Cover Story
Salish Sea Facing Relentless Pressure
Editor’s Note: The following is an executive summary of the State of the Salish Sea, which was produced by the Salish Sea Institute at Western Washington University. The full report, released at the end of May 2021, details the work … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
by Joe Meche To celebrate the 26th anniversary of our marriage in Baja, we treated ourselves to another getaway. This time we chose to take the ferry to Orcas Island and the historic Rosario Inn. Not quite as warm and … Continue reading
Being Frank
The Measuring Stick of Our Survival
by Ed Johnstone My mentor Billy Frank Jr. always said salmon are the measuring stick of our survival. He was referring to all of us. Salmon are the keystone that supports dozens of other species of fish and wildlife. Their … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at February 8, 2022 Meeting Shall the council: 38. Authorize the executive to sign a contract in the maximum amount of 5,200 with Aristo Healthcare Services of Seattle? The county opened a Covid-19 temporary … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at February 7, 2022 Meeting Covid-19 Update The Fire Department has distributed over 8,000 Covid-19 at-home test kits in partnership with Unity Care. They are currently out of test kits, but once more become available, the city will … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Bill McCallum Action Taken at February 1, 2022 Meeting Shall the commission: 20. Amend administrative powers and duties delegated to the executive director? The commission approved Resolution 1106-Y at the 1/4/2022 meeting, vote #10. This vote modifies, clarifies … Continue reading
Beyond Fossil Fuels
Tax Credits Could Fund Creative Climate Solutions
by Jayne Freudenberger Good news is hard to come by these days and that is especially true of the climate crisis we find ourselves in. Sometimes we feel absolutely helpless when we are reading about rising sea levels, arctic … Continue reading
Community Service Providers
Skookum Kids Cares for Foster Kids
by Ray Deck III Racism is the oldest problem in foster care. It persists despite consistent effort to address it. But there are things that we, citizens, foster parents, and private agencies like Skookum Kids, can do to help. Skookum … Continue reading
Life Before Flowers
Beautiful Scale Mosses and Their Kin
by Fred Rhoades One group of cryptogamic plants which deserves closer attention is the group of bryophytes known as liverworts. They live all around us, usually unrecognized. Like the other bryophytes (mosses and hornworts), liverworts are true plants but … Continue reading
poetrywatch
“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.” — John F. Kennedy Do … Continue reading
Talk to Us
Reader Applauds Whatcom Land Trust Profile
To the Editor Congratulations to Whatcom Watch on publishing the uplifting story featuring Gabe Epperson and the Whatcom County treasure that he directs — The Whatcom Land Trust. Our community needs more such lenses to spotlight the many progressive programs … Continue reading
Twenty Years Ago
Disposal Options for Tainted Bellingham Bay Silt
by Robyn du Prè The Bellingham Bay Demonstration Pilot Work Group has recently released a supplemental environmental impact statement and feasibility study for the Whatcom Waterway that poses an interesting option for the disposal of contaminated sediments from Bellingham Bay. … Continue reading
Can Redistricting Lead to Representative Government?
by Stoney Bird Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. … Continue reading
