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b0ff478c aba2 cc2f f19e 27a98fdc4301Scientists have proposed two new species of killer whales which are currently considered a single species. Bigg’s killer whales (seen here), also known as transients, would be designated as Orcinus rectipinnus and resident killer whales as Orcinus ater. Photo: Copyright Melissa Pinnow, used with permission

By: Christopher Dunagan
Originally Posted Here

A scientific paper, published on March 27th, spells out the unique physical and genetic characteristics that should make each group a separate species, with the proposed scientific names Orcinus ater for residents and Orcinus rectipinnus for Bigg’s.

Since the 1970s, scientists in the Puget Sound region have been studying the differences between two types of killer whales: the so-called residents, which eat salmon, and the Bigg’s or transient killer whales, which eat seals, sea lions and other marine mammals. Even though the two groups of whales have different behaviors, vocal calls and social structures — along with distinct body styles and genetic traits — the two types are still considered a single species, Orcinus orca.

In fact, killer whales in every ocean of the world are grouped together as a single species. Until now, scientific discussions and debates have yet to resolve whether any orca population or group is different enough to be declared its own species.

This single-species convention could soon undergo a decisive change, thanks to advanced genetic techniques used to discern evolutionary patterns. Following years of study and consideration, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have proposed two new species of killer whales, Orcinus ater for residents and Orcinus rectipinnus for Bigg’s.

Solar Plant
On March 13 Opalco filed a notice of application with the County for a permit for a power plant at the corner of Douglas and Bailer Hill rd. The property is just under 20 acres and their proposal calls for a 20% coverage of the property with solar panels and misc. support structures. There will be a non-permeable pad that is 115ft x 135ft (15,525sq ft.) for batteries and transformers that will be surrounded by a 10ft. cyclone security fence. The entire property will also be fenced and screen landscaping is planned along the roads. The two pairs of Bald Eagles that call the large firs on this property their home and hunting grounds are not mentioned in Opalcos' 110 page application. Their roosting Fir trees are to be removed.
 
This property is the SE corner of the San Juan Valley and it is designated for Ag use. The county has determined that this power plant fits the Ag zoning designation because the panels only cover 20% of the surface of the property. The AG zoning also calls for the county to take into account the aesthetic implications of a proposed project such as this one. Opalco has not really addressed the visual impacts that the project will have on the area or on the views across the entire San Juan Valley. This project will have the “charm” of a penitentiary and will most certainly ruin the aesthetics of this well traveled corner.
 
The public comment period lasts for the next 3 weeks and closes on April 3. The project then goes before the Hearing Examiner for approval on April 24th. We are not given much time for our consideration!

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Current News

Raw Milk at the Crossroads, Again

Analysis by Sally Fallon Morell

STORY AT-A-GLANCE
  • The campaign against raw milk began with a fabricated 1945 article in Coronet magazine claiming a deadly brucellosis outbreak in a nonexistent town, leading to restrictive laws against raw milk starting in Michigan in 1948

  • A 2007 PowerPoint presentation by an FDA official falsely maligned raw milk using flawed reports; none of these reports proved pasteurization would have prevented alleged outbreaks

  • The 2024 USDA announcement attributed symptoms in dairy cows to avian flu without confirmed viral presence in milk, relying on questionable PCR testing methods

  • Despite claims, there is no peer-reviewed evidence supporting transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza from raw milk to humans

  • While pasteurization is promoted as making milk safe, the actual diversion or destruction of milk from infected animals suggests that pasteurization may not guarantee safety

San Juan County Launches 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update Process

San Juan County is kicking off its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) Update with support from a consultant team and a grant from the Department of Commerce. All project information, including updates, announcements, and drafts will be available on the project's Engage webpage: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update. 

Pet of the Week

Pet of the Week WinnieABOUT

Age: ~5 months old
Sex: Female
Breed: Terrier/Chihuahua Mix
Origin:Central Washington
Weight: ~7.5lbs
Personality: Curious, Energetic, The Type Who Can Hold Their Own
Energy Level: Peppy, as any pup should be!
Likes: Cross-Organizational Collaboration, Pinecones, Taste Tests
Dislikes: Bug Spray, Overeating, Speed Bumps

Application: Canine Application

San Juan County Announces Resurfacing of Nearly 16 Miles of Roads this Summer

San Juan County’s Public Works Department is announcing its annual summer road resurfacing schedule to chip seal nearly 16 miles of roads on San Juan and Orcas Islands. Chip sealing is a pavement treatment that extends the life of the road surface. Learn more by visiting the County Roads Program webpage at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/309/County-Roads and see the schedule and map below for a complete list of projects.

Sections of roads to be resurfaced this summer: 

  • The week of May 13 on Orcas Island: Orcas Rd, Killebrew Lake Rd, LaPorte Rd, Dolphin Bay Rd, Enchanted Forest Rd, Terri Ln, Michael Ln, Sunset Ave, Matia View Dr, Olga Cemetery Rd, Buoy Bay Rd, Willis Ln. Only sections of these roads will be resurfaced - see the map below or linked here for more details. 
  • The week of June 3 on San Juan Island: West Side Rd, Beaverton Valley Rd, Cattle Point Rd, Little Rd. Only sections of these roads will be resurfaced - see the map below or linked here for more details. 

Council to Consider Three Finalists for County Manager Position (none from San Juan County)

San Juan County nears the end of the County Manager hiring process after interviewing three finalists. The County Council will deliberate during a closed session at the May 14 Council meeting where they will select a County Manager or determine next steps for further recruitment.  

Process Recap:

The County’s core hiring committee consisted of the Human Resources Director, Interim County Manager, and County Council, assisted by the recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources (SGR). The job posting yielded 39 applicants from around the country that were screened and vetted via resume reviews, video interviews, and written responses.

After a thorough interview process, three finalists were invited to San Juan County for in-person interviews:

 

  • Ana Cortez, City Manager of Carnation, WA
  • Jessica Hudson, Director at Fairfax County Public Library
  • Sri Krisham, Deputy Director of Finance & Administration at the City of Kirkland


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