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Step by step, Washington state is making holistic progress to help salmon populations recover.
For 6 million years, Pacific salmon have repeated their extraordinary life cycle. But that delicate dance may be in its final act absent a full-scale intervention.
Fortunately, humanity is coming together at a crucial hour. Tribes, federal governments, states, and communities are working in harmony in the Pacific Northwest to save salmon. And while handshakes won't save salmon alone, progress is accelerated by consensus.
The state has cleared 219 failed culverts on its property in recent years, opening 680 miles of potential habitat. The Climate Commitment Act and other revenue sources are sponsoring hundreds of fish barrier corrections on private land. And the state's nation-leading water quality standards are reversing ecological damage.
Humanity has pushed salmon to the brink. But by acting in unison, society may yet help them recover.
Read the full story on Gov. Jay Inslee's Medium
Washingtonians enjoy longer life expectancy than most Americans. We’re among the most physically active states in the country. Washington smokes less than other states, and our air quality has improved significantly since 1985. Washington’s COVID-19 death rate was among the lowest in the country. Our public health approach is working, and it’s helping people live longer.
This week, the state Department of Health launched yet another effort to improve public health, starting with communities where outcomes trail. The “Be Well WA” campaign will encourage Washingtonians to get moving, forge social connections, improve their diet, and live happier and longer as a result.
“The adage goes that an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah. “Find your apple… Find a way to eat better, move better, connect to a new person… these small things can have a drastic impact on your health.”
‘Find your apple’ at bewellwa.org
Climate Commitment Act boosts Tribal and community-based environmental justice initiatives
The state Department of Health announced a $14 million round of Climate Commitment Act grants to 41 Tribal and community organizations in support of their environmental justice initiatives. Environmental justice policies support communities that have suffered the most harm from pollution and climate change. The grants will support a huge variety of outreach campaigns to advance public health, sustainability, and cultural identity within underrepresented communities across the state.
A new state program helps WA overcome a history of racist housing covenants
Overt racism requires overt action to overcome. Until the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, ‘redlining’ was all too common, creating a generational wealth disparity that persists today. The new Covenant Homeownership Program run by the state Housing Finance Commission addresses that disparity, offering some first-time homebuyers from afflicted communities zero-interest loans for down payment enhancements.
Retired ferries Elwha, Klahowya to ride off into the sunset
A pair of retired state ferry vessels are due to be recycled soon. The Elwha first sailed in 1967 and served dutifully until extensive corrosion was diagnosed in 2019. The Klahowya first sailed in 1958 and was removed from service in 2017. The two vessels will be brought to Ecuador to be disassembled for recycling.
DOH launches food poisoning reporting system
The Washington State Department of Health has launched a first-of-its-kind food poisoning reporting system: the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS). After a 2021 e-coli outbreak hospitalized 10 and a 2023 listeria contamination killed three, the new system will help the department quickly identify patterns and respond by issuing warnings or requiring recalls.
New air quality program for overburdened communities set to launch
The state Department of Ecology is set to announce a new program that will fund community-based initiatives to improve air quality in areas where pollution is especially harmful. Funded by the Climate Commitment Act, the program supports local efforts to slash pollution such as reducing vehicle miles, collecting yard waste to discourage burning, and installing efficient electric heat pumps.
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