Many residents say publicly they support maintaining hydropower at Willamette River dams.

Stringer, G. (2023, November 16). Many residents say publicly they support maintaining hydropower at Willamette River dams. Oregoncapitcalchronicle. Retrieved January 26, 2024, from https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/11/16/many-residents-near-willamette-river-want-dams-to-produce-hydropower/

In Willamette Valley, Oregon, there has been a debate of whether or not to keep the hydroelectric dam in the area. Many argue for the dam because of clean energy production, but the problem is that it is heavily impacting an endangered salmon species population in this area. Public meetings have been being hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Opinions from the public are being taken into account for this decision of whether to keep the dam or not. Concerns come with both sides of the debate. Many people believe that even with the removal of the damn, the salmon will still not be able to make a comeback and then we will have less clean energy. People also worry that the removal of this dam will cause a spike in energy prices in the area. And of course, if we keep the dam the salmon population will stay endangered, declining until its inevitable extinction. The Corps is still waiting for more public feedback before passing the issue to congress who will have the most say in the matter. 

 

The main problem with dams is the large environmental impact that most of them have. Whether it is directly on the land they are located in, species in the area, or water quality, dams are always have a bad affect on the environment. I think that taking the publics opinion is very important to know what will make the community happy, and to hear new ideas and thoughts on the matter that they may not have taken into consideration before. This is a very relevant topic today, because this is not just happening in this area in Oregon. There are thousansds of dams across the United States that are having the same, or very similar issues. I wonder why this was not accounted for when they were being created? If dams are still constructed in the future, what will we do to change them to make sure problems like these do not happen again. I think because we already have so many, it would be hard to restart what we have already done, but with new technology today im sure we could make much more environmental friendly and safe dams across the United States. 

Green Groups Are Divided Over a Proposal to Boost the Nation’s Hydropower. Here’s Why.

Myskow, W., & Tigue, K. (2023, September 1). Green Groups Are Divided Over a Proposal to Boost the Nation’s Hydropower. Here’s Why. Insideclimatenews. Retrieved January 26, 2024, from https://insideclimatenews.org/news/01092023/green-groups-divided-over-proposal-to-boost-hydropower-climate-change-emissions/

 

The hydropower industry is looking for support so it can be used as a primary option for the nation’s transition to clean energy. The bipartisan bill, from senators Daines and Cantwell is going to be used to accelerate the process that the dams undergo to become licensed and legal. With the large amount of dams in the country it will take a long time, but with enough of the money and resources we need, many think that hydropower can be a vital part of our transition to clean energy. On the other hand, many think that hydropower is not reliable and should not be used. It has many negative environmental impacts, and have carbon emissions that come from dam reservoirs, as well as harming ecosystems. A large argument is between the two parties of environmental protection and energy development priorities. 

 

This article highlights the issues between the two groups of environmental portection, and energy development priorities. It all comes down to whether we think that hydropower is a viable source that can support our needs for energy without sacrificing to much. Many people think that hydropower should not be used due to its environmental impacts, maintencince, cost, etc. Others believe that since they are already here we should focus on them and improve them. This is an interesting topic because many efforts are to destroy dams and restore habitats and ecosystems.  

Over $7 billion to invest: America wants to protect its water

(2023, October 25). Over $7 billion to invest: America wants to protect its water. Webuildvalue.com. Retrieved January 26, 2024, from https://www.webuildvalue.com/en/global-economy-sustainability/water-investments-usa.html

 

The environmental protection agency (EPA) is using billions of dollars from the bipartisan job act to focus on our water infrastructure. This money will be used to address the needs of thousands of outdated and aging dams The USACE will take ccontrol of this effort and manage the vast network of dams across the country. The WIFIA program has been funded with $7.5 billion, and their main focus will be on impoverished and disadvantaged communities. Along with these projects, other companies like WeBuild Group will be helping with major projects, with their focus on flood management and water quality. With all of these companies and efforts, the United States is aiming to take control of the situation at hand, having around 91,000 dams in the country, most of which contracts have already expired or will be expired by the year of 2027.

 

This article is all about the upcoming efforts of companies and programs like the EPA, USACE and WIFIA. They now have access to billions of dollars from the bipartisan job act to focus on the rissing issue of our water infrastructure, mainly focused on dams. This is a problem all throughout the country, with many dams contracts expiring soon and quickly. With the removal of dams comes lots of problems like flooding, sediment release, water quality, etc. This is why groups like the WeBuild Group will be helping out, with their main focus on less fortunate areas. Now our country has a good plan to tackle this urgent issue. I think the strategy we are using is great, by harnessing billions of dollars we are able to get the funding we need and never had previously. We are in a great position now to get this problem figured out. 

Hydropower delays pose grid threat as permits lapse

Willson, M. (2023, September 20). Hydropower delays pose grid threat as permits lapse. Eenews.net. Retrieved January 26, 2024, from https://www.eenews.net/articles/hydropower-delays-pose-grid-threat-as-permits-lapse/

This article discusses the expiration of licenses and permits for dams in the United States, with focus on the Oroville Damn in California. Many dams, including the Oroville Dam has been wating over a decade for their permits By 2027 around 160 dams will have expired permits, known as licenses, and this is not including the ones that already have expired licenses right now. They must receive a new permit from the FERC. The small town of Oroville, located in the sierra mountains, downstream of the damn, has been waiting for a new license for 17 years. This is bringing up worry about clean energy for this area. Hydropower contributed about 6% of the countries clean energy last year. 

 

This article shines light on the worries of the people, especially in the are of Oroville. It shows the concern for the future of hydroelectric power. With all of the permits that are going to expire, the FERC is going to have lots of work on their hands. Damns all across the country are going to need new permits to operate. With hydroelectric power making 6% of our total clean energy, we will take a hit from this. And with other issues arising from climate change in general, we are in trouble. 

The Largest Dam Removal Project in U.S. History Begins Final Stretch, Welcoming Salmon Home

Thorsberg, C. (2024, January 22). The Largest Dam Removal Project in U.S. History Begins Final Stretch, Welcoming Salmon Home. Smithsonianmag.com. Retrieved January 26, 2024, from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-largest-dam-removal-project-in-us-history-begins-final-stretch-welcoming-salmon-home-180983621/

 

The Klamath River, which runs through California and Oregon, is going to undergo the largest damn removal in the history of the United States. One of the main concerns of this river is the health of the salmon in this river along with the health of the river itself. The opening of the Iron Gate Damn is a crucial step towards the removal of three other damns aswell. The opening of the Iron Gate Damn started off with just a small crack, then being opened to a three foot wide crack. When it was opened dark brown water was released due to the sediment buildup. This has drained the reservoir by two to four feet per day. This effort will restore hundreds of miles of salmon habitat, along with restorning usable water for indigenous tribes and others that work, use, and live on the river.

The removal of this damn is incredibly important for many people, and the overall health of the river. This 173 foot damn that is being removed has lots of sediment buildup and requires lots of thought and effort to take down. Starting small, the damn was just cracked enough so little water could flow out as to not flood the river. The effects that the removal of this damn will be crucial to the removal of the rest of the damns in the area, along with removal of damns all over the country due to the fact that this is the largest damn removal in the history of the United States. 

Thousands of baby cane toads infiltrate Gold Coast

Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “Thousands of baby cane toads infiltrate Gold Coast following wet, humid weather conditions.” ABC News, Dec 18, 2023, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-19/cane-toads-in-breeding-frenzy-after-wet-humid-weather/103244718.

 

The cane toad of Australia is an invasive species, which amidst wet and humid weather conditions, laid thousands of baby cane toads which has infiltrated the Gold Coast, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The cane toad (Rhinella marina), native to South and Central America, has long been a notorious invasive species in Australia, wreaking havoc on native wildlife and ecosystems. The recent influx of juvenile toads highlights the ongoing challenges posed by their prolific breeding and rapid spread across the continent. With their toxic skin secretions and endless appetites, cane toads pose significant ecological threats, preying on native fauna and disrupting delicate ecological balances. Efforts to control their population and mitigate their impacts on native biodiversity remain critical, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and proactive management strategies in combatting this invasive species such as culling methods.

 

The invasion of baby cane toads onto the Gold Coast underscores the urgency of addressing the cane toad problem in Australia. Despite various control measures implemented over the years, including culling programs and biological control methods, the cane toad population continues to expand, posing persistent challenges for conservationists and environmental managers. The recent surge in juvenile toads serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of this invasive species, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to effectively manage their spread. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, researchers, and local communities are essential for implementing targeted control measures, raising public awareness, and protecting vulnerable ecosystems from the detrimental impacts of cane toads. Only through concerted action and sustained commitment can Australia hope to mitigate the ecological damage inflicted by this invasive amphibian and safeguard its unique biodiversity for future generations.

Rapidly expanding lionfish populations reveal a stepping-stone bioinvasion process.

Nature Briefing. “Genetic diversity patterns of lionfish in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean reveal a rapidly expanding stepping-stone bioinvasion process.” Nature Briefing, 18 August 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-40407-y.

 

Focused on by a recent study published in Nature Briefing, Researchers delved into the genetic makeup and population dynamics of Lionfish (Pterois volitans) in this region, uncovering an invasive phenomenon marked by swift expansion and colonization through a stepping-stone dispersal pattern. Through genetic analysis, the study sheds light on the origins and pathways of lionfish invasion, emphasizing the need for urgent management strategies to curb their spread and mitigate ecological repercussions on native marine ecosystems in the Southwestern Atlantic.

The study’s insights into the genetic diversity patterns of lionfish provide valuable information for understanding the dynamics of marine bioinvasions and predicting future spread patterns. By identifying key genetic markers associated with dispersal and colonization success, researchers can inform proactive management strategies aimed at preventing further expansion of lionfish populations and protecting vulnerable marine habitats. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between geneticists, ecologists, and policymakers in addressing the challenges posed by invasive species and preserving the integrity of marine ecosystems. Moving forward, continued monitoring and research efforts are essential for effectively managing lionfish invasions and safeguarding the biodiversity and ecological balance of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

New Zebra muscle insights offer potential solutions

Phys.org. “New insights into Zebra mussel attachment fibers offer potential solutions to combat invasive species.” Phys.org, 12 Dec. 2023, 

https://phys.org/news/2023-12-insights-zebra-mussel-fibers-potential.html

 

The article titled “New insights into Zebra mussel attachment fibers offer potential solutions to combat invasive species,” featured on Phys.org, delves into recent scientific discoveries regarding the adhesive properties of Zebra mussel attachment fibers. Zebra mussels, an invasive species known for their ability to rapidly colonize aquatic ecosystems, pose significant environmental and economic threats worldwide. The study discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying the adhesion of Zebra mussel fibers to various surfaces, offering valuable insights into potential strategies for combatting the spread of this invasive species. By understanding the structural and functional aspects of these attachment fibers, researchers aim to develop innovative approaches for controlling Zebra mussel populations and mitigating their impacts on native biodiversity and ecosystem health.

 

The findings presented in the article underscore the importance of interdisciplinary research efforts in addressing the challenges posed by invasive species. By elucidating the intricacies of Zebra mussel attachment mechanisms, scientists hope to devise environmentally friendly and effective methods for preventing and minimizing their ecological footprint. From bio-inspired adhesives to novel antifouling strategies, the study opens new avenues for developing targeted solutions to combat invasive species and preserve the integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the urgency of ongoing research and collaboration in the field of invasive species management, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and mitigate the negative impacts of invasive species on global biodiversity.

 

What to know about giant hogweed

CBS News. “What to know about giant hogweed: Flowers can cause burns, blisters, scars.” CBS News, jun 27, 2023. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-to-know-about-giant-hogweed-flowers-can-cause-burns-blisters-scars/.

 

Here’s what to know about giant hogweed sheds light on the invasive nature of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and the significant health risks it poses to humans. While the plant’s large and attractive flowers may catch the eye, its invasive characteristics and toxic sap present grave dangers to unsuspecting individuals. The article explains the urgent need for public awareness about giant hogweed as an invasive species, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and avoiding contact with this plant to prevent painful skin reactions and lasting scars.

 

By highlighting the invasive nature of giant hogweed and its potential health impacts, CBS underscores the broader ecological and public health implications of invasive species. The article serves as a timely reminder of the critical importance of managing invasive plant species to protect both human health and native ecosystems. Through education and outreach efforts, individuals can better understand the risks associated with giant hogweed and take proactive measures to limit its spread and mitigate its harmful effects. Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of collective action in addressing the threat of invasive species, urging communities to work together to slow the spread of harmful plants like giant hogweed and preserve the health and integrity of natural environments for future generations.

 

Murder hornets have been AWOL for the past year

Axios. “Murder Hornets have been AWOL for the Past Year.” Axios, 19 July 2023, www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/19/murder-hornets-washington-state.
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/19/murder-hornets-washington-state

The ongoing absence of murder hornets (Vespa mandarinia) from monitoring efforts raises concerns about their potential impacts on ecosystems and agricultural industries. Originally detected in the Pacific Northwest, murder hornets have garnered attention for their potential threat to honeybee populations and human health due to their venomous sting. The lack of sightings and difficulty in tracking these invasive insects highlight the challenges of managing and controlling their spread. As murder hornets remain elusive, there is growing uncertainty about the effectiveness of current monitoring and control measures. The potential consequences of their reintroduction underscore the importance of active strategies in addressing invasive species, emphasizing the need for continued research, collaboration, and vigilant monitoring to mitigate their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.

The absence of murder hornets over the past year acts as an example of the complex challenges posed by invasive species and the importance of proactive management strategies. As highlighted in the article, the uncertain status of murder hornets raises questions about the effectiveness of existing monitoring and control efforts, signifying the need for continued research and collaboration in addressing invasive species threats. Invasive species can have profound impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health, making them a significant concern for the environmental science community. Moving forward, it is crucial to prioritize efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species, develop innovative management strategies, and enhance public awareness to mitigate their negative impacts effectively. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive management approaches, we can work towards minimizing the threats posed by invasive species and safeguarding our environment for future generations.