Indian Tribes in the Pacific Northwest are using real time data to monitor and support salmon populations on rivers impacted by water and power infrastructure along with the region's ongoing drought.
"By closely monitoring river temperatures during a hot summer, the Nisqually Tribe has been able to make quick decisions to protect fish health," according to an article on the Northwest Treaty Tribes website.
"The tribe has deployed six temperature monitors throughout the [Nisqually River] watershed. 'Tribal staff regularly download data from the monitors to give tribal and state co-managers a clear picture of temperature conditions,' said David Troutt, natural resources manager for the tribe."
Water temperature is of critical importance to the health and survival of salmon. If the water is too warm, juvenile salmon expend too much energy and can starve. Warm water also spreads disease. Low snowpack this year in the Pacific Northwest has required the Nisqually to be especially vigilant, shutting down weirs and diversion dams when necessary on different stretches of the river.
FULL STORY: HOW REAL-TIME DATA HELPS THE NISQUALLY TRIBE PROTECT SALMON

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie