Tulalip News

Election Shifts Oregon Closer To Carbon Tax, Not So For Washington

Smoke stacks during a night scene in Tacoma, Wash. Election-night shifts in the Oregon state Senate moved it closer to a carbon tax. Washington might have distanced itself further. | credit: Flickr/Tom Collins

By Ashley Ahearn, Earthfix

Environmentalists spent more than $1.5 million in Oregon and Washington in bids to secure Democratic majorities in state legislatures — majorities they wanted for approving clean-fuel standards and a tax on carbon emissions.

The plan worked in Oregon. It didn’t in Washington.

The Washington Conservation Voters, with money from California billionaire Tom Steyer, backed Democratic candidates in three conservative-leaning districts in an attempt to give their party control of the state Senate. All three lost to Republicans.

Environmentalists backed Tami Green against Sen. Steve O’Ban in the south Puget Sound area. Green lost.

They backed Matt Isenhower challenging Sen. Andy Hill in his East Side King County district. Isenhower lost.

They backed Seth Fleetwood trying to unseat Sen. Doug Ericksen in Whatcom County. Fleetwood lost.

That puts Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee in a challenging position for advancing his plans to institute a price on carbon and a low-carbon fuel standard. Environmental groups expected the Democratic challengers to vote for those policies.

At an energy conference Wednesday in Seattle, the governor spoke to reporters with a bit less enthusiasm than normal. He stressed the need for bipartisanship.

“All parties are going to have to accept what they consider imperfect solutions,” Inslee said. “It is the nature of bipartisanship. So I’m going to urge people to come to Olympia with that mindset and if they have that mindset I believe we will succeed.”

In Oregon, Democrats increased their majority in the Senate to at least 17 of the chamber’s 30 seats. They secured one seat and took another one from a Republican. Sen. Alan Bates, D-Medford, won reelection and Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis, defeated Republican incumbent Betsy Close. Another Republican-held seat could flip to the Democrats. It’s held by Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Hillsboro, whose narrow lead against Democratic challenger Chuck Riley remained too close to call Wednesday.

Those results have conservation groups thinking the Oregon Senate is poised to reconsider environmental legislation on issues like clean fuels and disclosure of chemicals in children’s products.

Both of those failed previously after Democrat Betsy Johnson voted with Republicans.

“We don’t even know what we could have brought to the floor because it was just DOA: Dead on Arrival,” said Doug Moore, Executive Director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.

But now, Moore thinks they will have the votes in the Senate to offset that.

“Our ultimate objective here is to price carbon in Oregon. And maybe having 18 seats in the Senate gives us that opportunity,” Moore said.

JL Wilson, a lobbyist for groups opposed to the carbon tax, said he plans to appeal to democrats whose districts depend on industries that oppose the economic burdens of putting a price on carbon emissions.

“I would have a hard time believing you would have 16 senators just lined up to support these policy options,” Wilson said. “Is it more of a challenge than it was prior to last night? Yeah, of course it is. But it’s by no means a fait accompli.”

Elder’s Panel honored by Tulalip Tribal Court

By Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

Elder’s Panel volunteer Hank Williams with Tulalip Tribes Tribal Court Judge Gary Bass, Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, at the Tulalip Tribes Tribal Court. Williams along with other panel volunteers were honored during a special recognition ceremony hosted by the court. (Tulalip News Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil)

TULALIP – Tulalip elders over the past six years have worked diligently to make a positive change in their community through volunteer work via the Tulalip Elder’s Panel, an alternative diversion sentencing program at the Tulalip Tribes Tribal Court for first- time offenders.

On October 17, the panel of volunteers were celebrated by the Tulalip Tribes Tribal Court for their efforts in the community. The special recognition ceremony included Tulalip Tribes council members Deborah Parker, Maria Zackuse and Theresa Sheldon, along with over 30 attendees.

Tulalip elders, Don Hatch Jr., Eleanor M. Nielson, Hank Williams, John Bagley, Lee Topash and Maureen Alexander donate their time on a biweekly schedule, to teach offenders accountability through a unique approach that uses traditional Tulalip culture, the wisdom and experiences of Tulalip elders and tribal court staff to stop re-offending in those, ages 18-42, charged with non-violent crimes.

Enrollment is voluntary and upon successful completion of the program, charges are dismissed. However, the program does not come without its stipulations. Participants are required to complete a host of requirements to successfully complete the program. Requirements include active engagement in their culture and community, regular appearances before the panel, letters of apology, community service and substance abuse treatment, curfews, UA’s, anger management and mental health evaluations and no new violations.

Due to the success of the program, the Tulalip Elder’s Panel received the Hero’s Award in 2009 from the Washington State Bar Association for their volunteer service. This prestigious award typically goes to lawyers but in special circumstances, has been awarded to non-lawyers for their service in the field of law. The program has also inspired state courts to consider implementing a diversion program using the Elder’s Panel as a model. In 2011, the National Center for State Courts visited from New York to learn more about the panel.

“There is serious interest in the panel and the work the elders do,” said Wendy Church, Tulalip Tribes Tribal Court Director, during the recognition ceremony. “Not only do they save the Tribes a lot of funds in diverting young tribal members our of the criminal justice system, but the Elder’s Panel also has a high success rate of clients not returning to the system.”

The panel, in 2013, saved the court $20,000 in judicial and probation time, including jail cost, which can run the Tribe more than $100 a day for incarcerated tribal members. The panel sees an 87 percent success rate in participants.

Along with current panel members, former tribal court clerk Alicia Horne was honored for her work, along with Tulalip Tribal Court Judge Gary Bass and Don Hatch Jr., in establishing the panel. Horne is credited for creating the court forms the panel still uses. Former panel members Virginia Carpenter and the late Bill Shelton were also honored for their time and devotion to the Tulalip community.

Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913+5402; bmontreuil@tulalipnews.com

Shaylee Adelle Chuckulnaskit

On March 26, 2000, Shaylee Adelle Chuckulnaskit’s birth, a day God gave us our Shay Shay. Shaylee left to the be with the Lord on Friday, October 31, 2014.

Shaylee was very outgoing, confident, silly, persistant, fearless, and she mirrored God’s forgiving ways. She was also a fighter with spirit and had faith that could move mountains. Shaylee loved her sports, she played AAU Marysville Select for a few years and for Totem MS this last year. Shay also played volleyball for Totem MS. Shay had so much of God’s perfect love to give, she especially loved her friends, but her love was mostly to all of her family.

Shay leaves behind, whom she loved and adored most, her dad, Kurt Chuckulnaskit, her mom, Lavina Phillips; siblings, her best friend/sister, Shania, her brothers, Kurtis “Chaska” and Keenan, and her baby/little brother, Kaleb James. Shay also leaves her uncles, Kris Chuckulnaskit, Justin Chuckulnaskit, Percy Phillips III, and Jerry John Phillips; her aunts, Tory Chuckulnaskit, Rhonda St. Pierre, Grace Thornton, Lakota and Jenny Phillips. Shay also leaves her grandparents who she loved so much, Percy and Sandra Phillps, and Larry Thornton. Also leaves all her cousins, Vashti and Veniece, Cheryl and Kristy, Tanessa, Lanay, and Jason, Terrance and Nosh, Quentin and Kordelle, Kelsie and Jessie, Mekiah and Marisa, Jalen, Joey, Preston, Blake, Elwa, and LaVea.

Shaylee had such a radiant personality, crazy humor, and one heck of a beautiful smile! She will be remembered by all her selfies in each of our phones! Shay will be tremendously missed by her family and friends! We will always be CRAY CRAY for our Shay Shay!

We also would like to thank all for their support, donations, prayers, etc. from family to the whole nation for all you have done for our family and Shay, she meant the world to us! God has great things in store for each of you!

Shaylee was preceded in death by her loving grandmother, Cheryl Chuckulnaskit; aunt, Sharmon Phillips, uncle Jason Chuckulnaskit; cousins, Caden and Koby Phillips.

Visitation Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Schaefer-Shipman with an Interfaith service to follow at 6:00 pm at the Tulalip Gym. Service will be held Friday at 10:00 am at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman.

Marysville Tulalip chamber CEO to retire

Source: The Herald

Marysville Tulalip chamber CEO to retire

Caldie Rogers, CEO of the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce, is retiring after 22 years of service. A farewell party to celebrate her accomplishments is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Holiday Inn Express Snohomish Room located at 8606 36th Ave. NE, Marysville. There is no charge to attend but please RSVP to Mary Jane at 360-359-7700 or MaryJane@marysvilletulalipchamber.com.

Public opposition has cost tar sands industry $17bn, says report

Protests helped stymie three major tar sands projects this year, as industry is beset with transportation problems

Protest against tar sands in Portland, Oregon, US. Photograph: Alex Milan Tracy/Demotix/Corbis

by: Arthur Nelsen, The Guardian

Anti-tar sands campaigns have cost the industry a staggering $17bn (£11bn) in lost revenues, and helped to push it onto the backfoot, according to a study by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), and Oil Change International.

Another $13.8bn has been lost to transportation bottlenecks and the flood of cheap crude coming from shale oil fields, says the Material Risks report, which presents the first quantification of the impact that environmental campaigners have had on the unconventional energy business.

“Industry officials never anticipated the level and intensity of public opposition to their massive build-out plans,” said Steve Kretzmann, Oil Change International’s executive director. “Legal and other challenges are raising new issues related to environmental protection, indigenous rights and the disruptive impact of new pipeline proposals. Business as usual for Big Oil – particularly in the tar sands – is over.”

The industry is currently facing a decline in increased capital expenditure on new tar sands projects, due to problems in transporting the crude, which the study links to public campaigns.

While industry profits continue to fall, the report says that lack of market access helped to stymie three major tar sands enterprises in 2014 alone – Shell’s Pierre River, Total’s Joslyn North and Statoil’s Corner project – which together would have emitted 2.8bn tonnes of CO2.

Protests by environmentalists have been swollen by the presence of first nations communities, angry at the environmental damage they fear the industry could wreak on their ancestral lands.

“The taking of resources has left many lands and waters poisoned – the animals and plants are dying in many areas in Canada,” says the Idle No More manifesto. “We have laws older than this colonial government about how to live with the land.”

“Tar sands producers face a new kind of risk from growing public opposition,” said Tom Sanzillo, director of finance at IEEFA, and one of the lead authors on the report. “This opposition has achieved a permanent presence as public sentiment evolves and as the influence of organisations opposed to tar sands production continues to grow.”

Mining trucks carry loads of oil laden sand at the Albian Sands oils project in Ft. McMurray, Alberta, Canada. — Mining trucks carry loads of oil laden sand at the Albian Sands’ oil sands project in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Photograph: Jeff McIntosh/Associated Press

Canada has staked its energy future on a massive expansion of tar sands, which hold the world’s third largest reserve of crude after Saudia Arabia and Venezuela.

But the huge amounts of water and solvents needed to extract oil from bitumen dramatically boost greenhouse gas output and, on latest production forecasts, will increase Canada’s CO2 emissions by 56 megatonnes by 2020.

The tar sands production process involves steam injection, strip mining and refining, and leaves environmental scars ranging from clear-cut forests to toxic tailing ponds and destroyed farmland.

This has pushed the focus of environmental and indigenous land rights protests onto export pipelines, such as the stalled Keystone XL project to send tar sands crude to the US.

According to the new paper, the industry’s current inability to build new pipelines has the potential to cancel most, if not all, planned new projects.

It says that the 6.9bn barrels of tar sands this could still leave underground by 2030 would be the equivalent of an additional 4.1bn tonnes of CO2 emissions – or the same as 54m average passenger vehicles, over the same period.

Lower Elwha Tribe studies wood movement in Elwha River

By: Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is tagging large woody debris to follow it as it moves through the newly restored Elwha River system.

“We’re tracking over 2,000 logs and tree stumps with silver tree tags, from the upstream end of Lake Mills to the river mouth,” said Vivian Leung, a doctoral student of geomorphology at University of Washington.

She’s been working with the tribe since 2012 to study how large wood debris (LWD) has affected the river during and after the removal of the river’s two-fish blocking dams.

“Not only did the dams completely block the supply of sediment downstream, but they also altered the transportation of large wood,” said Mike McHenry, the tribe’s habitat manager. “Both elements are critical for habitat forming processes not only in the river but in the nearshore. The fate of wood is relevant to the recovery of the river and its aquatic resources, especially salmon.”

Silver tags are attached to log and stumps throughout the Elwha River so scientists can track their movements as the river changes during restoration.

As the dams came down, the lake Aldwell and Mills reservoirs were drained, leaving behind thousands of logs and tree stumps that had been buried under sediment and water for the past century. The natural action of the river is transporting the logs and stumps throughout the new riverbed, changing the dynamics of the river and creating better salmon habitat.

Leung is interested in how logjams form and affect channel patterns, how wood is transported through rivers and how the pools they create provide places for salmon to rest, feed and spawn.

“Surprisingly, there’s still a lot of research to be done to understand how large wood debris interacts with river systems,” she said. “So far we have found that logjams and salmon habitat are forming significantly faster in Aldwell than we expected.”

The large logs and rootwads also are aiding revegetation efforts of the lakebeds. The tribe hired a heavy-lift helicopter recently to relocate 500 unmarked logs around Mills. The logs were moved from the former reservoir pool elevation to terraces along the river’s floodplain.

These logs are expected to help stabilize steep slopes and provide sheltered areas for young plants to survive during planned revegetation efforts in the coming years, McHenry said. During 2014-2015, 100,000 woody plants will be planted into the former Mills reservoir surface.

Nisqually Tribe counting prawns in South Sound

Margaret Homerding, shellfish biologist for the Nisqually Tribe, measures a prawn during the tribes shellfish surveys of South Sound.

By: Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

A long-term study by the Nisqually Tribe is providing a better understanding of shrimp in South Sound.

“What shrimp populations are in the area is not well documented,” said Margaret Homerding, shellfish biologist for the Nisqually Tribe. “The state conducted surveys a decade ago, but did not catch any spot prawns.”

The tribe is dropping three shrimp pots every few months in various locations from the Nisqually Reach to lower Carr Inlet. Each pot location is tracked on GPS and any catch is recorded.

“We started surveying when we saw our crabbers pulling up spot prawns from their deeper pots,” Homerding said. “We are looking for all species of shrimp, but we’re focusing our efforts on spot prawns, which are the commercially valuable species.” So far, spot prawns and dock shrimp have been the most abundant species in the tribal surveys.

“The end result of the study should be a decision on whether there is a commercially viable fishery for the tribe on shrimp,” Homerding said. The research will help guide the tribe in creating an accurate harvest regime for co-managing shrimp with the state in South Sound.

Currently, the tribe splits a combined 3,000 pound quota for all shrimp species with non-tribal harvester, including 1,000 pounds for spot prawns. “There isn’t any commercial harvest by the tribe right now,” Homerding said. “Even with the few shrimp caught incidentally in crab fisheries, the tribe doesn’t come anywhere close to actually accessing those pounds.”

Part of the surveys include tracking the sizes at which shrimp change from male to female. Because shrimp change sex during their life cycle, the relative sizes of male and female shrimp can tell biologists a lot about the health of the local population. “If a population of shrimp is shrinking, we will see individuals changing sex earlier,” Homerding said.

Shellfish managers can consider the data the tribe is collecting now as a baseline for a healthy stock with little harvest pressure. “But, if we see smaller females in later years, we can assume they’re feeling the pressure to switch earlier, and we should reduce our fishing pressure,” she said.

The tribe is also tracking when shrimp are spawning. Usually, shrimp fisheries close when female shrimp are carrying eggs, protecting them from harvest. “There’s no reason to fish for shrimp when the next generation is at its most vulnerable,” Homerding said.

“Basic information that we’re collecting now will help guide harvest in the future,” said David Troutt, natural resources director for the tribe. “The Nisqually Tribe is committed to smart management that benefits both tribal and non-tribal communities.”

Washington ballots must be postmarked for election

The Associated Press

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Ballots for the election in Washington must be postmarked by Election Day or placed in a drop box by 8 p.m.

With some ballots still in the mail on election night, results in a close race may not be known for days.

The secretary of state’s office said 29 percent of the ballots had been returned as of Monday afternoon. That’s about 1.1 million ballots of the 3.9 ballots that were mailed.

Counties will certify results by Nov. 24. And Secretary of State Kim Wyman and Gov. Jay Inslee will certify the election on Dec. 2.

“Being Frank” Departing WDFW Director Will be Missed

By Lorraine Loomis, Chair, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

When the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission was searching for a new director about six years ago, chair Miranda Wecker said they were looking for a director with a strong conservation ethic, sound fiscal-management and leadership skills and expertise in intergovernmental relations.

They got all of that and much, much more when they selected Phil Anderson to lead the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

The treaty Indian tribes in western Washington are both sad and happy to learn that he will be stepping down at the end of the year.

We are sad because we are losing a top-notch director, a champion for fish and wildlife who guided the department through some of the most difficult challenges it has faced. We are glad because Phil will get a chance to rest, hunt, fish, and spend some well-deserved time with his family. We are encouraged to hear him say that after leaving his current position he will look for other opportunities to further contribute to resource conservation and management. We wish Phil and his family all the best for the future.

Phil is an experienced, knowledgeable and talented director. A former charter boat operator, he has played a leading role in fish and wildlife management in Washington and the Pacific Northwest over the past two decades. From serving on the Pacific Fishery Management Council to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and the U.S./Canada Pacific Salmon Commission, Phil has been a tireless advocate for sound fisheries management.

The tribes got to know Phil best through the North of Falcon process. This is the annual forum where state and tribal co-managers develop salmon fishing seasons for marine and freshwater fisheries throughout Puget Sound, the Columbia River and Washington Coast.

Phil is a tough, but fair negotiator. We have not always agreed, but we have always appreciated the integrity, honesty and willingness to work together that Phil brought to the table. Perhaps most importantly, he always comes to meetings looking for solutions.

One of the reasons for Phil’s effectiveness as WDFW director is that he has shown respect for the tribes as co-managers. He understands that tribes are sovereign governments with treaty-reserved fishing, hunting and gathering rights. But for all of his qualities, it is his ability to truly listen and be responsive to concerns being expressed by others that set him apart from many who have occupied the director’s chair.

We hope that the same respect, understanding, responsiveness and ability to truly listen that Phil has shown the treaty tribes will also be among the qualities of whomever the Fish and Wildlife Commission chooses as his replacement.

Marysville Students Return to School After Deadly Shooting

BY SOFIA JARAMILLO AND TRACY CONNOR. NBC News

Tammy Weaver of Marysville was asked to bring her service dog, Gracie, to help comfort students returning to MP high

Hundreds of people cheering, holding candles and flashing heart signs lined the road leading to a shooting-scarred Washington state high school Monday morning, delivering an uplifting welcome to students searching for normalcy.

The buses rolled up to Marysville Pilchuck High School 10 days after freshman Jaylen Fryberg invited friends to sit with him at lunch and then shot five of them — mortally wounding three — before committing suicide.

Three hundred to 400 alumni and 50 to 80 police officers greeted the students in the gymnasium as they came off buses, said Rob Lowry, the school’s co-principal. “The first thing they noticed was there were lines of first responders there,” Lowry said — a decision intended to send a message of security and safety.

And it wasn’t just the students who came together. Residents flocked to the school with signs that read, “We stand with you,” and chanted “Tomahawk!” — the school’s athletic nickname. A U.S. flag was hung over the road from a fire truck, and parents and alumni decorated the outside school walls with signs of welcome.

After days of tearful gatherings and vigils, many students on buses wore smiles as they watched supporters make heart signs with their hands. Some of the teens flashed the same sign back.

“Today was a good day in Marysville,” said Becky Berg, superintendent of the Marysville schools, who said she was “thrilled” that as many as 90 percent of students chose to return to campus Monday. “It’s always a good day when our kids are together.”

There were no classes. Instead, students attended an assembly and then milled around.

“It was a wonderful way to come back to school,” said Miles Holden, 15, a sophomore. “It helped to be in a room full of people who are going through the same thing as you.”

The cafeteria was closed, its eventual fate up to the school district.

“It was eerie looking at the cafeteria but good to come together,” Miles said.

At the end of the day, some of the students stopped to look at a fence that has been turned into a memorial for the victims: Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, Zoe Galasso and Gia Soriano, the 14-year-olds who were killed, and Nate Hatch, 14, and Andrew Fryberg, 15, who remain hospitalized.

“The hardest thing was to see the fence. It just reminds you that everyone was happy at one point and how many people are struggling,” said Michael Strope, 17, a junior. “It was intimidating to come back. Today was about readjusting. I am not completely better, but it started the healing process. “

Police still haven’t revealed what motivated Fryberg to ambush the teens, two of whom were his cousins. The shooter was popular and had recently been voted the school’s “homecoming prince,” and many students were friends with both him and the victims. Fryberg was a member of the Tulalip Tribes, which said it had been targeted by threats that had some kids fearful to return to school.

Keith Red Elk, whose daughter Jessica is a senior, said he hoped the turnout would help the kids face their fears. “We are here to show them it is OK to come back,” he said.

Deborah Parker, a member of the tribal council whose son is a senior at the school, said: “I drove my son to school, and he seemed to be a little bit nervous, but we worked hard as a family to watch over him.

“Those were his friends. Those were his relatives,” Parker said. “So coming back to school today was a slow-moving process. Once we drove up and saw all of the cheers, it became emotional.”

Afterward, representatives of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut — where a gunman killed 20 pupils and six staff members in 2012 — passed on to the school district and to the Tulalip Tribes a Native American dreamcatcher plaque that it received from Columbine High School, the scene of a similar massacre in Littleton, Colorado, in 1999.

IMAGE: Dreamcatcher plaque presented to Marysville School District — Representativs from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, passed on a memorial Native American dreamcatcher plaque to the Marysville School District on Monday.

Stephanie Hope Smith, a member of the Newtown Rotary Club, said the plaque “is more than just a dreamcatcher. It is made of love, compassion and hope.”

“It is our hope that you should never have to pass it on,” Smith said.

M. Alex Johnson of NBC News contributed to this report.