Life Before Flowers

  June 2023

Moldy Rotters

Whatcom Watch

by Fred Rhoades Mushrooms That Specialize in Decomposition  Part 1 In a previous Whatcom Watch article (Oct./Nov. 2021), I discussed some mushrooms that perform nutrient gathering services for trees. The mycorrhizal connection. About half the mushrooms, and many of the … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

Quarry Plan Unsettles Neighbors

Whatcom Watch

by Luisa Loi Four years after he moved with his wife and one-year-old daughter into a house nestled in rural Whatcom County, Andrew Clarke fears his pleasant lifestyle is being threatened by a proposal for a 70-acre open pit mine … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

Bellingham’s New Mini Forest

Whatcom Watch

by Emma Bjornsrud Western Washington University’s Learning, Environment, Action, Discovery (LEAD) program planted a mini forest at the Sehome Arboretum on Earth Day with the help of volunteers from the City of Bellingham, Washington Trails Association and Whatcom Million Trees … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

Harvest Management Is Not Enough

Whatcom Watch

by Ed Johnstone Salmon extinction is not an option, but harvest management alone is not going to get us to recovery. In April, the treaty tribes in western Washington and our state co-manager finalized the 2023-24 fishing seasons’ agreement.  The … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

Proposed Terminal Violates Lummi Nation’s Rights

Whatcom Watch

by Karlie Kinley Lummi Nation says the approval of a new marine container terminal at the Port of Vancouver violates the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision in R v. Desautel, which confirmed Indigenous groups in the United States may … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

A Springtime Loop

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche The sweet spot at the end of April and the beginning of May is prime time to schedule ambitious and dedicated road trips. With Cindy jetting off to the Greek Islands for 10 days, I decided to … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

Articles You Might Have Missed

Whatcom Watch

Around the world people are taking the initiative to mitigate climate change. Here are some good news briefs compiled by the Climate Issue group of the LWV of Bellingham/Whatcom. Two Washington Towns Recognize the Rights of Orcas Gig Harbor, Washington, … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

Stay Cooler — and Warmer — With a Heat Pump

Whatcom Watch

Dear Sasquatch,  Hotter days are upon us, and, as I sit in my house, I’m wondering what you recommend for air conditioning. And, for that matter, heating! My utility bills last winter were higher than I’ve ever seen them. I … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

Twelve Additional Acres Added to California Creek Park

Whatcom Watch

In February, the Whatcom Land Trust (the Trust) transferred an additional 12 acres of conservation land to the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) for expansion of the California Creek Estuary Park. This is the third contiguous parcel … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

Port of Bellingham Commission

Whatcom Watch

Compiled by Bill McCallum Action Taken at April 11, 2023 Meeting Shall the commission: 25. Authorize the use of electronic signatures in lieu of handwritten signatures? RCW 1.89 allows governmental agencies to send and accept electronic records and electronic signatures. … Continue reading →

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