Great story by Nick Engelfried who is now a contributing editor for @columbiainsight.bsky.social

Here’s how December’s floods will impact the environment. Two centuries of land management have created a landscape maladapted to severe weather events. This months floods will affecting everything from salmon to oyster fisheries. columbiainsight.org/heres-how-de...

Another Washington logging project, another endangered species put in jeopardy: columbiainsight.org/logging-proj...

Up here on the Olympic Peninsula, “really, really deep snowpack deficits” means water restrictions or maybe even water shortages next summer during drought season. Our water supply comes from the Elwha River, and some of that water comes from glacier and snow melt. Some glaciers have melted. Tone.

Been feeling the heat this fall? You're right - the Northwest just finished warmest fall on record. All of Oregon and most of southern Washington are seeing “really, really deep snowpack deficits”. columbiainsight.org/northwest-ju...

We've had a busy year! Let's sum it up. 10 biggest environmental stories of 2025: The federal government launched its War on Nature. Nature soldiered on... columbiainsight.org/10-biggest-e...

A first-of-its-kind survey will improve management of beavers and riparian ecosystems in Oregon’s Blue Mountains. Beavers are a keystone species that provide essential hydrologic engineering to ecosystems across the US. columbiainsight.org/whatare-beav...

On this day in 1963 the U.S. Clean Air Act became law. Reminded us of this Op-Ed piece from our archive. columbiainsight.org/mr-trumps-wa...

Bateman Causeway: Decades-old salmon barrier finally being removed. Tribes and conservationists cheer Corps of Engineers decision that brings closure to a hard-fought campaign on the Yakima River. This is a storywe have been watching since 2023. columbiainsight.org/bateman-caus...

The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled against state wildlife officials who tried to quietly weaken protections for migrating salmon. My latest in @columbiainsight.bsky.social on this attempted regulatory sleight-of-hand.

Walla Walla wants to know: Does forest ‘thinning’ work? About 12,000 acres near the town’s water supply will be logged in the name of safety. Critics say that’s just an excuse to cut down trees. columbiainsight.org/walla-walla-...

Oregon court invalidates stealth changes to fish passage rules. Ruling says ODFW violated public notice requirements when it redefined fish passages to include trap-and-haul methods. columbiainsight.org/oregon-court...

A story for #worldwildlifeconservationday - New bill seeks to dismember protections for endangered species. A push to strip the #EndangeredSpeciesAct pits survival against economic interests. More than 50 #PacificNorthwest species are at risk. columbiainsight.org/new-bill-see...

Environmental passion project documents new species in an Oregon County. The survey paints an ecological picture that’s hopeful and alarming, wondrous and worrisome. columbiainsight.org/environmenta...

OPINION: Building more roads in national forests won’t prevent wildfires. The administration wants the public to believe new roads and logging help prevent fires. In fact, they facilitate more. columbiainsight.org/building-mor...

On #givingtuesday help us get the word out! Our reporting doesn’t stop at our website — It’s republished by major regional + national outlets, reaching tens of thousands more readers. columbiainsight.org/donate/

STORY UPDATE: "Low Impact" certification app. for Wells Dam on the Columbia dropped. Maryalice Fischer (Certification Program Dir.) emailed 25+ govt, tribal and nonprofits LHIH would be dropping its dam certification evaluation. columbiainsight.org/should-this-...

Thank you for the shoutout @ianrosewrites.bsky.social

Should this dam on the Columbia River be certified ‘Low Impact’? Tribes, environmental groups and the state of Washington challenge Douglas County PUD’s bid for low impact certification for Wells Dam. columbiainsight.org/should-this-...

@columbiainsight.bsky.social has been tracking WA endangered western gray squirrels since '23. They face threats from logging, especially in the Gorge. New efforts are being undertaken to save their habitat, even as one timber lot goes up for auction today. columbiainsight.org/logging-proj...

Data Center Workgroup convened by WA Gov Ferguson set to release recommendations on industry's future on Dec. 1, Columbia Insight has gotten ahead of the story, exclusively reporting that the group will not recommend measures to require use of carbon-free energy. columbiainsight.org/wash-data-ce...

Banned since 1948, fish traps return to the #ColumbiaRiver. Can they catch hatchery #salmon while protecting wild, endangered species? columbiainsight.org/banned-since...

Your gift to @columbiainsight is matched up to 4X! 🌎 Support independent environmental journalism in the Columbia River Basin. Give now → columbiainsight.org/donate

Wildfire risk is making timberland less valuable. Rising wildfire risk and volatile timber pricing may lower forestland values by as much as 50%. columbiainsight.org/wildfire-ris...

Repeal of roadless rule could mean return of timber wars. Seventeen years ago, Idaho opted out of the national program. Could its foresight provide a template for compromise? columbiainsight.org/repeal-of-ro...

Super Hot Rocks could power data centers in central Oregon. Enhanced Geothermal Systems are breaking new ground. How deep can they go in the quest to satisfy AI? columbiainsight.org/super-hot-ro...

Is Washington's plan to protect 77,000 acres the state's "largest forest conservation action in a generation," or smoke and mirrors? I tackle the hard questions here: columbiainsight.org/wash-says-it... @wadnr.bsky.social

Columbia Insight has delivered news on environmental issues that affect the Pacific Northwest for over 10 years, powered by supporters like you. Now your gift to @columbiainsight is matched up to 4X! 🌎 Support independent environmental journalism. Give now → columbiainsight.org/donate

Washington says it will save 77,000 acres from logging. BUT Don’t applaud yet. Critics say the big plan amounts to “smoke and mirrors” and is “misleading”. columbiainsight.org/wash-says-it...

8 new Washington bee species have been identified. The unexpected finds in Chelan County have important implications for biodiversity and knowledge about expanding ranges. 6 of the 8 bees are pollinators. columbiainsight.org/8-new-washin...

Take part in a global effort to track sea level changes. On the Oregon Coast the next King Tides are November 5 to 7. Participation is easy: choose a location along the coast, snap a photo when the tide is at its highest point, and share it at www.oregonkingtides.net.

A story from the archive for global climate awareness day: Human activity is making it difficult to retain adequate water supplies. Study also says climate change is making it harder to escape drought even as winters bring lots of precipitation. columbiainsight.org/human-activi...

In Washington, one of last wolves of the Sherman pack has been issued a ‘lethal removal’ order. If the pack loses another adult, the fate of the whole pack is in the balance. 70% of WDFW wolf killings are being carried out on behalf of a single landowner.

Idaho is the first state in US to try new firefighting tech. The state has struck a deal with a German company for a satellite-based monitoring system already in use in Canada and Europe. #firefighting #wildfire #wildlandsfire #forestfire columbiainsight.org/idaho-first-...

Can luxury and wilderness co-exist? After a controversy in the Columbia River Gorge, the glamping alternative is under scrutiny. columbiainsight.org/the-glamp-di...

A popular conservation organization, the Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington, is closing its doors. For the past 17 years the nonprofit organization, has planted hundreds of thousands of trees along creeks, streams and rivers. This year will be its last. columbiainsight.org/a-popular-co...

How about a good news bat story? Collaboration between government agencies and a mining company has transformed a dangerous but valuable property into prime bat real estate in Idaho. columbiainsight.org/an-abandoned...

We're delighted that this story by @ianrosewrites.bsky.social‬ has been so well received and praised for it's research and accuracy.

Bad news for PNW bats. OR Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats has been detected in the state for the first time. Read about the perilous lives of bats. Researchers are concerned about new threats to populations, especially in WA.

Emerald ash borers can kill an ash tree within three years of initial infestation. They have killed millions of ash trees since they arrived in the US. Having made it to Portland, Oregon, Washington is on alert. The Columbia River is not likely to be a barrier. columbiainsight.org/tree-killing...

Unprecedented water restrictions imposed across Yakima River Basin. New curtailments will impact 1,500 water rights holders and local communities might need to restrict residential watering. columbiainsight.org/unprecedente...

Quick reminder. If you are near the Vancouver area on Oct 16 don't miss the State of the Columbia discussion. Meet like minded people, experts and unsung heros. Reserve your ticket here... columbiainsight.org/events/

Now here's a story from our archives for #WorldAnimalDay! How wildlife responds to hikers: Get lost. New study suggests hikers should stay on one crowded trail rather than disperse across multiple, lesser-used ones. columbiainsight.org/get-lost-how...

Why the Pac NW needs to ban rat poison. Wildlife, fish and pets are put at risk when alternative rat poison and rodent-control solutions are available. Raptors play an outsized role in rodent control so poisoning them can actually worsen rodent problems. #wildlife #raptors #ratpoison

Are we ready for an underwater power line in the Columbia River? Permitting for the Cascade Renewable Transmission Project has hit a snag. Developers say it’s a minor hitch.

Join us for discussion on the State of the Columbia River Basin. A unique opportunity to connect with fellow river enthusiasts and deepen your understanding of this iconic river system! Tickets are free. Oct 16 at 7pm at the Ripple Center, Vancouver, WA 98660. columbiainsight.org/events/ #PNW

Tracking wildlife from a helicopter: How it’s really done. In this book, Chasing Wildlife Secrets, author Scott McCorquodale, offers a firsthand account of the lives of professional wildlife biologists.

In the past three years, scientists have documented a slow but steady increase in the number of Pacific Northwest species that are dying from avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. columbiainsight.org/bird-flu-is-...

Today, in a move that has alarmed conservationists, the Department of the Interior unveiled a proposal to rescind the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule—effectively removing conservation as an equal priority in public-land management. #publiclands #BLM #protectpubliclands #parkchat

Watershed restoration and ecosystem regeneration expert Zach Weiss explains how when it comes to our fresh water, we are taking much more than we are giving back.