How collecting pine cones is helping regenerate Oregon forests destroyed by wildfires - CBS News
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Report: Windmills, solar panels yield more cash than crops | Rural Life | capitalpress.com
Washington farmland owners with pastures and relatively low-value cropland stand to make more money leasing property to wind and solar developers, a state Department of Commerce study reports. Solar-power companies typically pay $200 to $350 per acre annually, though payments can be as high as $1,000 an acre. Wind developers typically pay thousands of dollars per megawatt, according to the study.
How gophers brought Mount St. Helens back to life in one day
When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, lava incinerated anything living for miles around. As an experiment, scientists later dropped gophers onto parts of the scorched mountain for only 24 hours. The ...
Improving pulse flours for consumer use: Using synchrotron light to determine optimal particle size for milling
Chickpeas, lentils, beans and peas are a fast-growing food market, with new uses going well beyond bean salads and hummus—think brownies, vegan meats, and salad dressing. Researchers like Chitra Sivakumar ...
It’s not easy to become a farmer. This Oregon farm incubator seeks to change that - OPB
Starting a farm can be a challenging undertaking. As more Oregon farmers age out of the industry, this tax-funded farm incubator helps beginning farmers overcome some of those challenges.
Wild birds flying through Washington spreading bird flu | Rural Life | capitalpress.com
Bird flu was detected in a small backyard flock in Lewis County, Wash., the third case of avian influenza in domestic birds in the state in the past two weeks. Migratory waterfowl are spreading the virus, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. "Every backyard flock is at risk right now," State Veterinarian Amber Itle said in a statement.
NAWG: Failure to pass farm bill may mean total reset, delay | Grains and row crops | capitalpress.com
Failure to pass a new farm bill by the end of the year could result in a complete reset of the process if one or both the House and Senate flip majorities as a result of the election, National Association of Wheat Growers Chandler Goule says. "I can see that easily pushing the farm bill into late 2025 or 2026, because it will literally hit the reset button," Goule said. "That's why it's so important we get it done by December ... A lot has to be done very quickly, as soon as the election is over."
USDA Announces Department-wide Effort to Support Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Connectivity | Natural Resources Conservation Service
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a Department-wide effort increasing wildlife habitat and corridor connectivity on National Forests and agricultural lands.
Bird flu infects Washington farmworkers | Washington | capitalpress.com
Four workers at a poultry farm in Franklin County, Wash., tested positive for bird flu, the Washington Department of Health announced Oct. 20. The infected workers had mild symptoms and were treated with medications. Other workers are being tested, according to the department.
Washington's cap-and-trade rebate pot still mostly full | Climate Changed | capitalpress.com
Washington farmers and truckers have barely touched a $28.5 million pot of money the state set aside to partially refund them for the cap-and-trade taxes they paid on fuel in 2023. They have claimed $1.86 million, or just 6.5% of the money, the Department of Licensing reported. The department started taking applications Aug. 26. It and farm groups expected the money to go quickly.
Invasive giant hornet reported seen in Kitsap County, Washington | The Spokesman-Review
Rhe Washington State Department of Agriculture on Oct. 7 was sent a photo of what appeared to be a deceased northern giant hornet spotted in the wild in the Burley region of Kitsap County. The state agency is asking the public to keep their eyes open in that area and report any suspected sightings of the northern giant hornet.
Wild, hatchery fish tracked, but recovering wild is top aim | Grains and row crops | capitalpress.com
More than 205,000 fish passed through Ice Harbor Dam, but more than half originated in a hatchery. Tribes and environmental groups say breaching the four lower Snake River dams will rescue endangered salmon and steelhead from "quasi-extinction" levels, but agricultural stakeholders worry that dam breaching supporters aren't using sound science to guide decision-making.
Welcome to The Hill’s Sustainability newsletter{beacon} Sustainability Sustainability The Big Story Late-season wildfires wreak havoc across US West With just 10 days of s…
Firefighter labor shortage strains Oregon fire crews - OPB
A national firefighter labor shortage is making it harder to suppress massive wildfires across the West, with fewer federal teams that Oregon can ask for help.
Firefighters from around the country are being brought in to fight wildfires across western Washington - My Bellingham Now
The NICC says widespread wildfire activity across the country is creating a shortage of fire fighters and resources, which demanded the increased support.
Environmentalists, loggers reach consensus on NW Forest Plan amendment | Timber | capitalpress.com
Last July, 21 scientists, loggers, conservationists, and tribal and government representatives were convened for one simple task: decide the future of Northwest forests.
The Biden administration has blocked repairs to a second tidegate in Skagit County, Wash., reasoning maintaining the structure will forestall the conversion of farmland into fish habitat. The Army Corps of Engineers notified the National Marine Fisheries Service on Sept. 4 plugging leaks would prolong the tidegate's life and adversely affect Puget Sound salmon and killer whales.
Washington state embarks on once-a-decade update of wildlife conservation plan | The Daily Chronicle
Washington wildlife officials are beginning to plan for how to conserve the state’s species and habitats for the next decade. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is updating its State …