Environment | The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Thurston Youth Climate Alliance staged a die-in protest at the Olympia city council on Tuesday, May 24.

Thurston youth stage die-in protest over climate crisis

Thurston Youth Climate Alliance members staged a die-in protest at the recent Olympia city council meeting, urging the city to act on the climate crisis. Louisa Sevier, the alliance’s … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/25/22 | 3 comments

Three of Washington's dwindling giants are shown in this photo, taken in the Hoh Rainforest -- which is not part of a planned tree sale.

Environmental group leaders appeal together for county protection of "legacy" trees

Thurston County Commissioners Mejia, Menser, and Edwards: The organizations listed below request that you protect the trees in Capitol State Forest, especially the Legacy Forests within Thurston … more

5/25/22 | 1 comment

This was Ensign Road on July 9, 2021. Another periodic cleanup is scheduled for May 25, 2022.

Ensign Road closed tomorrow

Ensign Road from Martin Way to Providence Mother Joseph Care Center will be closed off from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, May 25, according to an Olympia press release. Both lanes of Ensign Road will … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 5/24/22 | 2 comments

This is the aeration pond at Palermo Lagoon in Tumwater.

Tumwater approves agreement to maintain Palermo Treatment Lagoon

The Tumwater City Council approved an interlocal agreement between Tumwater and the Washington Department of Transportation (WDOT) to maintain the Palermo Treatment Lagoon Thursday, May 19. … more

By Tiziana Piatos | 5/20/22 | 1 comment

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners declared the third week of May, as the National Public Works Week during its Tuesday meeting on May 17.

Thurston County celebrates public works professionals 'everyday heroes' and ‘unsung heroes”

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners declared the third week of May, 15 to 21, National Public Works Week during their Tuesday meeting on May 17. This year's theme is titled "Ready and … more

By JC Medina | 5/18/22

During the Olympia Advisory Committee meeting held on Thursday, Water Resources director Eric Christensen discussed with the committee members the proposal to provide a discount irrigation rate for urban agriculture.

Olympia utilities committee approves discount water rate for urban agriculture

The Olympia Utilities Advisory Committee (UAC) has directed its staff to develop a discounted rate for irrigation water used for urban agriculture. Water Resources Department director Eric … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/10/22

At Silver Springs Organics in Rainier, Armondo Lugo drives a machine that turns over giant steaming piles of compost.

Olympia seeks to divert compostable materials

Public Works Waste ReSources Director Gary Franks recommended to the Olympia Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) that members include some elements House Bill 1799 concerning organic material management … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/9/22

The Savannah Sparrow builds its nest on the grounds of grassland prairies.

Prairie Birds - Part 1

Thurston County has a rare habitat type that is underappreciated – prairies. These are native grasslands that, 200 years ago, stretched for scores of miles in the relatively flat central and … more

By George Walter | 5/5/22 | 2 comments

The left photo shows how the Martin Way Corridor looked when originally constructed in the early 1930’s. The Corridor was a part of the original highway system. The right photo shows what Martin Way looks like now as the county plans to turn the area from an automobile-dominated roadway to a more pedestrian-friendly road.

Is yours one of the 40,000 vehicles on Martin Way each day?

Community members are invited to provide input and feedback on plans for the Martin Way Corridor in an online public meeting on Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. As part of the Martin Way Corridor Study … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 5/3/22 | 1 comment

During the Utilities Commission meeting on May 2, Lacey Water Resource Specialist Linsey Fields said the Lacey Water Resources updated the Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) for better communication and readability.

Lacey updates water shortage response plan

The Lacey Water Resources Department (WRD) recently updated their Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) for better communication and readability. Lacey Water Resource Specialist Linsey Fields said … more

By JC Medina | 5/3/22

Olympia is encouraging its residents to ride a bike this month.

Olympia City Council proclaims May Bicycle Month

Olympia City Council approved a proclamation designating May as Olympia Bicycle Month at its meeting yesterday. The city council approved the proclamation to recognize both the 52nd Earth Day … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/26/22

The 70-acre Kaiser Woods Park property abuts the county to the west and Tumwater to the south.

Olympia unveils the updated plan for Kaiser Woods Park

The Olympia Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) is reviewing the Kaiser Woods Park plan, which would provide more trails for running, biking, hiking and dog walking. In her … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/22/22

Braff said Olympia’s current GHG emissions reduction target 45% by 2030 and net-zero emission by 2040.

Olympia urged to reduce emissions by 59% anew

Olympia’s Climate Program manager Dr. Pamela Braff repeated the need for the city council to update Olympia’s commitment to a climate change mitigation plan by reducing greenhouse gas … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/21/22 | 1 comment

Expect to find this flag all around Olympia

Olympia City Council proclaims April as Earth Month

The Olympia City Council approved a proclamation designating April as Earth Month during its April 19 meeting Tuesday. The city council followed suit Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee’s … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/21/22

TRL Birding or Hiking backpack s include a Washington Discover Pass and can be borrowed up to three weeks.

Explore new interests with TRL’s Library of Things

Outdoor adventure, at-home aid and opportunities to try a new hobby can be found at Timberland Regional Library with the Library of Things collection. Area residents can find a variety of kits and … more

By Taniah Najih | Timberland Regional Library | 4/20/22

Debora Munguia, of Capitol Consulting, and Carl Schroeder, Deputy Government Relations Director for the Association of Washington Cities, give an update to Olympia City Planning Commission on key legislation on transportation and energy systems April 18

Olympia Planning Commission gets update on transportation and energy bills passed

Olympia’s lobbyists met with the city’s City Planning Commission April 18 to provide updates on legislation they describe “would revolutionize the trends in the transportation and … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/19/22 | 1 comment

The City of Lacey held a public hearing on April 12 to gather opinions on the controversial Meridian Market and Gas Station.

Lacey residents push back against planned Meridian Gas Station; city staff, developer defend

Some 45 Lacey residents showed up at a public hearing on Tuesday about the proposed construction of a gas station in the northeast corner of the city, with some staying online for more than four … more

By JC Medina | 4/14/22 | 1 comment

The Barnes Lake district is generally bounded by the roads that surround the area outlined in blue.

Barnes Lake rate hearing rescheduled to May 5

Tumwater’s Public Works Committee has rescheduled a public hearing for the Barnes Lake Management District (BLMD) regarding a proposed 5% annual increase to the district's rates and … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/13/22

Water Resources specialist Carrie Gillum, of Tumwater Water Resources and Sustainability department, presents to Public Works Committee the programs they are undertaking to encourage the consumers to conserve water.

Tumwater offers incentives to residents joining water conservation programs

Tumwater Water Resources and Sustainability (TWRS) will give incentives to its water customers who participate in conservation programs. Tumwater Water Resources Specialist Carrie Gillum said it … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/11/22

Screenshot of the livestream of the canceled public hearing on April 4

Lacey public hearing for Meridian Market and Gas set for tomorrow morning

A public hearing for the controversial Meridian Market and Gas Station was moved from on April 4 moved to Tuesday, April 12, 10:00 a.m. Lacey Senior Planner Samra Seymour said they postponed the … more

By JC Medina | 4/11/22