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Courts Step In To Ensure Salmon Can Cross (Under) Washington Roads Feb 22, 2017

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As you motor down the highway, you could be driving over dozens of underground passages -- called culverts. Those are metal pipes or concrete boxes that carry streams beneath the roadbed. In the Northwest, thousands of these culverts are poorly designed and maintained -- blocking the way for endangered salmon. That’s why Native American tribes have sued Washington State. Reporting for EarthFix, Eilis (eye-LEASH) O’Neill headed out to look at some culverts…

5 Things To Know About Privitizing Oregon's Elliott State Forest Feb 14, 2017

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At the Oregon State Land Board meeting on Tuesday morning, we'll learn more about the fate of the Elliott State Forest.

Bring Back Grizzlies In Washington Feb 12, 2017

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Grizzly bears have been stirring up debate for decades in North-Central Washington communities. Most people love them or hate them -- they argue the bears are a necessary part of the ecosystem or a threat to their way of life. The public is getting a new chance to share their opinions at open houses throughout Washington. EarthFix reporter Courtney Flatt has more about the controversy

Condor Reintroduction In The Northwest Will Put The Scavengers In Lead’s Way Feb 03, 2017

Show notes

California condors once filled the skies from Baja to British Columbia. The giant scavenging bird had a wingspan of 10 feet. But with European settlement, the population crashed. Condors were victims of poisoning that targeted large predators like wolves. Now, the greatest known killer of these highly endangered birds is a different kind of poisoning – it comes from ingesting lead bullet fragments in dead animals. For our EarthFix series about birds and lead hunting ammunition, Jes Burns reports that an effort to reintroduce the condor in the Pacific Northwest would place them right in harm’s way.

This is what people are doing to save lead-sickened swans Feb 02, 2017

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For decades, environmental laws have protected North America’s trumpeter swan from sport hunting, but every year swans in the Pacific Northwest fall victim to one of hunting’s toxic legacies. For now, a small group of scientists and volunteers may be their only chance of survival. Reporting for our EarthFix team, Ken Christensen has the final story in our series on the effects of lead ammunition on wildlife. .

A 2.0 Wheat That's Better For The Environment Jan 25, 2017

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Every year, wheat dies, and wheat farmers have to till the soil and plant new seeds. That causes erosion, which is hard on the land, hard on the water, and hard on farmers. That’s why researchers in Mount Vernon, Washington, are trying to develop a grain that’s like wheat--but keeps growing back.

Scientists Move To Make e-DNA The Next Big Thing For Oregon Streams Jan 20, 2017

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Occasionally a big idea comes along that promises revolutionize the world – think about things like self-driving cars. For biologists – especially those who work with fish – the big idea involves something called “environmental DNA.” The technology could revolutionize how we protect native animals and ensure invasive species don’t take hold. Jes Burns of EarthFix reports.

Dairy Farmers and Tribal Members Work Together On Pollution Solutions Jan 12, 2017

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Harvesting clams is part of the Lummi people's cultural heritage and an income source. Both are threatened by pollution. Nearby dairy farmers are taking steps so they won't be part of the problem.

122916EO ChristmasBirdCount Dec 30, 2016

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Tens of thousands of birders all over North and Central America are participating right now in the Christmas Bird Count. This annual survey in the last weeks of December and first week of January documents what birds are where and how many of them there are. The count’s been running for over one hundred years. It’s given scientists loads of data about how birds’ ranges and populations are changing. Reporting for EarthFix, Eilís [(eye-LEASH)] O’Neill headed out with some birders north of Everett, Washington…

Oregon's Lagging Streamside Logging Rules Dec 23, 2016

Show notes

Salmon need cool, shady streams to thrive. Oregon was once at the forefront in protecting these waters, but these days, the state lags far behind Washington and California. Now, Oregon is updating how its rivers and streams are protected. Jes Burns of EarthFix partnered with Liam Moriarty of Jefferson Public Radio to find out if these new rules will cool down Oregon’s streams enough to help its salmon make a comeback.

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