AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: Washington accounts for 24 of 32 reported Salmonella cases linked to broccoli seeds and sprouts; four companies have recalled products, and health officials say affected items should be discarded. Wildlife Health: Bird flu has been detected in a Kittitas County backyard flock and, for the first time, Washington dairy cattle. Officials say public risk is low and urge people to avoid sick or dead animals. Water & Restoration: The public can comment on the Deschutes Estuary restoration project. Separately, $40 million in state grants will support streamflow restoration across Washington. Wildlife: Washington is among four states with the highest rates of whale entanglements, a new report says. Climate & Flooding: New Skagit Valley flood maps show worsening conditions, while UW researchers are helping shape a roadmap for future climate assessments. Forests & Outdoors: Crowds chasing golden larches in the North Cascades are creating parking and safety problems along Highway 20. Earlier this week, a $5 million plan was announced to protect Olympia-area forest, shoreline and a rare cove.

Deschutes Estuary: Washington’s Ecology and Enterprise Services departments opened public comment through Nov. 9 on updated restoration plans, including new berms, bridge work and refined channel designs. Whale Entanglements: Washington accounted for 11.8% of reported Pacific whale entanglements in 2025, with nine confirmed cases. Olympia’s Cascadia Research Collective is the region’s only team federally authorized to lead a full disentanglement response. Flood Risk: Updated Skagit River flood maps warn that climate warming could make severe floods more frequent, while dams and levees may not protect communities from the worst events. Climate Research: Eight UW researchers joined 167 colleagues in a roadmap for future U.S. climate assessments, identifying research priorities after federal funding for the next assessment was canceled. Habitat and Water: Washington awarded $40 million in streamflow-restoration grants, while a separate $5 million plan will protect Olympia-area forest, shoreline and a rare cove.

Shellfish Safety: Washington postponed the razor-clam season after domoic acid levels rose to or exceeded health limits at coastal beaches; testing will continue before officials set new digging dates. Legacy Forests: State lands commissioner Dave Upthegrove has backed away from a plan to protect 77,000 acres of maturing forest, citing budget shortfalls that leave the Department of Natural Resources reliant on timber revenue. Wildlife: Drought and shrinking berry supplies are pushing Whatcom County bears toward lower elevations and neighborhoods; residents are urged to secure garbage, bird feeders and other food sources. River Restoration: Duwamish Alive volunteers are set to plant native species, remove invasive plants and clear river debris on Oct. 17, supporting habitat for salmon and other wildlife. Water and Habitat: Washington awarded $40 million in streamflow restoration grants, while a separate $5 million plan aims to protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove. More Local Concerns: The state continues efforts to trap invasive green crabs, and bird flu has been confirmed in Central Washington dairy cattle.

Shellfish Safety: Washington’s razor-clam season remains on hold after domoic acid levels rose; Long Beach samples reached 22 parts per million, above the 20-ppm safety limit. Wildlife and Habitat: State efforts to trap invasive green crabs continue, while a $5 million plan will protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove. Farm Health: H5N1 has been confirmed in two Yakima County dairy herds, the first known cattle cases in Washington. Seattle-area Construction: Sound Transit plans to remove about 120 trees along NE 145th Street for Stride bus rapid transit improvements, with new landscaping planned after construction. Wildfire Research: WSU and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratory are partnering on wildfire-prevention research.

Weather: Western Washington faces another frosty night, with inland valleys dipping below freezing and a second frost advisory in effect for Monday morning. Rivers and Forests: Washington is directing $40 million in streamflow-restoration grants to rivers, while a separate $5 million plan aims to protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove. Wildlife and Fisheries: Bird flu has been confirmed in two Yakima County dairy herds, the first known cattle cases in the state. Razor clam digging remains postponed because of marine toxins, and the Stillaguamish River is closed to fishing through Nov. 2. Energy and Coasts: Walla Walla’s proposed Amazon data center is drawing protests and local debate, while Washington residents are being urged to oppose a proposed oil pipeline and supertankers in the Salish Sea.

Wildfire Prevention: WSU and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories are teaming up on fire-prevention research, including the goal of developing technology that can predict fires days ahead. Habitat Protection: A $5 million plan aims to protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove, while Washington also announced $40 million in grants for streamflow restoration across the state. Invasive Species: State crews removed 2.1 million European green crabs from July 2025 to June 2026; counts rose in most management areas. Farm and Coastal Health: Avian flu was detected in two Yakima County dairy herds, Washington’s first known cattle cases. Razor clam digs on state beaches were postponed after marine toxins spiked. Wildlife: A southern resident orca was seen carrying her dead newborn calf off Washington, renewing concern for the endangered population. Clean Energy: The Museum of Flight is installing nearly 2,000 solar panels.

Wildfire Prevention: WSU and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories are teaming up on research that could help predict fires days in advance, combining expertise in weather, geology and restoration. Invasive Species: Washington removed 2.1 million European green crabs from July 2025 to June 2026, but counts rose in most management areas. Habitat Protection: More than 218 acres near Olympia, including rare Hudson Cove estuary and 2.5 miles of shoreline, are now permanently protected. Salmon: WDFW closed the Stillaguamish River to recreational fishing through Nov. 1 after protected Chinook numbers reached a closure threshold. Flood Resilience: Everson received $500,000 to plan a flood wall around its wastewater plant, which was submerged in last year’s flooding. Clean Energy: Seattle’s Museum of Flight is planning to install nearly 2,000 solar panels.

Wildlife and Farms: Washington confirmed its first cases of avian flu in dairy cattle, with infections found in two Yakima County herds. River Restoration: The state awarded $40 million in grants for projects to restore streamflow in rivers across Washington. Coastal Health: Razor clam digging was postponed on Washington beaches after marine toxin levels rose. A powerful El Niño is also pushing up coastal sea levels, potentially worsening winter flooding. Salmon and Orcas: Fall salmon are returning to Kitsap streams, though early counts vary by watershed. A southern resident orca was seen carrying a dead newborn calf. Energy and Industry: Protests are growing over proposed AI data centers in Washington and their electricity demands, while residents are urged to oppose the Pacific Link Pipeline and tanker traffic in the Salish Sea.

Water and Rivers: Washington Ecology awarded $40 million for 15 projects to restore streamflows, improve fish habitat and strengthen water supplies. A $5 million grant will support restoration at Gold Creek near Snoqualmie Pass. Farm and Wildlife Health: H5N1 was confirmed in dairy cattle at two Yakima County farms, the first known cases in Washington. Farms are quarantined; officials say risk to the public is low and pasteurized milk remains safe. Coastal Resources: Razor clam digging on Washington beaches was postponed after marine toxins spiked. Salish Sea: Washington residents are urging officials to oppose the proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline and tanker traffic; Gov. Bob Ferguson has criticized Canada’s push to fast-track the project. Wildlife: A southern resident orca was seen carrying her dead newborn calf, renewing concern for the endangered population. Energy and Development: Walla Walla residents and activists are pressing for a pause on data center expansion, amid growing debate over the local impacts of the AI buildout.

Wildfire Season: Washington’s All-Risk Mobilization Program reports a brutal year for wildfires, underscoring the strain on emergency response. Southern Resident Orcas: A mother was seen carrying her dead newborn calf near the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Researchers say every surviving calf matters to the critically endangered population. Salish Sea: Washington residents are being urged to oppose the proposed Pacific Link pipeline and oil supertankers as Canada fast-tracks a new B.C. pipeline; vessel traffic through the sea is also rising. Coastal Waters: Razor clam digging has been postponed on Washington beaches after marine toxins increased. Public Health: A Franklin County resident in their 70s died of West Nile virus, the state’s first reported death from the disease this year; mosquitoes can remain active until a hard frost. Recovery: Quinault South Shore Road reopened after repairs to a washout that had cut off access for nearly two years.

Salish Sea: Washington leaders and residents are urging Canada to slow its proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline review, warning that more supertankers could raise spill risks for marine habitats, fisheries and endangered Southern Resident killer whales. A new petition calls for the state to oppose the project and demand binding, funded protections. Coastal Health: Washington postponed the start of razor clam season after domoic acid levels rose toward unsafe thresholds; officials say they’ll wait for further testing before reopening beaches. Energy and Growth: Protests across Washington are calling for a pause on data center expansion, as communities press officials for answers about the projects’ power demands. Puget Sound Energy customers, meanwhile, are pushing back on proposed rate hikes that the utility says would fund infrastructure and help meet state clean-energy requirements. Resilience and Habitat: The state Public Works Board awarded $214 million to local governments for infrastructure, including flood-resilience work and habitat restoration.

Litter Prevention: Washington Ecology is giving out free reusable car litter bags at participating car washes this month, part of a statewide campaign to keep trash off roads and communities. Salish Sea: A new analysis projects vessel traffic could rise 16.6%, adding nearly 2,000 annual transits; tanker trips to Canadian ports could more than quadruple historic levels. Coastal Health: Razor clam digs on Washington beaches are postponed after a spike in marine toxins. Data Center Pushback: Residents in Walla Walla and across Washington are calling for a pause on new data centers amid concerns about power costs, water use and local impacts. Public Lands: A federal court has halted the Stehekin road project. Waste Reduction: Washington awarded $2.4 million for recycling and industrial-symbiosis projects.

Data Centers & Water Concerns: In Walla Walla, nearly 40 residents rallied across 19 locations statewide calling for a pause on AI data centers, warning about secrecy, water use, and potential impacts to aquifers. Marine Health: Washington’s recreational razor clam season was postponed after domoic acid levels trended upward or exceeded health guidelines, with WDFW saying beaches will reopen only after further testing. Orca Survival Update: Whale researchers documented another southern resident orca carrying a dead newborn calf, highlighting ongoing pregnancy failures tied to low Chinook salmon availability plus pollution, noise, and inbreeding. Wildlife & Habitat: Port of Seattle invested $850K in local environmental projects, while Seattle’s Army Corps removed up to 900 tons of driftwood for reuse in rebuilding wildlife habitat. Local Governance & Costs: Tacoma is weighing job and program cuts to close a $40M budget deficit, including potential reductions to community safety initiatives.

Green Buildings: Seattle’s Lumen Field earned LEED Platinum, the top U.S. Green Building Council rating, for upgrades tied to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste diversion, and greener operations. Air Quality/Weather: A stagnant pattern is keeping fog, low clouds, and haze over the South Sound into midweek, with moderate air quality at times; showers and cooler air arrive Friday. Wildfire Recovery: Spokane Housing Authority and Spokane County are receiving $500,000 in state funds for housing help for people displaced by the Spokane Complex Fires. Wildlife & Safety: Fall foliage travel overlaps with peak deer breeding movement, raising the risk of animal-vehicle crashes. Energy/Water: The U.S. Department of Energy selected 14 hydropower projects for testing support through its Hydropower Testing Network. Marine Restoration: In Canada’s Clayoquot Sound, Indigenous-led kelp restoration is expanding habitat as sea otters return and cameras track recovery. Data Centers Backlash: Hundreds of Washington residents staged events calling for a statewide data-center moratorium amid concerns about power and water use. Recycling Funding: Washington Commerce awarded $2.4 million for recycling and waste-reduction innovation under the Climate Commitment Act. Tribal Fishing Rights: The Chehalis Tribe challenged WDFW’s permitting approach for a Chehalis River stretch, warning anglers about possible citations. Port of Seattle: The port is investing $850,000 in local environmental projects near the airport and in South King County.

Salmon History & Waste: A new look at Washington’s salmon recovery efforts traces them back to a grim 1800s era when millions of pounds of fish were discarded, including massive cannery waste that helped shape today’s hatchery and conservation push. Recycling & Circular Economy: Washington’s Department of Commerce awarded $2.4 million for recycling and industrial symbiosis projects, including turning waste into construction materials and renewable natural gas. Wildlife Grants: The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is taking pre-proposals for 2027-2029 wildlife diversity grants, with about $900,000 expected to support species recovery work. Data Center Backlash: Protesters across Washington renewed calls for a pause on AI data center expansion, citing electricity and water use concerns. Invasive Species Watch: Reports highlight invasive lizards spreading on Vancouver Island and tips for homeowners as seasonal bugs look for warm indoor spots. Local Impacts: Renton residents and businesses complain about dust and disruption from an abandoned-building demolition, while WSDOT schedules major southbound I-405 closures in Bothell.

Traffic Safety Funding: King County’s Target Zero Coalition picked Federal Way nonprofits Mujer al Volante and Mission Africa for $20,000 each to expand multilingual traffic safety education across South King County, building on a focus corridor along 140th Ave SE. Wildlife in Schools: Puyallup’s Edgerton Elementary has found eight bats over 17 days, with officials launching exclusion work and coordinating with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Oil Pipeline Pushback: Gov. Bob Ferguson and Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller criticized Canada’s decision to fast-track the West Coast Oil Pipeline as a “Project of National Interest,” warning it could expand tanker traffic in the Salish Sea and overwhelm spill-response capacity. Climate & Coasts: A report highlights expected sea-level rise on the West Coast—about a foot—raising stakes for flooding and erosion planning. Weather Watch: Seattle wrapped its coldest September in 19 years and started October dry, with forecasts calling for more dry, mild days. Local Tech/Water Use Debate: AWS CEO Matt Garman defended data centers’ water use claims amid ongoing community opposition to new AI infrastructure. Transit & Equity: Sound Transit is opening Pinehurst Station in North Seattle, but critics note limited nearby housing/jobs development could leave the stop underused for years.