$10 Million Lawsuit Against Olympic National Park

John Messina, a personal injury lawyer in Tacoma, is filing a wrongful death suit against Olympic National Park. The lawsuit is being filed as a result of the death of Bob Boardman, who was fatally gored by a mountain goat last October.

The wrongful death and personal injury claims have totaled $10,022,700. John Messina said:

“We are intending to file a wrongful death suit. Negligence is the basis. Our goal is to seek justice in this case and wake up the park system.”

Olympic National Park: The Next Twenty Years

Olympic National Park is still planning to expand its boundaries, provided the landowners are willing to sell. But they're not planning much expansion or “improvement” of their tourist facilities. There won't be any additional parking for Hurricane Ridge, no paving of the road to Obstruction Point and no expansion of ski areas.

Personally I think the natural beauty of this area will continue to attract tourists and newcomers, regardless of how much or how little the park is developed.

What do you think?

Cougars in Port Angeles

This seems to be a hot topic lately, judging by a recent article in the Peninsula Daily News and several letters to the editor. Who are the "invaders" here, cougars or people?

Personally I think that since we live in one of the most remote areas of the country and we're right on the edge of Olympic National Park, being "invaded" by cougars (and other wildlife) is part of the package. Then again I might think differently if my yard was invaded, or a family member threatened, by a cougar.

What do YOU think?