Environment Wildlife advocates skeptical of WA wolf count As the state considers removing the species’ endangered status, some argue that the Colville Tribe’s recent population estimate is implausibly high. by Alex Brown & Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / July 16, 2024
Environment Federal affirmative action ruling may impact WA cap-and-trade Allocating funds from the carbon plan to minority communities most affected by pollution could draw legal battles based on the new SCOTUS decision. by Alex Brown Stateline / September 8, 2023
Environment Planting the seeds for Washington's forest restoration efforts Reforestation starts with sufficient seed supply. The state Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to restock it. by Alex Brown Stateline / February 27, 2023
Environment Skip the woodchipper: Salvaged city trees are the new lumber From Seattle to Baltimore, cities are recycling felled urban trees into furniture, construction projects and guitars. by Alex Brown Stateline / December 20, 2022
News Labor shortages, heat bring tough tides for WA shellfish farm At Taylor Shellfish Farms, hiring is increasingly a challenge as skyrocketing housing costs and difficult working conditions make it hard to recruit. by Mara Kardas-Nelson High Country News / October 17, 2022
Environment Offshore wind farming gains momentum on the West Coast Washington, Oregon and California could soon see floating turbines off their coasts. by Alex Brown Stateline / May 13, 2022
Environment WA seaweed farming could boom but permitting remains difficult Like much of the West Coast, the state needs a regulatory overhaul if it wants to take advantage of emerging ocean aquaculture. by Alex Brown Stateline / March 29, 2022
Environment Washington and other coastal states seek to limit seawall construction Protective structures can help save properties from erosion, but by blocking the natural flow of sand and sediment, they can accelerate erosion elsewhere. by Alex Brown Stateline / November 5, 2021
During wildfires, West Coast farmworkers forced to put harvest over health Little is done to protect the workers’ health, and many feel powerless to hold employers accountable. by Mara Kardas-Nelson & Jess Alvarenga & Rosa Amanda Tuirán InvestigateWest / October 6, 2020
How wildfires in the American West hurt the entire country As smoke travels, it can cause illness and economic hardship thousands of miles away. by Mara Kardas-Nelson InvestigateWest / October 1, 2020