OLYMPIA, WA – A 12-member delegation recruited and led by the Washington State Department of Commerce heads to Dubai, United Arab Emirates this weekend, for what has become one of the largest international airshows. Representatives of nine companies will exhibit at the Choose Washington display in the USA Pavilion, and Commerce is representing two additional companies, the Aerospace Center of Excellence and Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance,Washington also mounted a delegation to the 2015 show, and again has the largest presence of any U.S. state. In 2015, this event featured over 1,100 exhibitors from 63 countries seen by over 66,000 trade visitors and nearly 1,300 international and regional media in 2015, resulting in total orders exceeding $37 billion.
“Gladiator Technologies is excited to again attend the Middle East’s premier Airshow in Dubai. The biennial exhibition is a unique opportunity for us to meet with our customers and promote our advanced technology microelectromechanical (MEMS) inertial sensors and systems to the region’s leading aerospace and aviation companies,” said Mark Chamberlain, Gladiator’s chief executive officer. “Exhibiting within the Washington State booth and working with Commerce’s highly professional staff enables a smaller company like ours to share costs, but more importantly, to gain enhanced visibility and benefit from international networking that is not often afforded to smaller companies.”
The Gulf Region is one of the fastest-growing aerospace clusters, and Dubai is the hub. The UAE set the stage a decade ago for mass commercialization and deregulation, projecting some 10,000 jobs by 2030. Targeted opportunities for growth-oriented companies from Washington at the Dubai International Airshow include commercial aviation, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), unmanned aerial vehicles, space and defense.
The aerospace industry strengthens communities all over the state, with aerospace-related clusters numbering 478 companies in King County, 219 in Snohomish, 108 in Spokane, 101 in Pierce and 21 in Kitsap. From materials, machining and manufacturing to testing and calibration, air transport and MRO, aerospace-related businesses are present in 35 of Washington’s 39 counties.
“Export assistance for very small and early-stage businesses is an integral component of our economic development strategy,” said Mark Calhoon, Senior Managing Director for International Trade at the Department of Commerce. “Last year, Commerce helped 362 small businesses, with 770 requests for assistance, which generated $287 million in new export sales as a result of our support.”
Small businesses represent 90 percent of companies that export from Washington, and data shows that new and small companies that develop successful export operations are financially stronger, thanks to market diversification and increased revenue from export sales.
Businesses that export grow and create jobs that pay higher wages than non-exporters in similar industries. Explaining that his department’s Small Business Export Assistance Program helps companies be strategic and surmount export hurdles to become self-sufficient doing international business deals and transactions, Calhoon notes that these services are currently at risk due to lack of funding from the 2017 state legislature.-- Nov. 12-16.---WA COMMERCE DEPT. Press release issued 11/ 9/ 17
http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/washington-state-delegation-seeks-new-business-at-dubai-airshow/
DFI: Investor Alert: Beware Of Paid To Click (PTC) Scams
Date Posted:
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued an alert warning investors about investment scams conducted through online paid-to-click (PTC) programs.
Getting paid to click on online ads may sound like an easy way to make money, but can also result in losing money. Online paid-to-click (PTC) programs often promise investors a share of the program’s profits in exchange for paying an upfront fee or buying products.
For example, a PTC program may claim you can share in its profits if you buy “ad packs” or other advertising products. These PTC programs might promise you advertising services such as displaying your ads on their network or guaranteeing traffic to your website if you become a member or buy their ad packs. They might even promise to share their profits with investors who have nothing to advertise – simply buy the ad pack and share in the profits.
Before you purchase a membership or any advertising product from a PTC program, be aware that some PTC programs may be scams. For example, some PTC programs may be Ponzi schemes, where money from new investors is used to pay fake “profits” to earlier investors. Don’t let your guard down just because a PTC program claims it is not an investment scheme.
https://dfi.wa.gov/consumer/alerts/investor-alert-beware-paid-click-ptc-scams
Washington State celebrates National Adoption Day
Press release issued
Washington State celebrates National Adoption Day
November 17, 2017
Adoptions of foster children into new families will be commemorated in courts and communities throughout the state in November as Washington celebrates its 13th annual National Adoption Day. The public is welcome to all of these events to witness new families coming together through adoption. Most courts and communities will celebrate on November 18, but there are a few exceptions — to find a celebration near you, please check this list.
What is National Adoption Day?
National Adoption Day was founded in 2000 by a coalition of child welfare organizations and businesses working to improve the lives of foster children. The coalition wanted to celebrate adoptive families and also highlight the thousands of foster children across the U.S. waiting for new families. The goal is to spread the word that these children need homes.
Some Washington courts began celebrating individually, and then in 2005, the Washington Supreme Court Commission on Children in Foster Care sponsored the first statewide celebration in courts across Washington. NAD is also sponsored by the Dept. of Social and Health Services' Children's Administration, the Superior Court Judges' Association, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and many local and regional groups and businesses.
How you can help
Everyone can be a part of National Adoption Day. Judges and court workers are needed to help plan and host events. Local officials and celebrities can volunteer to attend or help plan. Social service and adoption workers can help plan local celebrations and encourage foster and adoptive families to take part.
Members of the public can attend the events, write letters to the newspapers, and spread the word to friends and co-workers that foster children are looking for new homes.
http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/adoptionDay/?fa=adoptionDay.home
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OUR PARKS AND FOREST
Evaluating Milkweed Species to Enhance Monarch Butterfly ConservationUSDA BLOG POST dated 11/ 7/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/07/evaluating-milkweed-species-enhance-monarch-butterfly-conservation
Did you know it’s travel season for monarch butterflies? Each fall, millions of these black-and-orange butterflies journey south from their summer quarters in the United States to their winter homes, which for some is as far away as Mexico.
Populations of these beautiful insects have decreased significantly over the past two decades, in part because of the decrease in native plants like milkweed – the sole source of food for monarch caterpillars. Because monarch butterflies are always on the move, they need to have the right plants in bloom at the right time along their migration route. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), agricultural producers and a wide array of other groups are working to create and enhance habitat to help the species rebound.
A promising new study has uncovered a piece of the puzzle. A research team at Iowa State University is studying how monarchs grow and develop on various species of milkweed in hopes of unlocking the full potential of monarch habitat restoration efforts.
Milkweed plays a vital role in the life cycle and migration of the charismatic butterflies. While the importance of milkweed is clear, the performance of different milkweed species in supporting monarch population growth is not. Because Iowa is home to 17 different native species of milkweed, it is an ideal location to study how each plant species affects monarch growth and survival. This is key to maximizing the benefit of the many acres of milkweed being planted for habitat restoration.
US DEPT. OF INTERIOR: Secretary Zinke Announces the Creation of the International Wildlife Conservation Council
Press release issued 11/ 8/ 17
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-announces-creation-international-wildlife-conservation-council
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced the creation of the International Wildlife Conservation Council. The Council will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior. It will focus on increased public awareness domestically regarding conservation, wildlife law enforcement, and economic benefits that result from U.S. citizens traveling abroad to hunt.
“Built on the backs of hunters and anglers, the American conservation model proves to be the example for all nations to follow for wildlife and habitat conservation,” Secretary Zinke said. “The conservation and long-term health of big game crosses international boundaries. This council will provide important insight into the ways that American sportsmen and women benefit international conservation from boosting economies and creating hundreds of jobs to enhancing wildlife conservation.”
The Council will advise the Secretary of the Interior on the benefits that international recreational hunting has on foreign wildlife and habitat conservation, anti-poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking programs, and other ways in which international hunting benefits human populations in these areas.
Secretary Zinke announces Creation of the “Made in America” Recreation Advisory Committee
Press release issued 11/ 7/ 17
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-announces-creation-made-america-recreation-advisory-committee
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced the establishment of the “Made in America” Recreation Advisory Committee. The Committee will advise the Secretary of the Interior on public-private partnerships across all public lands, with the goal of expanding access to and improving infrastructure on public lands and waterways.
“The spirit of American innovation and ingenuity is what built our country, and the Interior Department wants that same spirit and energy to resonate within the realm of outdoor recreation on our public lands,” said Secretary Zinke. “By forming this committee, I look forward to hearing from the best and the brightest in our private sector on how to improve the public experience on our federal lands and waters by expanding access for all Americans. We already have thousands of private partners who operate on federal lands. Whether it's the iconic Jammers in Glacier National Park, the historic El Tovar lodge at the Grand Canyon, or the kayaks that you can rent on the Potomac River, American workers are at the heart of helping American families experience our great outdoors.”
The members of the Committee will be selected for their diverse backgrounds and their experiences with the recreational industry. Prospective members will have knowledge utilizing public-private partnerships, providing recreational visitor experiences, developing and deploying infrastructure improvements, or a thorough understanding of recreational equipment.
"America's abundance and beauty is something to be both preserved and admired," said Representative Dennis A. Ross. "As an RV enthusiast, I have been able to experience firsthand the glorious landscape of our great nation, and am thankful for those American entrepreneurs and innovators who think of new ways to experience what our country has to offer. I hope that with their guidance, more Americans will be able to witness the vast bounty of our land, from sea to shining sea."
“Northern Indiana is the RV Capital of the World, so Hoosiers know outdoor recreation plays a critical role in growing our nation's economy and creating American manufacturing jobs," said Representative Jackie Walorski. "I'm pleased Secretary Zinke is launching the "Made in America" Recreation Advisory Committee to help achieve the important goals of increasing access to our nation's public lands, boosting investment in outdoor tourism, and building more American-made products like RVs and boats.”
AT THE STATE LEVEL...
WDFW: Dungeness River to close to fishing for hatchery coho salmon
Action: The Dungeness River will close to salmon fishing.
Effective date: Nov. 8 through Nov. 30, 2017.
Species affected: Hatchery coho salmon.
Location: The Dungeness River downstream of the hatchery intake pipe.
Reason for action: WDFW projects not enough coho will return to the hatchery to meet egg take goals. Closing the salmon fishing season on the Dungeness will increase the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and help ensure future hatchery returns.
Further Information: The Dungeness River will remain open to trout and steelhead fishing, per the rules listed in the "Sport Fishing Rules" pamphlet. The river may re-open to coho if broodstock needs are met prior to the end of November, when the coho fishery was originally scheduled to close.
Information contact: Region 6 Office, (360) 249-4628.
https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=2069
Quillayute River system to re-open to fishing; anglers must release chinook salmon
Action: Re-opens the Quillayute system to fishing and requires release of all chinook. Other rules are as listed in the Washington Dept. Fish and Wildlife's "Sport Fishing Rules" pamphlet.
Effective date: Nov. 4 through Nov. 30, 2017
Locations and salmon daily limits:
Quillayute River and Sol Duc River downstream of the concrete pump station at the Sol Duc Hatchery: Daily limit 6; up to 3 adults may be retained of which only one may be wild. Release all chinook.
Bogachiel River downstream of Highway 101 bridge, Calawah River downstream of Highway 101 bridge, and Dickey River from the Olympic Nat'l Park boundary upstream to the confluence of the East and West forks: Daily limit 3; only one adult may be retained. Release all chinook.
Reason for action: The fishing closure on the Quillayute river system has allowed additional chinook to pass through to spawning areas. Resumed fishing is expected to result in few impacts to chinook. Requiring release of all chinook is expected to further minimize impacts to chinook.
Further Information: For fishing regulations on waters within the Olympic National Park?s boundaries, visit: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fishing.htm
Information contact: Region 6 Office, (360) 249-4628.
https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=2067
17-075 State Parks considering long-term boundary revisions for two Orcas Island parks
OLYMPIA – Nov. 8, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is beginning a public process to consider expanding the long-term park boundaries of Moran and Obstruction Pass state parks on Orcas Island.
The public is invited to participate in the effort, which will kick off with a public workshop scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Eastsound Fire Hall, 45 Lavender Lane, Eastsound. (Directions) At the meeting, State Parks staff will provide background on the parks and their current and proposed future long-term park boundaries.
The purpose of identifying a long-term park boundary is to take a big-picture look at what lands, independent of ownership, might help to advance the conservation and recreation mission of a park.
The current project is to consider whether three properties, totaling approximately 358 acres, should be added to the long-term boundaries of Moran and Obstruction Pass state parks. Land classifications for the three properties will also be considered. The seven-member State Parks and Recreation Commission will make a decision on the long-term park boundaries and land classifications at its March 22, 2018 meeting in Snohomish.
Including privately owned property in a long-term park boundary enables the Commission to direct State Parks staff to work with nearby landowners willing to consider potential land transactions.
Washington State Parks has completed more than 100 land-use plans for parks around the state, through its Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) process. CAMP processes address opportunities for additional parking, trails, water access while also preserving habitat, overall visitor experiences, natural resources, recreation areas and other topics of interest to the communities.
Opportunities for public comment will be available at the meeting, and public comment also may be provided by contacting Sanh Ho, Park Planner, (360) 902-8645 or sanh.ho@parks.wa.gov. Information about the planning project is available online at http://bit.ly/MoranPlan
http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=350
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OUR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
NEWS FROM THE EPA
Field Work in Support of Pending Cleanup at the Raymark Superfund Site in Stratford, CT
BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with the Stratford Health Department, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) today announced that numerous field activities will be conducted in areas of Stratford with known Raymark Waste.
Raymark waste is contamination that was generated by Raymark Industries, Inc., an asbestos brake lining manufacturing plant that operated in Stratford from 1919 to 1989. Specifically, crews will be focused on collecting soil and sediment samples from the entire length of Ferry Creek from interstate 95 to Beacon Point, from several properties along Ferry Boulevard and East Main Street, and from portions of the Department of Public Works property and Wooster Park. Other crews will be conducting boundary and topographic surveys, and completing habitat and wetland assessments in these same areas.
These activities are necessary to support the ongoing design of the cleanup work which EPA announced in a Record of Decision issued last Sept. 9, 2016. Under that decision, Raymark Waste that was buried decades ago in Ferry Creek and other properties around town will be excavated and transported to the former Raybestos Memorial Ball Field located on Frog Pond Lane. The waste will be consolidated with existing Raymark Waste already buried at the ball field and covered with a low-permeability cap. The cap will function to prevent the air-born release of and the potential for direct contact with Raymark Waste, and minimize any further leaching of Raymark Waste into the groundwater.
Some of these areas are highly visible, and the public should be aware that they will see workers wearing chemical resistant clothing (i.e., white suits). This protective clothing is necessary as a precautionary measure required by worker health and safety plans. The public is not at risk from these activities. Air monitoring during field work will be performed to ensure asbestos and other Raymark Waste are not released during these activities.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/field-work-support-pending-cleanup-raymark-superfund-site-stratford-ct
Administrator Pruitt Advances Effort to Keep EPA within Regulatory Lane with Proposed Repeal of Glider Provisions from Heavy-Duty Truck Rule
(WASHINGTON) - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to undo the regulatory overreach of the prior administration by repealing application of the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Truck Phase II Greenhouse Gas Emission and Fuel Efficiency Standards for the glider industry. Gliders are a specially manufactured type of heavy duty highway vehicle assembled from newly manufactured kits that include the vehicle’s frame and cab, to which a used engine, transmission and axles are added.
“The previous administration attempted to bend the rule of law and expand the reach of the federal government in a way that threatened to put an entire industry of specialized truck manufacturers out of business,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “Accordingly, the Agency is taking comment on an interpretation of the Clean Air Act that recognizes the unique nature of a vehicle made up of both new and used component parts. Gliders not only provide a more affordable option for smaller owners and operators, but also serve as a key economic driver to numerous rural communities.”
Due to the unique way that gliders are manufactured, the Agency is proposing that gliders should not be regulated as “new motor vehicles” or “new motor vehicle engines” under section 202(a)(1) of the Clean Air Act. This action does not affect nor propose to affect EPA’s authority to address heavy-duty engine rebuilding practices under Clean Air Act section 202(a)(3)(D).
EPA estimates that about 10,000 gliders are manufactured annually, comprising less than five percent of the Class 8 heavy-duty highway truck market.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/administrator-pruitt-advances-effort-keep-epa-within-regulatory-lane-proposed-repeal
AT THE STATE LEVEL...
DOE PRESS RELEASE: Family trust agrees to restore Lake Osoyoos shorelines and wetlands
Bulkhead and fill material to be removed from fish-critical lake
OROVILLE – Under a settlement agreement with the Washington state Department of Ecology, a family trust from Canada has agreed to restore a shoreline and wetland on Lake Osoyoos in Okanogan County.
In winter 2013, the Teade DeVries Family Trust from Langley, British Columbia, installed without authorization a 500-foot-long bulkhead and filled in a wetland on a 1.3-acre parcel of lakeshore property.
As part of the settlement, the trust will remove the bulkhead and fill material, and restore the shoreline and wetlands.
The trust entered into the agreement after having appealed an administrative order from Ecology in August 2015 to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.
In lieu of a hearing and further litigation, the trust agreed to enter into a settlement agreement with Ecology.
Lake Osoyoos provides important habitat for chinook and sockeye salmon, and steelhead trout.
Bulkheads can reduce the amount of available food to juvenile steelhead because the structures can replace or crowd out vegetation providing important habitat for insects and other food sources. The structures can also increase the likelihood juvenile salmon and steelhead will be eaten by predatory fish because they normally hide in water too shallow for larger fish to enter.
“Bulkheads also encourage erosion in the lakebed because the energy that causes shore erosion gets redirected,” said Dale Bambrick, NOAA-Fisheries Columbia Basin Branch chief in Ellensburg. “As the lakebed erodes, water levels in the nearshore deepen, allowing larger predatory fish to pursue juvenile fish up to the water’s edge.”
Ecology permit specialist Andrea Jedel said, “By agreeing to restore the environment where the construction occurred, the Teade DeVries Family Trust is demonstrating their commitment to protect our shoreline resources.”
Ecology recommends that when property owners seek to build bulkheads, retaining walls, and other shoreline structures, they first start by consulting their local city or county government as well as the agency about applicable regulations.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2017/084.html
DOE: Environmental penalties for third quarter 2017
The Washington Department of Ecology issued $570,900 in penalties of $1,000 or more July through September 2017. A large penalty to King County for sewage spilling from the West Point treatment plant accounted for $361,000 of the total amount of fines for the third quarter.
Ecology works with thousands of businesses and individuals to help them comply with state laws. Penalties are issued in cases where non-compliance continues after Ecology has provided technical assistance or warnings, or for particularly serious violations.
The money owed from penalties may be reduced from the issued amount due to settlement or court rulings. Funds collected go to the state’s general fund or to dedicated pollution prevention accounts.
Ecology strives to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment and promote wise management for current and future generations. When someone pollutes Washington’s land, air or waters, Ecology enforces state and federal regulations in hopes of changing behavior and deterring future violations.
See full report
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2017/083.html
(PAGE 4)
WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS...
Trump and Putin shake hands at APEC summit dinner
DANANG, Vietnam (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin shook hands at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit dinner in Vietnam on Friday, even though the White House said there would be no formal meeting.
Hezbollah media unit: Islamic State leader reported in Syrian town
BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Hezbollah-run media unit said on Friday Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was reported to have been in the Syrian town of Albu Kamal during the Syrian army and its allies’ operation to clear it.
Mueller probing alleged Flynn plan to deliver cleric to Turkey: WSJ
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whether U.S. President Donald Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was involved in an alleged plan to seize a Muslim cleric and deliver him to Turkey in exchange for millions of dollars, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
As Trump targets immigrants, U.S. farm sector looks to automate
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Convincing big U.S. dairy owners to buy robots to milk their cows - and reduce the farmhands they employ - used to be a tough sell for Steve Fried. Recently, his job has gotten easier, he says, in part because of President Donald Trump.
Daily Bible Verse: God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.
Job 37:5-6 NKJV
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