Trout Unlimited's Seth Wenger and U.S. Forest Service biologist Dan Isaak were among 11 researchers who found, among other things, that cutthroat habitat could dwindle between 33 percent and 58 percent. That's after the range of cutthroat habitat has already shrunk by more than 85 percent due to competition from non-native species like rainbow trout and brook trout. Two subspecies have already gone extinct. Isaak said he knows there will be skeptics but defends the foundations of the research. The climate predictions are based on 10 of the 20 climate models developed independently worldwide that all show the world is getting warmer. “The climate models have been right for 30 years and they are getting better all the time," Isaak said. The study concludes warmer winters are causing more winter floods that wash away the gravel that holds brook and brown trout eggs.
Oregon state trooper jailed on shooting charge
ALBANY, Ore. — An Oregon State Police sergeant has been accused of firing a round through the door of his house in Albany, leading to a standoff with officers. The Albany Democrat-Herald reports that 41-year-old Corey John Simons faces charges of reckless endangering and unlawful use of a weapon. Albany police say they went to Simons' house Sunday night after an acquaintance called them saying Simons was depressed and she feared he might harm himself. When police arrived, they heard a shot and called for reinforcements. About three hours later, Simons, alone in the house, gave up. Police say he was taken to the hospital for mental evaluation, jailed and then released. A State Police spokesman said today that Simons is on paid leave, and the agency would do an internal investigation.
Port Angeles Border Patrol supervisor not bored
PORT ANGELES, Wash. — The Port Angeles Border Patrol supervising agent says there's plenty of important work for agents: watching for terrorists, drug smugglers and illegal aliens on the Olympic Peninsula. Agent Jose Romero told a Chamber of Commerce luncheon Monday there's no reason for anyone to be bored. The Peninsula Daily News reports Romero did not mention agent Christian Sanchez by name. Sanchez told an open government group in Washington, D.C., last month that the Port Angeles station was a “black hole" where many of the 40 agents had so little to do they sometimes passed time by driving around the peninsula — something they called the “Baja 500." The Border Patrol says Sanchez is still employed and the agency is investigating his allegations.
Athol-area community has arsenic in drinking water
ATHOL — Tests of a small North Idaho community water system showed arsenic at levels about nine times what the federal government allows, prompting residents to drink bottled water. The Coeur d'Alene Press reports a test two months ago showed naturally occurring arsenic in the Lynnwood Estates Water Association well near Athol reached 91 parts per billion. The federal limit is 10 ppb. Arsenic is a potent poison. The well serves 18 homes. Since then, the arsenic level has plummeted, but it's still above the federal limit. Some Department of Environmental Quality officials speculate the spike was a seasonal occurrence. One resident, Bill Campbell, said he's drinking bottled water — and considering a lawsuit. Association officials considered installing water filters inside homes, but they are expensive at $180 every six months. Read the full report here.
Source: The Spokesman-Review.
