Cover Story

February 2023

Is Our Local Seaweed Contaminated?

Whatcom Watch

by Luisa Loi Armed with a ceramic-bladed knife and years of experience as a wilderness guide and forager, Jennifer Hahn paddled the cold waters of the Salish Sea aboard her kayak, sometimes snacking on some freshly cut seaweed. Hahn was … Continue reading →

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February 2023

Introducing the Kulshan Carbon Trust

Whatcom Watch

Part 1 of a three-part series by Howard Sharfstein What Is a Carbon Conservation Trust? Whatcom County is home to the Kulshan Carbon Trust (KCT), founded in early 2021 as a new type of trust and a vehicle for community … Continue reading →

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February 2023

Interview With Artist and Conservationist Robert Bateman

Whatcom Watch

Editor’s Note: Robert Bateman is currently 92 and lives in Toronto, Canada. Wikipedia lists 16 books by him or about him, from “The Art of Robert Bateman” in 1981 to “Robert Bateman’s Canada” in 2017. by Joe Meche Birds by … Continue reading →

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February 2023

Audubon Welcomes Volunteers

Whatcom Watch

by Jamie Huson North Cascades Audubon Society is a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of wildlife in and around Whatcom County with a focus on birds and their habitat. Our organization operates from September through June each year, taking a … Continue reading →

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February 2023

Water Quality Protection Is Headed in Right Direction

Whatcom Watch

by Ed Johnstone Tribes have traveled a long road and back again to improve water quality standards and protect the health of everyone who eats salmon and shellfish in the state of Washington. In November, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) … Continue reading →

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February 2023

Waiting for Spring

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche Looking back to the snow and ice-related chaos over the Christmas holidays, it was difficult to imagine how far away spring was. The heavy snowfall was unexpected and caught most of us off guard, especially the freeze/thaw … Continue reading →

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February 2023

Birding Festival 2023

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche Wings Over Water March 17-19, Blaine, WA As it was with so many things the Covid-19 pandemic forced widespread delays and changes in plans for millions of people, not the least of which was the … Continue reading →

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February 2023

Port of Bellingham Commission

Whatcom Watch

Compiled by Bill McCallum Action Taken at December 6, 2022 Meeting Shall the commission: 136. Establish officers for 2023? President: Michael Shepard; vice president: Bobby Briscoe; secretary: Ken Bell. See the endnote for board representatives. (12135/Action Item 2) Approved 3-0 … Continue reading →

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February 2023

Whatcom County Council

Whatcom Watch

Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at December 5, 2022 Special Meeting Shall the council: 301. Certify the collection of 2023 property tax levies for taxing districts? The collection refers to the regular levy, excess levy and refund levy. The … Continue reading →

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February 2023

Bellingham City Council

Whatcom Watch

Action Taken at December 5, 2022 Meeting Salary Commission Report: At the 12/6/2021 meeting, vote #230, the City Council created a salary commission to determine compensation for City Council members. Salary Commisssion members served without compensation. The current salary of … Continue reading →

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