Resident killer whale J31 has been observed with a deceased newborn calf. CWR researcher Mark Malleson encountered J31 and her immediate family on October 3rd…
Washington residents urged to oppose Pacific Link Pipeline and supertankers in the Salish Sea
Petition calls on Governor Ferguson and state agencies to fight the Canadian pipeline and supertanker project and secure enforceable, fully funded protections for Washington state. Friday Harbor, WA—October 7, 2026—A new petition being circulated by Friends of the San…
September 30: Community Meeting to Review and Take Comments on Draft Critical Areas Ordinance Update
Wednesday September 30 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Online via Microsoft Teams link | OR Dial in by phone +1 360-726-3293,685490900# United States Vancouver Find a local number Phone conference ID: 685 490 900# A community meeting to review the final draft of Critical…
New Analysis Reveals Major Increase in Vessel Traffic Through the Salish Sea
A new analysis by Friends of the San Juans shows that ocean-going vessel traffic in the Salish Sea is projected to increase by nearly 2,000 additional shipping transits annually, including a dramatic increase in tanker traffic going to and from Canada that could more…
Kwiaht launches arsenic testing and action project
Islands conservation laboratory Kwiaht is seeking participants in a study of the extent of arsenic contamination in island wells, and actions to reduce adverse health effects Islanders may be at increased risk of colon cancer due to the widespread presence of small…
Larsen Statement on Joint U.S.-Canada Oil Spill Response Exercise
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 15, 2026 U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement: “On September 1, my staff observed a joint exercise between the U.S. Coast Guard…
Larsen Applauds $4.2 Million for Local Salmon Passage Restoration
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 15, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) is awarding $4.2 million to the Skagit River System Cooperative (Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe and Swinomish Indian…
Comments about proposed updates to the CAO and SMP due by October 9
San Juan County is seeking your comments on its proposed updates to the Critical Area Ordinance (CAO) protections and the Shoreline Master Program (SMP). As we consider protections for natural resources and systems, we are interested to learn of any questions and…
Senator Murray secures $850,000 for SeaDoc Society’s research on SRKW
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, met with SeaDoc Society scientists to learn more about their research on Southern Resident Killer Whales. Senator Murray secured $850,000 in FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending…
October 29: Planning for the Future of Your Farm and Ranch: Land and Business Transfer Workshop
Farmers, ranchers and agricultural landowners thinking about the future of their land or business are invited to Planning for the Future of Your Farm and Ranch: Land and Business Transfer Workshop, a free workshop on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at…