At the May 16 Clallam County Commissioners meeting, 22 people called for a pause on DNR timber sales on older forests (such as “TCB23” and “Power Plant” in the Elwha watershed), until newly-enacted tools for older forest protection are implemented and understood. Despite this massive input, Commissioners French and Johnson decided they do not support …
OCA comments on older federal forests…you should too!!!
Comments due June 20 OCA just sent letters to the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management asking them to begin rule-making to protect the nation's climate-critical older forests from their #1 threat: logging. Older forests on federal lands capture and store vast amounts of carbon pollution and should be a cornerstone of U.S. …
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Hot Off the Wire — 5/21/23
Local / Regional News Clallam County PUD endorses dam removal County Public Utility District joins the City of Port Angeles in supporting breaching the lower snake dams and replacing their services. Read more from Save our Wild Salmon. Local timber sale updates Image: Forest2Sea Photography May 23 and May 30- The Center for Responsible Forestry says: "Just …
Clallam County PUD endorses Snake River dam removal
The Board of Commissioners of Clallam County PUD #1, on April 10, became the first public utility district in the region to come out in favor of restoring a free-flowing lower Snake River. The utility serves citizen-owners on Washington State’s North Olympic Peninsula. The commissioners unanimously approved a resolution that minced no words. The resolution makes these key …
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Jerry Franklin tells it plain: We need our older forests!
The UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS) welcomed Dr. Jerry Franklin, SEFS Emeritus Professor, as the 2023 Sustaining Our World Speaker. Dr. Franklin spoke on “What the Old Forests Taught Us: Forest Stewardship in the 21st Century”, with Q&A following. Franklin's program description: A revolution in our understanding of forests – what they …
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Hot Off the Wire — 5/7/23
Local / Regional News WA legislative session closes with some successes Climate Commitment Act funds WA state forest protection --State legislators in Olympia invested a landmark $83 million in forest conservation and management. This funding marks the first time the state government will set aside timber acreage strictly for its carbon value, by designating it …
LETTER:Cut elsewhere
We need more loggers, not less.We gathered earlier this year on the banks of the Elwha River.An Indigenous elder welcomed everyone to their lands.They called on us to not be divided, thanked us for caring for the forests and river.Asked us to be grateful, to forgive.Environmentalists, loggers, tribal people were all there with families.Port Angeles …
May 7: Forestry talk by OCA’s Ed Chadd, OUUF Sanctuary
Our Forests, Our Climate, and Our Communities: Weaving a Healthier Web Sunday, May 7, 12:30 pm Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Sanctuary 1033 N. Barr Rd, Port Angeles, WA- Good parking - open and free to all - Ed Chadd, Olympic Climate Action forests chair, will speak on forest & climate issues, focusing on WA state. In …
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Climate Commitment Act Funds Go to Washington State Forests in Historic Recognition that Forests Play a Central Role in Reducing Emissions
Laura Otýpková -- Pixabay April 24, 2023, Olympia, WA — State legislators in Olympia invested a landmark $83 million in forest conservation and ecological forest management practices to boost carbon sequestration on state lands. This funding marks the first time the state government will set aside timber acreage strictly for its carbon value, by designating it …
Forest Service takes key step toward 1st national rule to protect mature, old-growth trees, forests
Announcement advances Biden’s 2022 Earth Day Executive Order The 42 Divide logging sale in the Roseburg, Oregon Bureau of Land Management district. Photo Credit: Hanna Anderson WASHINGTON, DC – According to reports, the U.S. Forest Service announced Thursday a pathway for protecting mature and old-growth trees and forests as part of a strategy to improve …
Hot Off the Wire — 4/22/23
Local / Regional News April 22: Earth Day Events Earth Day Spring Fest Concert, 4/22, 3pm, at the Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1033 N. Barr Rd. Sequim. Beach clean-up, 4/22, with Washington CoastSavers! Choose a beach on the Olympic Peninsula and have fun removing debris. Register here. Earth Day Mulch Event, 4/22- Help the North Olympic …
Mini-Forest Revolution
Rewilding our Communities for Climate Resilience Thursday, April 20, 2023 4:30 pm -- 5:30 pm In-Person at WWU: Academic Instructional Center West, Room 204Online on Zoom Register Now About the Event What holds some 500 species, sequesters 500 lbs. CO2/year, is several degrees cooler than its surroundings, soaks up lots of rainwater, and is co-created …
Support both our older forests and our timber economy
Kaylee Galloway, Whatcom County Council - Bellingham Herald, 4/12/23 Whether you are traversing trails surrounded by old growth trees or cheering in the stands of the Deming Logging Show, forests have long been at the core of our Whatcom County culture and economy.In recent months, residents across Whatcom County have turned to their state and …
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End The Era Of Fossil Fuels Call!
WebinarWednesday, April 19, 2023 -- 5:00 pm The 350 Network Council will be hosting a mass mobilization webinar called END THE ERA OF FOSSIL FUELS call! This will be a space to take stock of the fossil fuel resistance movement after Biden's approval of the Willow Project and plug in people at all levels of …
Hot Off the Wire — 4/9/23
Local / Regional News April 22: Earth Day Concert April 22, 3pm, at the Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1033 N. Barr Rd. Sequim. Take action on WA climate legislation-- There's still time to get local lawmakers to act for climate justice. Join the 350 WA Civic Action Team here. April 16: Kick off Earth Week at …
Save our mature forests for climate, wildlife, water
"Working Forests" do little for our climate Editorial by John Talberth, Center for Sustainable Economy Everett Herald, April 8, 2023 A recent commentary (“Keep state’s working forests in climate change fight,” The Herald, March 18) gets it dead wrong: Forests that are left to grow, big, tall, and old capture and store far more carbon …
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The Inflation Reduction Act Can Save You Money
by Cynthia Bratz, Local 2020 What if you could reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time? The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the biggest climate bill in US history, will help many Americans reduce their home energy costs and go electric. The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) was included in the …
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Earth Day Concert April 22
Saturday, April 22, 2023 -- 3 pm1033 N. Barr Rd, Port Angeles, WAOlympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Oceana.orgworthyvisions.com
Presentation on Elwha Legacy Forests — April 24
Website: https://elwhalegacyforests.org/oat-powerplant-tcb23/Contact: jwendyrae@gmail.com (831)818-0265 What is a Legacy Forest? -by Elizabeth Dunne, Earth Law CenterThey are naturally regenerated 2nd growth forests and aren’t monoculture plantation forests, generally last harvested prior to 1945. They contain large-diameter trees, complex forest canopies and understories, biodiversity, and old forest characteristics, including snags and large wood on the forest floor. …
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May 7: Forestry talk by OCA’s Ed Chadd, OUUF Sanctuary
This event has been rescheduled from its original April 1 date Our Forests, Our Climate, and Our Communities: Weaving a Healthier Web Sunday, May 7, 12:30 pm Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Sanctuary 1033 N. Barr Rd, Port Angeles, WA- Good parking - open and free to all - Ed Chadd, Olympic Climate Action forests chair, will …
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Carpe Diem Moment on Forests and Climate Policy
"Include mature forests … not just old growth" "Nationwide MOG protections would establish U.S. leadership on the Paris Climate Agreement (natural sinks and reservoirs) and the Glasgow Forest Pledge to end deforestation and forest degradation. It would demonstrate progress toward 30 x 30 and present a global model for effective forest and climate response. "Most …
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The Jefferson County Connectivity Fair 2023
Sunday, April 16th, 1:00 -- 5:00 pmFree admission to all! As we emerge from the isolation of these past pandemic years, we are all eager to reengage with our community, meet new faces, and support the activities that keep our region dynamic and connected! Come join us as we are inspired by the short film, …
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Retrofitting Existing Homes for Energy Efficiency
Lots of great ways to save energy and save money at home Our local energy expert and OCA member, David Large, recently gave this great presentation on money-saving energy incentives and home retrofitting tips. Check out the Zoom recording below. Retrofitting Existing Homes for Energy Efficiency - The passcode is: ^?GISu0*
Hot Off the Wire — 3/26/23
Local / Regional News April 2: Forests, Climate, Communities--Weaving a Healthier Web Aldwell forest is being logged near the Elwha River watershed. Image: Forest2Sea. This special presentation by Ed Chadd, Olympic Climate Action forests chair, focuses on forest management and recent initiatives that see environmental protection as an opportunity to recreate rural communities and economies …
Lovely Poem by Rena Priest, Washington State Poet Laureate
"These Abundant and Generous Homelands" Rena Priest, Washington State Poet Laureate Watch Rena Priest, a member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation and Washington State Poet Laureate, read "These Abundant and Generous Homelands" poem, written to the theme of “A Vision For A More Equitable 2023” at the 2023 State of the State address during the joint legislative session. …
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April 2 event postponed-Sunday Forestry Forum
Stay tuned for a new date and time- thanks! Our Forests, Our Climate, and Our Communities: Weaving a Healthier Web Stay tuned for this event: Sunday Forestry Forum at the Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Sanctuary! 1033 N. Barr Rd, Port Angeles, WA.Good parking and the event is free. Ed Chadd, Olympic Climate Action forests chair, will speak …
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Hot Off the Wire — 3/13/23
Local / Regional News March 16: Save energy, save money at home- a special Olympic Climate Action webinar Inflation Reduction Act home savings. Image: Environmental Defense Fund. How to Save Energy and Money at Home is a special OCA webinar by David Large, whose Sequim home makes more energy than it consumes! Learn about what you …
Paul Stamets Supports Legacy Forests
Paul Stamets at Elwha River overlook "Our old growth forests are undervalued – we should not be deceived that short term gains in selling lumber accurately reflects the value of the intact biodiversity resident within these ancient stands. In particular, varieties of Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis aka Laricifomes officinalis) are now known to have potent antiviral properties. But …
Rally supports Elwha Legacy Forests
You can still take action Rally go-ers next to the Elwha river in an eye shape, symbolizing that we are awake to what is happening in the Elwha Valley. Picture from forest2sea.com. From Nina Sarmiento, Olympic Region Coordinator for the Center for Responsible Forestry: This past Sunday we had a rally to show support for Legacy …
Rally to Save our Legacy Forests March 5
Elwha Observation Area With the ongoing logging of legacy forests in the Elwha valley going up for sale by the DNR this year, there is a need for us to rally and make some noise! Please join us on Sunday March 5, 2023 from 12 pm - 2 pm, at the Elwha Observation Area (off Highway 101 at the …
Hot Off the Wire — 2/26/23
Local / Regional News March 5: Save Elwha watershed legacy forests Image: Environmental Defense Fund WA auctions off more old forests Aldwell timber sale logging happening soon. Photo: Forest2Sea Photography. The Seattle Times reports more of our legacy forests are on the chopping blocks. Read more here. Map of local timber sales Take action on …
OCA program: Save $$ & Energy at Home, March 16
You're invited! How to Save Energy and Money at Home is a special OCA webinar by David Large, whose Sequim home makes more energy than it consumes! Join us to learn about what you can do at your home, as well as the plethora of incentives and assistance available. Program is Thursday, March 16, 2023 6:30-8 p.m. …
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Hot Off the Wire — 2/12/23
Local / Regional News Take action on legislation in Washington state There's still time to support environmentally friendly legislation in Washington state. Here are some actions to take: By Wed. Feb. 15, 3pm- Support the #WRAP Act! It will improve WA's recycling systems and hold producers responsible for the waste they create. Click here to …
New coastal risk assessment for Port Townsend
A North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council grant helped local communities advance their planning for addressing the impacts of climate change. The City of Port Townsend used the grant money to develop this sea level rise and coastal flooding risk assessment, an important first step in climate preparedness.
Why we need new stories, by Rebecca Solnit
“There are thousands of answers. You can be one of them, if you choose.” https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2023/jan/30/rebecca-solnit-why-we-need-new-climate-stories-podcast
Hot Off the Wire — 1/29/23
Local / Regional News Take action on legislation in Washington state Our state legislators don't hear enough from us about the climate crisis, so let's change that. See below: Environmental Lobby Days: Sign up by Feb. 10 for Feb. 14-16 events. Join other activists to speak up for environmental health and justice, learn how to …
Hot Off the Wire — 1/15/23
Local / Regional News Take action on legislation in Washington state Our state legislators don't hear enough from us about the climate crisis, so let's change that. See below: Weekly actions on state climate bills: Join the 350 WA Civic Action Team, a coalition of 11 groups urging legislators to act for the climate, justice …
Methane and Hydroelectric Dams
OCA member Krestine Reed writes: The topic of methane and dam reservoirs comes up regularly these days. Because this topic is of universal concern, I put together a bit of information. Of course, there is much, much more information available. Take special note of the “Tell The Dam Truth” campaign initiative at the end of this post. The …
Join Youth Climate and Conservation Rally Olympia Jan 13!
Youth conservation leaders are organizing a spirited rally in Olympia, WA, on Jan. 13 to advocate for salmon, orcas, breaching the Lower Snake River Dams, upholding tribal rights, and sustainable renewable energy. Details are below. NOOP is an event partner with the youth group organizers. If you can be in Olympia for this great event, please join …
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$$ to improve your home, reduce your bills!
From OCA member Dave Large, here's a list of incentives for reducing home-related energy usage offered by the federal government, Washington State, the City of Port Angeles, and the Clallam County PUD. Incentives cover many aspects of a home, from simple to more complex, including insulation, windows, space heating and appliances, photovoltaic, solar hot water, …
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Hot Off the Wire — 12/31/22
Local / Regional News In one month, three cities proclaim rights for Southern Resident Orcas Three Puget Sound area cities — Port Townsend, Gig Harbor and Langley—have issued proclamations declaring inherent rights for the region’s endangered Southern Resident Orcas. Read more here. Inflation Reduction Act incentives for energy efficiency How much can you save with …
Hot Off the Wire — 12/18/22
Local / Regional News Inflation Reduction Act provides incentives for energy efficiency The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest climate bill in U.S. history. A main focus is tax credits and rebates for clean energy, electric vehicles, and efficiency updates. Above are some highlights of how this bill can benefit you and/or your business. State …
Pledge allegiance to the trees
Written by OCA board member Bob Vreeland: I pledge allegiance to the trees, which help give me the oxygen I breathe, And to the roots that hold the soil, so salmon streams do not get spoiled. Biodiversity under their shade, with clean water and a stable climate for all.
Clean energy incentives on the way, from the IRA!
From the American Solar Energy Society: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest climate bill inU.S. history. A main focus is tax credits and rebates for clean energy, electric vehicles, and efficiency updates. Below are some highlights of how this bill can benefit you and/or your business:
Global Earth Repair Rally
Presentation “Planetary Regeneration – State of the Art Strategies and the Global Earth Repair Movement” – Michael Pilarski will give a presentation on the best methods to re-green the planet, re-hydrate drylands, and stabilize the climate. The Global Carbon Project has calculated that ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture innovations are already sequestering an additional 10.6 million …
Port Townsend City Council Recognizes Rights of Whales in WA
Mayor David Faber, Patrick Johnson of QUUF, and members of the North Olympic Orca Pod On Monday night, the Port Townsend mayor and city council took the step to declare that the Southern Resident Orcas have inherent rights. Port Townsend is the first city in Washington State to take this step, in a growing movement …
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Hot Off the Wire — 12/4/22
Regional Actions and Events 12/6 Dungeness Off-Channel Reservoir Open House https://vimeo.com/203968263 Climate change and summer drought severely impact the Dungeness River. Get the update on creating an off-channel reservoir to protect fish and provide for irrigation needs. Dec. 6, 6-8 pm at the Dungeness River Nature Center. 12/7 & 12/8: Carbon friendly forestry A Washington …
OCA Signs on to Save Our wild Salmon Letter
Salmon River, Idaho, WA. Image by Jim Black/Pixabay Along with ninety-four other signers, Olympic Climate Action added support to the NGO sign-on letter to the Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ). This letter sends a very strong message to the Administration about salmon recovery and our collective energy and interest in restoring the LSR - and …
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Hot Off the Wire — 11/18/2022
COP27 Biden and Xi break the ice Biden and Xi Jinping of China at COP27. Doug Mills/The New York Times After five years, Biden and Xi meet to resume climate talks. Read the articleBy Somini Sengupta -- Climate Forward Who Should Pay for Climate Crisis? Global South Demands “Loss and Damage” from Wealthy Nations Democracy …
Hot Off the Wire — 11/12/2022
COP27 News NRDC Experts and Events at COP27 The Al Shaba Mosque and Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt /Shutterstock The 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), taking place on November 6–18, 2022, in Egypt, brings together world leaders—presidents, governors, mayors, CEOs, philanthropy, and civil …
Hot Off the Wire — 11/5/2022
Solutions Keep your pumpkins out of the landfill Of the 2 billion pumpkins produced in the USA each year, it’s estimated that 1.3 billion end up in landfills. For each 100 pounds of pumpkins wasted, 8.3 pounds of methane — a potent greenhouse gas — is released. Read more. Peninsula Daily News. How to transform …
Hot Off the Wire — 10/29/2022
Solutions New Interactive Map, Webpage Highlight Local Climate Plans Interactive Map The interactive map above includes icons for Washington State jurisdictions we are aware of that have adopted climate-related documents. Read more Claiming Power: Stories of Rural Communities and Clean Energy https://youtu.be/bcfFSpKkq6I Jessica Plumb, an Olympic Peninsula-based filmmaker, is investigating the clean energy transition in …
Hot Off the Wire — 10/22/2022
Stop WA State from Logging Legacy/Old-Growth Forest in Elwha River Valley Join the Center for Responsible Forestry and the Earth Law Center on Sunday, Oct. 23, 11-2pm, to visit a unique legacy forest in the Elwha River Watershed, just off of Hwy 101. (Sneak peak photos here). In joining us, you will get to connect with this special forest, see old-growth trees, learn …
Hot Off the Wire — 10-16-2022
Regional Actions and Events Hearing Postponed -- October 26, 20221:30 pm -- Jefferson County Courthouse The hearing for the CSE-Stop lawsuit against DNR for failing to consider impacts during SEPA review of logging projects has been postponed. All are welcome to attend. To review the pleadings in this case, just visit the litigation webpage and scroll to the …
Stop State from Logging Legacy Forest in Elwha Valley
Join the Center for Responsible Forestry and the Earth Law Center on Sunday, Oct. 23, 11-2pm, to visit a unique legacy forest in the Elwha River Watershed, just off of Hwy 101. (Sneak peak photos here). For hike details and to register click HERE! The WA Board of Natural Resources (BNR) recently approved logging of …
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Spiritual awakening, or muddling through?
Which is a more likely outcome for humanity in the face of the climate crisis? Volts podcaster David Roberts speaks from his life experience: https://pca.st/episode/a530e098-a970-4f2e-b46d-793b3de5c4ab?t=2381.0
Hot Off the Wire — 10/7/2022
Focus on Forests Aldwell - one of the last remaining Legacy Forests in Clallam County https://youtu.be/G5suTyNbJ7w Climate-smart idea: Don’t cut down older forests Gary Kazanjian/AP A new initiative to plant 1 billion trees on public lands is welcome news. Another climate smart idea would be to stop cutting old-growth forests. Read more by Mike Dombeck and Chris …
Why Can’t I Have One of These???
And what, pray tell, are we waiting for??!? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjoHimaqqfY And why can't we have a plant building these in The Pacific NW? And why not build them in Western WA? And how large must the footprint be? Could a plant reside somewhere nearby? I have no idea. Well, except they are only available on preorder. …
Plea from famed author/naturalist: save our older forests
Letter from Robert Michael Pyle to Governor Inslee and Commissioner Franz "Think back on why it was you loved Wintergreen, and what it has (still) to say about what we have already ruined and what we have within our (your) powers to yet protect, nurture, and love...thank you for reconsidering this deeply wrong decision..." Read …
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Hot Off the Wire — 10/2/2022
Focus on the Forests New Study Provides First-Ever Map-Based Assessment of Continental US Mature and Old-Growth Forests Dr. Dominick A. DellaSala The study identified some 50 million acres of older federal forests as at-risk from logging. These vulnerable forests store the equivalent of 10.6 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide which, if cut down over a decade, …
Hot Off the Wire — 9/25/2022
Solutions The Climate Solution Standing Right in Front of Us: Mature and Old-Growth Forests Old growth redwood forest. Phoyo -- Mario Guti/Getty One of the most effective, and largely overlooked, ways we can address the interconnected crises of a warming planet and biodiversity loss is a natural one, standing—literally—right in front of us. Read more …
Hot Off the Wire — 9/18/2022
Focus on Forests WA Supreme Court: State Not Required to Cut Forests to Maximize Revenue Photo -- David Mark/Pixabay On July 21, the current state supreme court said unanimously that the state does indeed have a duty to the schools and other beneficiaries, BUT it also, as the constitution says, has a duty to “all the people.” …
Hot Off the Wire — 9/11/2022
Solutions Learn more Regional Actions and Events SAVE THE DATE September 21, 202211:30 AM PSTRegistration Link Join panelists, Drs. Bev Law, Chad Hanson, and Monica Bond for presentations on carbon capture and storage, the role of forests, and the real steps needed to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030; the importance of wildfire and …
Hot Off the Wire — 9/4/2022
Solutions How Indigenous Communities Are Building Energy Sovereignty Residents and other volunteers in the process of installing a solar array at a home at Blue Lake Rancheria. As countries across the world have pledged to reduce carbon emissions, many Indigenous communities across the U.S. have been and are creating new energy futures. Blue Lake Rancheria, …
Hot Off the Wire — 8/28/2022
Solutions A new fire paradigm is emerging. Wildfire is not our enemy, and need not be a crisis or catastrophe. Fusee created a media tipsheet for reporters to ask the right questions about wildfire. Question Suppression: Getting the Whole Story about Fire Suppression Operations Regional Actions Take action for clean fuels! How does the Clean …
OCReport post-3 — Doug Taylor
The Meadows of Sequim I am taking a long look at our climate action posture here in my little community of Sequim, just east of Port Angeles and west of Blyn, where, this week especially, lavender is King! Let me share my thoughts with you on this matter, as far as I have been able …
OCReport-post 2 — Doug Taylor
July 2022 First, a word of apology! You might notice I have no blog for all of June. This is not the best way to introduce a new feature, but I had little choice. The story is both sad and glad but mostly just the way things pan out sometimes. Your blogger had a brief …
OCReport post-1 — Doug Taylor
May 2022 The Question of our time is not one of measures and actions, but one of values. Ecotopia Rising: Production Update My story of Ecotopia Rising, set in a dystopian world coming soon to a planet near you, will continue in the near future. We are gathering a cast and creative crew. The story …
Hot Off the Wire — 8/21/2022
Events and Related Information Rally to save Legacy Forests at DNR HQ Tuesday, 9/6/22 – 8 am – DNR headquarters On 9/6/22 at 8:00 AM, there will be a rally to stop the clearcutting of Washington State’s last remaining mature legacy forests in front of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504. …
Rally to save Legacy Forests at DNR HQ
Tuesday, 9/6/22 - 8 am - DNR headquarters On 9/6/22 at 8:00 AM, there will be a rally to stop the clearcutting of Washington State’s last remaining mature legacy forests in front of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504. Olympic Climate Actions is organizing this rally along …
Hot Off the Wire — 8/14/2022
Solutions Baby Boomers Mobilize Around Climate Change Hazel Chandler (right) of the Elders Climate Action Network and Moms Clean Air Force.Photo by Adriana Zehbrauskas for Moms Clean Air Force The older generation’s organizing experience, voter turnout, and spending power make them a powerful force for change. Read more by Danielle Renwick Regional Actions and Events Washington DNR …
Brief filed in state logging lawsuit
On August 5, the Center for Sustainable Economy (CSE) and Save the Olympic Peninsula (STOP) filed the Opening Brief in their lawsuit challenging the WA State Board of Natural Resources' (BNR’s) approval of two major timber sales without any prior analysis of the extent of greenhouse gas emissions and other climate-change-related impacts that those timber …
Hot Off the Wire — 8/7/2022
Forest News The Remarkable Symbiosis of Trees and Fungi Giuliana Furci, center, with Merlin Sheldrake, left, and Toby Kiers in Alerce Costero National Park. Tomás Munita for The New York Times Fungi have helped trees adapt to so many environmental shocks. Underground fungal networks can help us cope with climate hazards. Read the whole storyby …
Hot Off the Wire — 7/31/2022
Schumer-Manchin bill aka The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Critiques from Rachel Fazio and Dominick DellaSala Old growth rain forest by Eldergeek -- Pixabay Let’s toast to some success! However, here are critiques of the new bill from Rachel Fazio of the John Muir Project and Dominick DellaSala of the Wild Heritage Project, both sponsored by the Earth …
Schumer-Manchin bill
Let’s toast to some success! However, here are critiques of the new bill from Rachel Fazio of the John Muir Project and Dominick DellaSala of the Wild Heritage Project, both sponsored by the Earth Island Institute: Eldergeek Dominick DellaSala <dominick@wild-heritage.org> wrote: it's missing mature forest protections - a major problem - it has tax credits for biomass - a …
Pledge: Fight On
So I invite you to join me in this pledge: I will fight on, even as the waters rise and the deserts advance. I will never give up, never be passive or defeatist, even as the beauty of this living world of ours is eroded and degraded. I reject survivalism and other self-centered approaches, and …
Support our Call to Action on forests!
Now is the time to make noise about our position on protecting our forests, climate, habitat, people, and economies!
19 Groups Call for Bold Action to Protect Public Forests
19 groups have released a seven-step "Call to Action" urging key decision-makers to protect State forests in response to climate change.
Hot Off the Wire — 7/21/2022
Information Session Thursday July 21, 2022 11 am -- 1:30 pm Defining Old Growth and Mature Forests The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior jointly published a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on plans around federal old-growth and mature forests in response to Executive Order 14072: Strengthening the Nation’s Forests, Communities, and Local Economies. You may …
Hot Off the Wire — 7/17/2022
Solutions The power, and limits, of local action Markus Distelrath Somini Sengupta interviews Brad Plumer, and Maggie Astor on ways towns can transition to cleaner energy and the struggles many fossil fuel-dependent communities face. Read the full story Explore the Northwest Clean Energy Atlas The Northwest Clean Energy Atlas provides regional stakeholders interactive tools to …
State Schools Chief: Decouple timber harvest from school construction funding
State Schools Superintendent Chris Reykdal points the way to a better future for our students, our rural communities, and our forests. Now it's up to our state legislators to follow Reykdal's lead. Read his memo Reykdal's press conference is being held virtually July 19 at 1:30 pm on TVW and OSPI's Facebook page, and can be watched live …
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Origin of Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint. You know the term, right? But do you know where it originated? The fossil fuel industry. Yup. In the early aughts, oil giant BP hired the ad wizards at Ogilvy & Mather to promote the idea that climate change was not the fault of the fossil fuel industry but was the fault of …
Hot Off the Wire — 7/10/2022
Solutions Heat pumps a win-win for Cascadia's now hotter, drier summers The heat dome bolstered the case for cleaner home cooling and heating technology and for decarbonizing the region’s economy. Find the case for heat pumps here How to Build a Flood-Resilient Community Though many governments are lagging in their response to climate change, there …
Port Angeles adopts Climate Resiliency Plan
Three years in the making, the Port Angeles Climate Resiliency Plan has been adopted and posted online. Next comes implementation of the Plan, including short-, medium-, and long-term priorities, cost estimates, ordinance language, etc. This phase will be facilitated by a grant project of the North Olympic Development Council. Kudos to Council and Planning Commission …
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One Final Meeting for City of Port Angeles’ Climate Resiliency Plan
Three years in the making, the Port Angeles Climate Resiliency Plan is finally ready for prime time! OCA Steering Committee member Bob Vreeland wrote a compelling letter to the PDN about the proposed Climate Resiliency Plan for the City of Port Angeles. Bob was also quoted in a comprehensive article by PDN's Ken Park in …
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Not Too Late
We know the difference between the best and worst case scenarios matters. We know that the future is being decided in the present. We know that a lot of people are overwhelmed by doom and gloom. It is not too late. At the same time, we are not here to avoid the worst news. We …
Musk, Twitter wars, & climate politics
Should climate politics be guided by bipartisanship? "Urgent policy action is needed [on Build Back Better] but this would probably require decoupling climate issues from other political and social debates."
A Special Presentation on our Disappearing Olympic Glaciers
Wednesday, June 15, 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom Join Olympic Climate Action for an evening with Dr. Andrew Fountain who recently published findings with his co-authors about the disappearing Olympic Glaciers. Read the Press Release Register for this presentation Blogpost on Fountain's study, released in April
Hot Off the Wire — 5/15/2022
by tierra del fuego Take Action Protect the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge from industrialization – Protect the Peninsula’s Future A corporation wants to industrialize the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge to grow oysters for its corporate gain. The corporation intends to keep the birds from their feeding grounds. Climate plan process kick-started by OCA in 2016 …
Port Townsend Chase Bank Protest — Fridays, starting May 13, from 11 am to 1 pm
A small group of enthusiastic activists demonstrated on Friday, May 13, in response to a national call at Chase Bank locations, in advance of their May 16 shareholder meeting. We were only 10 people in Port Townsend, but the big art made an impact. We spread out at the intersection of Kearney and Sims Way, …
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Climate breakdown: even if we miss the 1.5°C target we must still fight to prevent every single increment of warming
"That we are on course to barrel past 1.5°C should not be a reason to disavow the values that underpin it. It should instead focus minds and energies." James Dyke and Julia K Steinburger -- The Conversation Read full article
Public meetings set for Port Angeles climate plan
Process kick-started by OCA in 2016 is now coming to fruition The Peninsula Daily News reported two upcoming public hearings on the City's Climate Resiliency Plan. The first will be a virtual meeting of the City Planning Commission on Wed, May 7 at 6 pm. View the Agenda Packet. Attend the meeting. Public comment will …
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Hot Off the Wire — 5/8/2022
by tierra del fuego Take Action Presentation: Save Our Wild Salmon – Amy GulickDate: Tuesday, May 10, Rose Theatre, Port Townsend Learn more about the 2022 legislative session – Washington Conservation VotersDate: Tuesday, May 10, 5:30 PM Forest Climate Alliance Gathering! – PNW Forest Climate AllianceDate: Friday, May 20 – Sunday, May 22, Oregon Snake …
Hot Off the Wire — 5/1/2022
by tierra del fuego Take Action Snake River Savers' Mother's Day Event – Endangered Species CoalitionDate: Friday, May 6 at 6:00 PM Earth Intention: A Climate Cabaret – Arts and Climate InitiativeDates: Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 PM and Sunday, May 22 at 11:00 AM Movie: The New Corporation – Meaningful Movies Project with Online …
Clallam County’s District 1 Commissioner Mark Ozias’s heartfelt speech for Earth Day 2022
Reading part of Amanda Gorman's poem, "Earthrise," Commissioner Ozias shared his vision for our county by recognizing our common cause and emphatically explaining how the people's government must be part of the solution. Many changes are happening already to shrink our county's carbon footprint and prepare for climate change, Ozias noted at the Earth Day …
Study: Olympic glaciers doomed
Mt. Olympus from Hurricane Hill, September 2, 2021 Andrew G. Fountain and five others have posted a study online, "Glaciers of the Olympic Mountains -- the past and future 100 years, noting three key points: The glaciers of the Olympic Peninsula are shrinking rapidly, losing half of their ice-covered area since 1900. Warming air temperatures …
OCA Signs On to Earth Day NGO Letter To President Biden — Conserve Old Forests, Fight Climate Change
OCA signed on to this letter, which was sent to the White House, USFS, and BLM. This letter is being led by NRDC, Earthjustice, Environment America, Sierra Club, Southern Environmental Law Center, Center for Biological Diversity, Standing Trees, Wild Heritage, and Oregon Wild.
Hot Off the Wire — 4/24/2022
by tierra del fuego Take Action Talk: The Energy Pie Needs A Slice of Nuclear – by Dr. James Conca for Seattle Friends of FissionDate: Apr 27, 7:00 PM Courses to help us lead more sustainable lives – Sustainable Lifestyle Learning Center The Groundwork Project seeks additional locations. – Economics for Peace InstituteThis is a …
Legal Rights for our Southern Resident Orcas – Earth Day
April 22nd, 6 pm Join us on Zoom for an evening with Dr. Kriss Kevorkian, Ph.D., MSW, and founder of Legal Rights for the Salish Sea. She and her team will share how they are working hard to establish legal rights for the Orca and the Salish Sea. We will also learn how we can …
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Hot Off the Wire — 4/17/2022
by tierra del fuego Take Action Earth Day Beach Cleanup – Washington Coast SaversDate: Saturday, April 23rd, 1:00 – 5:00, varied locations Earth Day: Invasive Plant Removal at Fort Flagler – by Friends of Fort FlaglerDate: Saturday, Apr 23, 2022, 9:00 AM Meeting: Protecting Old Growth Forests – Washington State Sierra Club and Sarah AdlooDate: …
Olympic Climate Action 