Report finds lack of federal support could ‘stall or even kill’ agtech innovation
WACD Reading List
Tuesday 'one of those days' to be concerned about fires in the Inland Northwest, officials warn
As forecasted temperatures near triple digits and the peak months of fire season approach, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning that will be in effect from 1 p.m. on Tuesday through 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Walla Walla sweet onion farmers power through uncertainty | Capital Press
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Washington’s handful of Walla Walla sweet onion farmers are right in the thick of harvest. “I would say we have an average to slightly-above average crop,” […]
Pomas Fire Will Burn All Summer With Smoke Impacts, Officals Say
The Pomas Fire in northern Chelan County is now expected to burn all summer, according to incident managers
New state survey map shows 545,000 acres with dead or damaged trees
The area of afflicted trees shows an increase of nearly 30,000 acres from 2023.
Wildfires - OPB
OPB’s guide to wildfires in the PNW
National wildfire officials boost U.S. risk level | Capital Press
The national wildfire preparedness level increased to 3 early June 21, on a scale from 1 to 5. Higher numbers indicate a boost in fire activity, more conditions associated with […]
Clark County leaders debate future growth and how to balance saving farmland with building housing - OPB
The Clark County comprehensive plan defines a vision for the next 20 years of development. The process has created debate over what’s more important in Southwest Washington: open space or new homes.
To bee or not to bee? 600 species of bees call Washington home - The Columbian
With about 600 different species of bees in Washington, you would think it would be easy to spot one. But that black and yellow insect you see quickly darting from flower to flower could just as easily be a fly, wasp or hornet. Even some moths have evolved to mimic bees.
Bird Causes Brush Fire in Adams County
Adams County Fire District #5 says crews responded Tuesday evening to the brush fire on State Route 26 intersecting with Hays road.
February erosion event was one of largest in 30 years, soil scientists say | Capital Press
Flooding caused by frozen soil on the Palouse in February was one of the largest events in 30 years, Pacific Northwest soil scientists say. Historically high stream flows across the […]
Conflagration declared for Rowena Fire in Columbia River Gorge | Capital Press
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on June 11 for the Rowena Fire west of The Dalles, Ore., in the Columbia River Gorge. The fire, which started […]
The Washington Post: Reforestation can’t undo global warming, but it could help, study says
Tree restoration may have “higher climate change mitigation potential” than previously thought thanks to trees’ atmospheric effects, the researchers write.
The Right to Repair Is Law in Washington State | Electronic Frontier Foundation
Thanks in part to your support, the right to repair is now law in Washington.Gov. Bob Ferguson signed two bills guaranteeing Washingtonians' right to access tools, parts, and information so they can fix personal electronics, appliances, and wheelchairs. This is the epitome of common-sense...
Less irrigation water for some Yakima Valley farmers, wildfire season approaches - Northwest Public Broadcasting
Washington state has already declared some areas in drought. There’s not enough snowpack in many areas, and much of it is melting out faster than expected.
NPR: Jaguar conservation effort arms ranchers with cameras — and pays them for photos
The U.S. needs more jaguars. One organization has a unique approach to making that happen, as Vox environmental correspondent Benji Jones explains.
Farmer’s faith: Planting Northwest wheat, despite challenges - Northwest Public Broadcasting
Andy Juris seeds his spring soft white wheat fields with a hulking John Deere tractor outside of Bickleton, Washington. (Credit: Anna King / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 3:50) Read Inky black […]
State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) Virtual Public Meeting | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Drones help with everything from real estate photography to protecting crops and tracking pygmy rabbits across the Inland Northwest | Local News | Spokane | The Pacific Northwest Inlander | News, Politics, Music, Calendar, Events in Spokane, Coeur d'Alene and the Inland Northwest
It's a bird!
A breakdown of Washington’s new $78B two-year state budget | Cascade PBS
The deal, awaiting Gov. Ferguson’s signature, includes $4.3B in new taxes on businesses, financial assets and technology, and boosts K-12 funding.
Judge Orders USDA to Release Withheld IRA, BIL Funding
A federal judge has ordered ordered leaders of USDA to resume processing grants already awarded under the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and to refrain from further “freezing, halting or pausing” already appropriated funds.
State declares drought in Central WA for third year in row | Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business
Drought impacts in the Yakima Basin have far-reaching effects for the rest of the state. The region’s agricultural economy generates $4.5 billion each year, producing 71% of the nation’s hops, 63% of apples, 62% of cherries, and significant portions of other crops like pears, raspberries, blueberries, and asparagus, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Eastern monarch butterfly population increases reported by DA – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Monarch population doubled after weather improvements, habitat restoration, land management improvements, Texas Commissioner Sid Miller, Texas DA said
American Farmers and the USDA Had Finally Embraced Their Role in the Climate Crisis. Then Came the Federal Funding Freeze - Inside Climate News
For two decades, farmer John Burk has been working to improve the soil on his farm in Michigan, taking a few extra steps to make it more resilient and productive. His efforts have paid off. “When we have the dry, hot summers or lack of rainfall, our crops can sustain the dry spells better. We […]
USDA to slash headquarters, other staff and relocate some to new 'hubs' around the country - Government Executive
Mass layoffs at the Agriculture Department coming within weeks, with Washington facing significant cuts but regional employees also seeing reductions.
USDA cuts hit small farms as Trump showers billions on big farms • Stateline
Trump administration cuts of more than $1 billion in local food programs has hurt some of the nation’s smallest farmers along with schools and food banks relying on their products.
Climate change coupled with migration of non-native species pose threat to Northwest fish • Washington State Standard
The fish will face growing pressure from invasive fish species fleeing their own warming and dwindling waters.
WDFW seeks public input on Lower Columbia River tributary fisheries | The Daily Chronicle
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is asking for public input on management strategies for salmon and steelhead in Lower Columbia River tributary fisheries, the WDFW stated in a …
Yakima irrigators looking at water shortage, need March miracle - Capital Press | Capital Press
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation forecasts Yakima Basin irrigators with junior water-rights will receive 48% of their full allotments and could receive far less if the spring turns warm and […]
Prioritizing Organizational Values: The Expanded Matrix Map
The Matrix Map: a strategic tool for nonprofits to evaluate programs based on mission impact and financial sustainability.