Panel to assess threat of catastrophes similar to mudslide

OLYMPIA — The state panel responsible for regulating logging will hold a special meeting next month to discuss the deadly mudslide in Oso and threat of similar catastrophes occurring elsewhere in Washington.

The Forest Practices Board will hear from scientists on how the state detects landslide hazards and consider if existing rules for harvesting timber in areas with steep slopes are adequate for protecting residents from damaging landslides.

In that context, the board will focus part of its May 12 session on what is — and what is not — known about the devastating mudslide that claimed the lives of at least 41 people.

“I want to look at the science. I want to know what the actual root cause of the landslide was,” said board member Bob Guenther, who owns 110 acres of forest land in Lewis County.

“I don’t want to get caught up in the emotion of it. There’s talk that cutting some trees here or there caused it,” he said. “If that turns out to be what took place, then okay but I don’t want to have a predetermined judgment.”

While no decisions are planned that day, the board could direct leaders of the Department of Natural Resources to conduct studies or take actions during its regular meeting May 13.

“Everybody has questions. Everybody wants to make sure that our processes have been implemented correctly,” said board member Tom Laurie, a senior adviser to the head of the state Department of Ecology. “I think we will find areas for improvement. It seems like we can always find areas to improve.”

The Forest Practices Board is an independent state agency established by the 1974 Forest Practices Act. It develops rules for logging on public and private lands, setting standards intended to protect public safety and resources such as fish habitat while maintaining a viable timber industry.

The 13-member panel includes Snohomish County Councilman Dave Somers.

Aaron Everett, state forester with the Department of Natural Resources, is chairman of the board. He scheduled the special meeting.

“Broadly, the board needs to take stock of the scientific basis for landslide protections,” Everett said. Then they can deliberate on possible revisions after that.

Meanwhile, an investigation continues into logging that occurred a decade ago above the slide area. Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark ordered the probe in hopes of answering questions of whether the harvest was a factor in the cause of the slide.

Everett said the investigation is ongoing and did not know if any information would be available for the board.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the John A. Cherberg Building, across the street from the state Capitol.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.