Lake Whatcom, trails to reopen, Second crash at exact same Kendal road location, Plans to trap bears in Ferndale, 10 mil for Whatcom flood prevention project, Extreme busy end of summer travel, WA to assist in ebike purchases, borrowing, Free and Cheap
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STORY: Lake Whatcom, trails to reopen
Lake Whatcom is open once more to boaters. The North Hertz trail has been reopened as of noon today but the south Hertz trail will remain closed while the fire burns. Both were closed due to the Blue Canyon Fire in the area. Blue Canyon Road is still closed to everyone except fire crews and residents.
The fire on Lake Whatcom’s southeast bank has not abated but it has not grown in size from 45 acres burned. People are asked to steer clear of the fire area – both on land and on water – as falling debris from the blaze has slid down to the shore.
The fire has not grown because of wet weather the last few days along with the arrival of 3 20-person hand crews to fight the blaze on foot.
The fire is estimated at 0% containment, so before the number of people fighting the fire decreases, fire lines will have to be better established.
The effects of the fire are expected to be seen for weeks afterwards, as it is in a very visible location.
For more information about road, park and trail closures heading into the Labor Day weekend, check with WhatcomCounty.com for updates.
STORY: Second crash at exact same Kendall road location
A second crash occurred last evening on the same stretch of road in Kendall where a man died just one day prior.
The occupant of the car last night failed to navigate the same curve, and collided with the same exact traffic signs. The signs had just been replaced the previous morning.
The driver was transported to PeaceHealth St Joseph’s Medical Center by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.
STORY: Plans to trap bears in Ferndale
After reports of bears being seen in Ferndale, officials with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife are currently planning to make attempts to trap the animals.
The DFW states that while there have been no human-bear conflicts or depredations reported in the area, once bears know about a non-natural food source they keep coming back and can lose their fear of humans. Removal of the bears is simply a temporary solution and the most effective action is to remove food and other bear attractants.
The department recommends that once any food sources are removed, if a bear is seen nearby the best thing to do is clap loudly and shoo it away.
STORY: 10 mil for Whatcom flood prevention project
The Washington Dept of Ecology will award $63 million to twelve recipients to transform how floodplains in the state’s major river basins are managed. Ten million of that money will go to Whatcom County.
Floodplains are essential, according to Ecology Director Laura Watson. They provide important habitat for salmon, rich soil for farms, and remarkable opportunities for recreation and enjoying nature. A floodplain is the region between a river bank and the base of the enclosing valley.
The ten million to Whatcom County will continue a multi-phased project to integrate flood hazard reduction and salmon recovery with the needs of agriculture and other land uses in the Nooksack River watershed.
STORY: Extremely busy end of summer travel
The Port of Seattle is warning all travelers over the holiday weekend to be prepared for long waits, longer lines, and lots of people.
Passenger levels during the upcoming Labor Day period are predicted to return to pre-pandemic levels, with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) expecting an 18 percent increase in volume compared to last year. The busiest travel days are anticipated to be today, tomorrow, and Sunday, with almost 200,000 people traveling on each day.
In fact, projections suggest that 2023 is likely to see passenger volumes nearly matching those of 2019, and 2024 is expected to surpass 2019 by 3 percent, potentially breaking the previous annual passenger record of 51.8 million set in that year.
Travelers are advised to get to the airport at least two hours ahead, get your information in order ahead of time, and be prepared for TSA checkpoints.
STORY: WA to assist in ebike purchases, borrowing
Starting next year, Washington will help those wanting to buy or borrow e-bikes by providing vouchers and lending libraries.
The 5 million dollar initiative comes as a part of a 2 billion dollar spending package Washington enacted in April that aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The vouchers provided to e-bike purchasers will be worth up to 1,200 dollars for low-income households, and up to 300 dollars for others.
Washington State’s transportation sector is its single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 39 percent of the total. Lawmakers say the program helps tackle both the issue of traffic and pollution at the same time.
Cities that have a similar rebate program, like Denver, have seen great success. Vouchers for rebates get snatched up quickly when available, and the average redeemer reports using their e-bike instead of their car for about 3.4 trips each week, for a total of 21.6 fewer miles driven. That translates to a reduction of more than 142,000 miles in Denver each week, which city officials estimate has displaced more than 2,600 tons of greenhouse gas emissions since the program’s inception.
A more specific timeline for Washington will be available once officials finish developing the program.
STORY: Free and cheap
Looking for something to do this weekend?
The Pickford Film Center will air the 1984 film Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind as part of their months-long Studio Ghibli fest 2023. Tickets are $12.50 before fees, and tickets are lower price for students and active military.
The film is about an apocalyptic wasteland where one of the last untouched areas by the surrounding poisonous jungle survives against struggles from humans and giant insects alike. It is rated PG.
The film will air in English dub tomorrow and Sunday, airing in the original Japanese with English subtitles next Wednesday.
WX: Sunny with Showers Sunday
Today is sunny with a high of 76. Clouds will slowly roll in tonight before the coming rain on Sunday. The overnight low will be 58 degrees. We can expect a slightly higher temperature tomorrow with a high of 78.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Susan Lindsey, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
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