NORTH BONNEVILLE, Wash. – Banner runs of salmon and steelhead are migrating up some Northwest rivers this summer. Not since dams were constructed on the Columbia and Snake Rivers have this many sockeye salmon returned. Meanwhile, the 2010 summer steelhead run is on pace to be the second highest on record on the Columbia....
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SEATTLE – Destructive fruit flies were detected for the first time in eastern Washington. The Asian red-eyed fruit flies were spotted in five major fruit production regions. They damage ripening soft fruit by laying eggs in it. According to a researcher at Washington State University, some peach growers in Oregon reported losing 50% of...
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This weekend, around 30,000 people are expected to descend on Sequim, Washington for that small town’s 14th annual lavender festival. Organizers boast it is North America’s biggest celebration of the purple herb. Lavender festivals are blossoming all over the Northwest. There’s another one in Twin Falls, Idaho this Saturday and on San Juan Island,...
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PROSSER, Wash. — The legend of John Henry pits a “steal driving man” against a steam drill. John Henry wins the contest but in the long run, machines have prevailed in the American economy. Now, researchers at Washington State University are developing a modern day contraption that could put cherry pickers out of work....
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RICHLAND, Wash. – This week, about 300 bloggers and winemakers are set to descend on Walla Walla in Eastern Washington, for a sold-out conference. Organizers say it’s the first wine conference for bloggers held outside of California. Correspondent Anna King reports. Meet J.J. Williams. His family owns a winery on a dusty Eastern Washington...
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The gulf oil spill has shut down the oldest oyster shucking operation in the country. You might think that would translate into more business for Northwest oyster growers. But it’s not that simple. Correspondent Austin Jenkins explains. The P&J Oyster Company has been in operation in New Orleans for 134 years. Not any longer....
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is starting an in-depth survey of honey bees in 13 states including Washington. Federal researchers are teaming up with universities to see what’s ailing the bees. The insects are integral to bringing fresh fruits and veggies to your dinner table. But lately mites, diseases and a phenomenon called Colony...
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