Washington State Is Thinning Out Forests To Reduce Wildfire Risk The state of Washington is moving to aggressively thin forests to reduce the worsening wildfire risk. The initiative signals a rare truce between loggers and environmentalists. Kirk Siegler
Diversifying Crops Is Good For The Planet. But Can It Be Good For Farmers' Wallets? Fertilizer runoff is fueling the toxic algae bloom in the Gulf of Mexico. Farmers could help, by growing crops in rotation to reduce the need for fertilizer. But it's unclear who will buy them. Rachel Cernansky
Northwest shellfish growers back off on pesticide Local shellfish growers are backing off on plans to use a controversial pesticide, despite concerns that an infestation is threatening to ruin the industry. Ruby de Luna
Washington Dam Managers Say Their Big Concrete Structures Are Earthquake Ready If you live at the foot of a dam – or downriver – you may wonder what could happen if an earthquake rumbled nearby. Dam managers say it’s something they’re constantly watching, but major shaking east of the Cascades shouldn’t cause too much damage. Courtney Flatt
Whale sanctuary area proposed for humpbacks There's another whale of concern in West Coast waters: the humpback whale. Federal ocean officials are now proposing critical habitat for the humpbacks to make the Washington waters they visit safer and quieter. Paige Browning
Stop recycling plastic bags, Seattle. Also could you do us a favor... No more plastic bags in the household recycling bin. Starting January first, plastic bags and wrap will no longer be accepted in curbside recycling in Seattle and the rest of King County. Carolyn Adolph
Trump Administration Moves To Expand Logging In Nation's Largest National Forest The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to end a nearly two-decade long limit on logging in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. Local officials have pushed for looser restrictions to boost the economy. Elizabeth Jenkins
Northwest Indigenous Leaders Call For Removal Of 3 Lower Columbia River Dams Yakama Nation called for the removal of three lower Columbia River dams this week on Indigenous Peoples Day. Courtney Flatt
Northwest Tribes Call For Removal Of Lower Columbia River Dams The Yakama Nation called Monday for the removal of three lower Columbia River dams, in an effort to save salmon and preserve First Nations’ culture. Courtney Flatt
Don’t stand in the door frame and other (updated) earthquake response tips A big earthquake drill is taking place across the state, and even the world, Thursday. KUOW listeners want to know what they’re supposed to do when the ground shakes for real. Anna Boiko-Weyrauch
