News of the Week - August 18, 2014

Tragedy on Ramona Falls Trail: One Hiker Killed and 23 Others Rescued in Flash Flood

On Tuesday, August 12, a flash flood wiped out the seasonal bridge over the Sandy River on the trail to Ramona Falls. One hiker was killed in the washout. The flood stranded 23 other hikers that were rescued later that using inflatable rafts. The seasonal bridge is replaced every spring and is generally removed or washed out in the fall. The Forest Service is currently evaluating whether or not to replace the temporary bridge this year or potentially add a more permanent structure given the trail's popularity.

Treaty Rights and Totem Poles: How the Lummi Tribe is Finding Success Blocking a Coal Terminal in Belllingham

As companies continue to look for places to build coal and oil shipping terminals on the West Coast to fuel energy needs in Asia, resistance is found at every turn. One tribe, the Lummi, are finding success blocking a proposed terminal in Bellingham, Washington. By forging partnerships with local fisherman and environmentalists, the tribe is using its sovereign-nation status and treaty rights to stop the planned development. According to the Lummi, the proposed terminal would impact vital fishing zones in the Salish Sea that the tribe has used for over 2,500 years.

Seattle Runner Sets Speed Record for Pacific Crest Trail

Joe McConaughy, a 23-year-old from Seattle, completed the full 2,660 mile journey of the PCT in just 53 days, a full six days faster than the previous record. He was supported by three college buddies along the way with supplies and gear. McConaughy raised nearly $27,000 for cancer support services in his bid. The record for an unsupported trip is 60 days. The majority of hikers take over five months to complete the route, although for most, completing the PCT is a journey and not a race to the finish.

Wolverine Is Not a Threatened Species, According to the Federal Government

With only 250 to 322 wolverines living in the continental U.S., environmentalists had hoped to gain protections for the species. However, with the animals continuing to rebound from near-extinction, the federal government determined there was not sufficient cause to warrant the listing as a threatened species. Environmentalists' main concerns for the wolverine recovery is that climate change is causing a decrease in snow pack. As EarthFix explains, wolverines build their dens in deep snow.

Historic Enchanted Valley Chalet will be Relocated in September

A house-moving company was awarded the contract for $124,000 by the National Park Service to relocate the historic structure before it is destroyed. The Chalet will be moved 50 to 100 feet from its current location. The course of the East Fork Quinault River has shifted, eroding the bank directly below the structure's foundation. Enchanted Valley will be closed to overnight camping during the relocation process.