Cascadia today: OR wildfire emergency + BC Greens seek leader + Trump breaks Columbia agreement
If you haven't yet read A long train of abuses and usurpations, my essay this week documenting Trump's acts subverting the US constitution – and how they justify conversations about Cascadia independence, have a look this weekend. And if you appreciate this newsletter, please take a moment to support my work, thanks!
--Andrew
Oregon wildfire emergency
OPB reports that the the Cram Fire in central Oregon grew to more than 90,000 acres and became the largest fire currently burning in the Western US. Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency as about 60 active fires burned in Oregon, most of them in the southern portion of the state. KIRO 7 reports that hundred of firefighters are working to control wildfires in Washington, including the 6,500-acre Hope Fire in northeast Washington. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag alert – windy, dry conditions optimal for wildfire spread – for much of central Oregon and Washington through Friday.
WA fruit growers rely on visa program
Cascade PBS talks to Washington fruit growers and farm workers about the federal government's H2-A visa program, which provides a legal avenue for Mexican migrant workers to pick fruit. Farmers across Cascadia depend on the program, but red tape and a climate of fear inspired by Trump's masked ICE agents is dropping participation and threatens to put small farms out of business. And as Trump's tariffs drove up inflation in June, Washington governor Bob Ferguson issued a strong statement on the impact of tariffs to the state's economy, noting that international imports to the state were down 16.3% and agricultural exports to China saw a 36% drop.
“The escalating and illegal tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration represent a direct threat to affordability, economic stability and prosperity for Washington’s families, businesses and our communities." --Bob Ferguson
BC Greens seek a new leader
The Tyee reports on how British Columbia's Green Party is seeking a new leader after a poor showing in the October 2024 provincial election – in which the previous leader, Sonia Furstenau, lost her seat representing the riding of Victoria-Beacon Hill. The three candidates are Jonathan Kerr, a Vancouver Island doctor and Comox city council member; Emily Lowan, a student activist from Victoria, and Adam Bremner-Akins, a political science student at Simon Fraser University. One of the top issues for the Green party candidates: how to effectively oppose the proposed Prince Rupert Gas Transmission LNG project in northern BC. The selection process begins September 13.
Trump breaks treaty with Cascadia tribes
Oregon Capital Chronicle has a great feature about how Indigenous nations across Cascadia are feeling betrayed and disappointed after the Trump administration tossed a 2023 agreement aimed at balancing hyrdo power and salmon restoration needs on the Columbia River. An independent Cascadia, composed of Oregon and Washington, should reaffirm the agreement between those states and the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
“This action tries to hide from the truth. The Nez Perce Tribe holds a duty to speak the truth for the salmon, and the truth is that the extinction of salmon population is happening now.” --Shannon Wheeler, Nez Perce tribal chairman
Weaving baskets from trash
Oregon Arts Watch writes about an art show that opens Friday at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, which showcases innovative and beautiful basketry made of recycled materials. The collection, by members of the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild includes work made from plastic grocery store bags, discarded wool sweaters, mylar balloons, men's ties, and discarded dog toys.
Jason Corso
Have a great weekend! – Andrew Engelson
