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Eric Barker

@ericbarker.bsky.social
306 followers 188 following 151 posts

Newspaper reporter at the Lewiston Tribune focused on fish, outdoor recreation, and the environment.

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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Shout out to the Palouse Land Trust that owns and manages the little nature preserve and to the Moscow Area Mountain Bike Association that maintains the trail network on Moscow Mountain. Big wild places are invaluable but so are the little nooks and crannies right out our backdoors.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Idler's Rest, a close-to-home place to bask in nature for residents of the Palouse, recognized as a Community Forest by the Old Growth Forest Network. It is a pretty cool spot and connected to a wonderful network of trails on Moscow Mountain. www.lmtribune.com/local-news/a...
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
A deal to solve the private/public checkerboard land ownership pattern in the upper Lochsa River basin is moving through Congress. USFS would aquire 27,500 acres if it is approved, about 10k would remain private and subject to development, i.e. homes/cabins www.lmtribune.com/outdoors/upp...
lmtribune.com
Upper Lochsa land deal in the works
Transaction would see 85% of parcels owned by Western Pacific move to federal ownership
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Steelhead numbers are crashing again. The 2026 run, in the Snake and Columbia rivers, is on pace to be the worst on record. Annual numbers had rebounded modestly following a string of terrible years from 2017 to 2021. But here we go again. www.lmtribune.com/local-news/r...
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Trump Administration Moves to Gut a Core Endangered Species Protection www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/c...
nytimes.com
Trump Administration Moves to Gut a Core Endangered Species Protection
An internal memo reinterprets the law so that only the intentional killing of animals, not collateral harm, is illegal.
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The Associated Press @apnews.com · 21/08/2026
BREAKING: The editor of military newspaper Stars and Stripes says he has been fired for insubordination after calling any censorship a "red line."
bit.ly
Stars and Stripes editor says he has been fired for insubordination after doing interview
The editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes says the Pentagon has fired the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, as well as its publisher and a reporter.
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Amanda Carpenter @amandacarpenter.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
A little thread on Trump's CRYPTO ventures because I don't think ppl are seeing how totally corruptive it is to the system. Let's start w this. When investors dump millions into Trump’s crypto ventures, what are they actually paying for? It has no intrinsic value.
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Brandon Friedman @brandonfriedman.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Axios writer: I melted my brain with AI. Not only can I no longer read, but I don't even understand the purpose of reading anymore. Here's how you can also do this. www.axios.com/2026/08/11/r...
Axios: AI has become my reading buddy as I've plowed through my summer book list, helping me keep track of plots and characters, unpack themes, and make sense of wordy, old prose.

Why it matters: The way many of us actually read books — a few pages before bed, a chapter at the beach, another on a plane — makes it easy to lose the thread. AI can help you pick it back up without starting over.
📖 I really got into using AI while reading James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans." The text was far too dense for casual vacation reading. My first prompt asked:

"I'd like a guide as I read The Last of the Mohicans who can help me understand what I've read and where the story is, without giving spoilers or getting ahead of my progress. Can you do this, chapter by chapter?"
The robot agreed: "Cooper's sentences are long and his diction is archaic."
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Duck hunters who have made generational consevation investments are on high alert over potential changes by Trump administration to wetland easements in the Praire Potholes Region. www.outdoorlife.com/conservation...
outdoorlife.com
This USFWS Announcement Has Duck Hunters on High Alert
A request for information from the USFWS concerning drainage of lands near wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region has duck hunters on edge.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
The Forest Service expanded its wilderness chainsaw use authorization in the Frank Church Wilderness to the Payette NF. The policy previously applied to just the Salmon-Challis Forest.
lmtribune.com
Payette Forest allows chainsaws in Frank Church Wilderness
The move follows similar approval on the Salmon-Challis Forest last spring
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The Nez Perce Tribe placed a gillnet in the Snake River near the mouth of the Tucannon River. In one short set they caught 58 nonnative walleye, 8 of which had juvenile PIT tagged salmon in their stomachs and three of those were from endangered Snake River sockeye. www.lmtribune.com/outdoors/wal...
lmtribune.com
Walleye feeding on conveyor belt of juvenile salmon
Nez Perce Tribe found the fish were carrying tracking tags implanted in Snake River sockeye
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
It's more of a hail Mary than long-term solution but it may help keep the genetics from blinking out and one day seed a return of sockeye to Wallowa Lake.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Snake River sockeye are returning below forecast. It's bad news but if you're looking for silver lining, an experimental hatchery program by IDFG and Nez Perce Tribe that has some fish bypass the hydrosystem and Salmon River altogether, is making a better showing www.lmtribune.com/outdoors/sna...
lmtribune.com
Snake River sockeye running behind forecast
But pilot hatchery program may prove to be a silver lining
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Draft forest plan covering the Blue Mountains in SE Washington and NE Oregon significantly ramps up logging targets. It assumes the roadless rule will be revoked and it replaces Eastside Screens, PACFISH and INFISH with more flexible rules. www.lmtribune.com/outdoors/dra...
lmtribune.com
Draft plan for Blue Mountains triples logging targets
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Coach Finstock @coachfinstock.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
It is currently illegal to reflect at the Reflecting Pool
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
FS says the downed trees will attract bark beetles and add fuel to already fire prone forests. State and private forest managers are salvage logging as well. But the logging is dangerous and the trees can be of low value because they are often sheered off or have to be cut short to untangle them.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The project is in response to straight-line windstorms last March and Dec. 2025 that toppled trees, blocked roads and trails, damaged recreation infrastructure and produced tangles of wind-thrown trees of varying sizes across the forests. President Trump declared it a major disaster.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
That means there will be a single, 7-day comment period that sunsets Monday even though the agency has not yet identified exactly where the logging will take place. It also has the ability to begin logging before NEPA analysis and ESA, cultural and historic consultations are wrapped.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The U.S. Forest plans to salvage log wind toppled trees across six national forests in northern Idaho and western Montana under emergency authorities and new NEPA rules. www.lmtribune.com/local-news/f...
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Molly Knight @mollyknight.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
THAT’S TWO BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP GOALS IN THE FIRST HALF FOR TEAM USA
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Ambassador Ken Fairfax (ret) @portlandken.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
I generally don't like cross-posting from Twitter, but Mike Young absolutely nails how the US wound up with a resurgence of the flesh-eating screwworm decades after it had been eliminated.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/05/c...
nytimes.com
U.S. Forest Service to Open Millions of Acres to Off-Road Vehicles, Memo Shows
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Bill Grueskin @bgrueskin.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
“If the government decides, very quickly, to bulldoze the Statue of Liberty... nothing can be done?” asked Judge Patricia Millett. “I think that’s right, yes,” responded DOJ attorney Yaakov Roth www.politico.com/news/2026/06...
politico.com
Trump could also tear down the Statue of Liberty, DOJ argues in defense of White House ballroom
Justice Department lawyers said the courts are powerless to intervene in the dispute over the former East Wing.
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Alex Baumhardt @alexbaumhardt.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
This will cost generations of Americans precious time in the race to curb pollution causing global warming, increase utility bills, all while the rest of the world invests in renewables that have made electricity cheaper to generate than any time in history oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/06/04/r...
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
Trump to pump $700M into coal power in the states, as he again blasts renewable energy • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The federal government will spend $700 million on building or refurbishing coal power infrastructure across the country in a boost to “clean, beautiful coal,” President Donald Trump said Thursday in t...
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Grist @grist.org · 01/06/2026
Neonic pesticides have become nearly impossible to avoid. Beekeepers, advocates, and researchers are pushing for stronger protections for pollinators and people. (Sponsored by @nrdc.org)
grist.org
The fight to protect pollinators and people from the ‘pesticides that are everywhere’
Neonics are contaminating ecosystems and communities.
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Amanda Carpenter @amandacarpenter.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Please read. Drowning doesn’t look like drowning. People die, all the time, in crowded areas surrounded by people who miss the signs.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
The Forest Service is allowing select outfitters to use chainsaws in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. The exception to the normal ban on motors applies to 61 trails and will be in place from Jan. 1 to Aug. 1 over the next three years. www.lmtribune.com/local-news/c...
lmtribune.com
Chain saws get green light in Church Wilderness
Forest Service allows exception to rule because of the need to clear trails
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
“The public had some really good land and some really good access in the Crazy Mountains. Some really rich people decided they liked the Crazy Mountains a lot … And now the public doesn’t have that access.”
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FactPost @factpostnews.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Pennsylvania man detained by ICE for over 250 days speaks out: "Whatever anybody has seen on TV is true. You are in cages, and there are 32 people in each cage... Just because I wasn't born in this country doesn't mean that I don't love this country."
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Lawrence Hurley @lawrencehurley.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
This is the second time in a week the Supreme Court has sidestepped process in a way that helps GOP adopt new maps to maximize partisan advantage even as election season is underway.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association wants the Forest Service to OK chainsaws to clear an "insurmountable backlog" of blocked trails in the Frank Church Wilderness. Wilderness advocates say it's sacrilege and fear a national exception to the Wilderness Act. www.lmtribune.com/local-news/r...
lmtribune.com
Request to use chain saws in wilderness sparks protest
Idaho Outfitters say motorized equipment is needed to clear trails
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Kelcie Moseley-Morris @kelciemmorris.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Jake McKnight
@jake.sooscreek.productions

Ag secretary confirming 1 in 4 US farmers has no fertilizer secured, American Farm Bureau survey says up to 70% can't afford enough fertilizer for the season under the spiked costs
Honestly shocked this isn't bigger news. 25% of farms are just not planting at all this season. Farm bankruptcy up 46%
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Scot Heisel @heisel.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
I don’t think people realize how predatory Silicon Valley has been toward journalism
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Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for placing seashells by the seashore. And for posting. Today's indictment: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
US DIA Mou, Jr., Clerk
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
Eastern District of NC
EASTERN DIVISION
NO. 4:26-CR-1-FL-RN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
v.
JAMES BRIEN COMEY JR.
The Grand Jury charges that:
INDICTMENT
COUNT ONE
On or about May 15, 2025, in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the defendant, JAMES BRIEN COMEY JR, did knowingly and willfully make a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon, the President of the United States, in that he publicly posted a photograph on the internet social media site Instagram which depicted seashells arranged in a pattern making out "86 47", which a reasonable recipient who is familiar with the circumstances would interpret
as a serious expression of an intent to do harm to the President of the United
States.
In violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 871(a).COUNT TWO
On or about May 15, 2025, in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the defendant, JAMES BRIEN COMEY JR, knowingly and willfully did transmit in interstate and foreign commerce a communication that contained a threat to kill the
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Case 4:26-cr-00016-FL-RN Document 1 Filed 04/28/26 Page 1 of 3
President, Donald J. Trump, specifically, by publicly posting a photograph on the internet social media site Instagram which depicted seashells arranged in a pattern making out "86 47", which a reasonable recipient who is familiar with the circumstances would interpret as a serious expression of an intent to do harm to
President Trump.
In violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c).
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Grande Ronde River near Troy, Oregon.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
My 91-year-old dad and I recently bought a spotting scope and plan to follow our local bighorn sheep herds and master digiscoping. This pic is from last weekend. Lambs should drop soon.
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Kate Knibbs @knibbs.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
shattering: www.nytimes.com/2026/04/21/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Measles Took My Daughter. This Is What I Want Everyone to Know.
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Judd Legum @juddlegum.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Articles about Jared Kushner's diplomatic role with Iran that mention Kushner has received billions from the Saudi government (2/28-4/19): NYT: 5 of 58 WashPost: 1 of 43 WSJ: 0 of 40 AP: 0 of 26 CNN Wire: 0 of 18 NY Post: 0 of 17 Chicago Tribune: 0 of 4 LA Times: 0 of 4 Boston Globe: 0 of 2
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
That map is more creative than a lot of the spelling in the LC journals. Side note: think I'll take a quick drive from my home in Lewiston to Lemhi Pass this afternoon.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
The legislation referenced in this 2018 story was eventually passed and is now law. It's made sea lion removal easier but predation persists and in some years is significant. www.lmtribune.com/northwest/fa...
lmtribune.com
Falling prey
Fisheries officials and anglers say opportunistic sea lions threaten salmon and steelhead runs, seek new tools to deal with the hungry ocean mammals
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
It may seem silly from afar but sea lions and other predators are a legit cause of salmon and steelhead mortality on the Columbia River. They are far from the only problem, nor the most significant but it's a real issue of concern for MGP's district and beyond.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
"If they are not willing to represent Idahoans where we are on this issue, we are going to hold them accountable and they can find a new job,” said Brian Brooks, one of three board members of the PAC for Public Lands.
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Idaho public land advocates form PAC, target pols who support selling or transferring public land. www.lmtribune.com/local-news/p...
lmtribune.com
Public land advocates look to play hardball
A new group, PAC for Public Lands, makes plans to target politicians willing to shift public lands to private ownership
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Idaho public land advocates form PAC, target pols who support selling or transferring public land www.lmtribune.com/local-news/p...
lmtribune.com
Public land advocates look to play hardball
A new group, PAC for Public Lands, makes plans to target politicians willing to shift public lands to private ownership
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Eric Barker @ericbarker.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/04/13/b...
nytimes.com
China’s Electrostate Is Poised to Win From War in the Middle East
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Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · 03/03/2026
"Ultimately, my concern is for the privacy rights of Idahoans who have registered to vote, as secured under Idaho law,” Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane wrote to the Justice Department in a Feb. 26 letter. #idpol
idahocapitalsun.com
Idaho secretary of state won’t give US Justice Department sensitive voter information • Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho’s secretary of state said he will not give the Trump administration access to sensitive personal information about registered voters.
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New York Times Opinion @nytopinion.nytimes.com · 03/03/2026
The nine law firms that surrendered to President Trump “failed a high-stakes character test,” writes the editorial board.
nyti.ms
Opinion | Nine Law Firms Surrendered. Four Law Firms Won.
The four law firms that fought Trump’s executive orders have forced him to retreat.
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Climatologist49 @climatologist49.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
December 2025 through February 2026 was the 2nd warmest winter on record for the Contiguous U.S. according to Prism climate data. The widespread record to near record warmth in the west easily outweighed the cool temps in the east. 🔥🔥🔥
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Catherine Rampell @crampell.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Pretty amazing that comms person at FBI called my @ms.now colleague @kendilanian-nbc.bsky.social a liar and demand a correction only for Kash to post a photo from the locker room
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Dread Pirate Sex Badger @badgercult.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
There's always a quote.
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