Environment
Environment
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Unlocking An Elk Hoof Disease Mystery
WSU researchers unlock key to elk hoof disease mystery.

Salmon Spawning Above Grand Coulee Dam A ‘Hopeful’ Sight
Salmon are now spawning in waters blocked by Grand Coulee Dam. It’s the start of a larger effort to reintroduce salmon into the blocked area.
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Is Fire Season Year-Round Now?
As the weather gets colder the thought of wildfire may be floating away like smoke in the wind. But while the season is wrapping up, the management of wildfire isn’t over.
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Climate Change Is Causing Problems For Puffins
Maine’s population of rare Atlantic puffins took a hit this year, as the number of chicks to survive a tough summer plummeted. The state’s coastal bays and the Gulf of Maine is among the fastest-warming large water bodies on the planet, making the puffins’ fate a test-case for how climate change could disrupt marine ecosystems worldwide.
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Geological Survey Explores Idaho’s Salmon Region For Cobalt
ICB Survey of the area East of the Salmon River where cobalt is being sought. Courtesy of IGS. BY RACHEL SUN Work to provide information on cobalt deposits in Idaho’s
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Donning An N-95 Respirator During Wildfire Smoke Events Could Protect Your Health
New study shows how N95 masks help keep smoke particles out of your lungs.

Poll Finds Many Washington Voters Support Removing Snake River Dams
A new poll supported by environmental groups found Washington voters West and East of the Cascades support dam removal.
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Washington State Parks Director Resigns 7 Months Into The Job
Washington State Parks will need to search for a new permanent director, after Peter Mayer resigned Wednesday.

Fat Bear Week Has A Champion: All Hail 480 Otis
They went pound for pound, gut to gut. Coming into the final round, both animals had fervent support online. But in the end, 480 Otis was crowned the winner of the Fat Bear Week tournament — a competition made all the more unique by the fact that none of its entrants have any idea it exists.
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A massive oil spill in the Pacific Ocean has reached the Southern California coast
More than 120,000 gallons of oil that spilled into the Pacific Ocean has reached the Southern California coastline, closing parts of the beach as officials warn residents to stay away from the slick.
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Federal Regulators To Limit Hot Water In Snake, Columbia Rivers
Federal regulators starting this spring will require dam operators to limit hot water pollution caused by the four Lower Snake River dams.
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Columbia River Toxic Algae: Experts Say Fix What’s Causing It
Health officials are testing Tri-Cities, Washington drinking water twice a week for toxic algae since a half-dozen dogs were sickened or died recently after being on the Columbia River. And the rivershore is closed in Howard Amon Park in Richland. But toxic algae is a nationwide problem, and we still have much to learn.