By Kirk Kirkland On June 11, 2026, the DuPont Hearing Examiner approved the South Parcel gravel mine expansion. The final decision confirms that this gravel project will create significant, irreversible environmental disruptions. The approved permit completely fails to provide adequate mitigation for the following structural impacts: Catastrophic Stream Loss. Active mining will drain the Vashon […]
By Kirk Kirkland The ongoing dialogue in May and June about the proposed Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Land Transfer focused on what the city and County Commissioners could do on the local level. Their concern was to reduce the impact of the decline in taxes and other fees when governance of the Tribe takes over governance […]
by Kirk Kirkland On June 11, 2026, the DuPont Hearing Examiner approved the South Parcel gravel mine expansion. The final decision confirms that the project will create significant environmental disruptions. The approved permit fails to provide adequate mitigation for catastrophic stream loss, wetland destruction, wildlife habitat degradation, and heightened forest fire risks due to aquifer […]
Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge by Al Bergstein Published by Olympic Peninsula Environmental News on June 23, 2026 In a surprising statement Monday in a meeting of the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, Jamestown S’Klallam Chairman and CEO Ron Allen stated that a number of tribes in the Salish Sea and coastal waters seek […]
by Brett M. Johnson, Political Committee Chair Endorsements have been decided for most County Council and State Legislature races. Previous endorsements were carried over to this year for several incumbents. For those who interviewed with us last month, we truly appreciate their time and willingness to discuss important issues. A few of these races were […]
Last November’s election of a new county executive and two councilmembers represented a sea change in county government. It brought a new level of cooperation not seen in decades. Two Democrats needed for a county council majority were elected and Ryan Mello won the County Executive’s seat. This majority has taken on some major reforms […]
July is one of the liveliest months at the preserve, as native plants flourish and young wildlife begins to explore the landscape. Prairie plants, including Showy Daisy, Common Yarrow, and Harvest Brodiaea, can be spotted throughout the preserve. Native berries such as huckleberry and trailing blackberry are beginning to appear, while brilliant pink rose spirea […]
Brenda Lykins is running for Pierce County Council District 7. She seeks to fill an open seat after Robyn Denson decided not to seek a second term. Brenda and Robyn are close friends, and both served on Gig Harbor City Council together before Brenda moved to North Tacoma recently. by Brett Johnson Brenda would serve the […]
Signs of Summer June brings a new wave of activity and growth to the Preserve as spring transitions into early summer. Tree Swallows, Violet-green Swallows and a Western Bluebird pair are tending to nests and the first few nestlings have already arrived. Migratory birds like Swainson’s Thrush, Western Wood-Pewees, and Cedar Waxwings can be seen […]
