Vince,

Weyerhauser can afford a legal dream team compared to the state DNR. That's relevant because DNR has paid off twice in out of court settlements in Skagit County for mudslides that originated from clear cuts and logging roads owned and permitted by DNR. If timber companies had to just once, come down and scoop up all their soil that is washed downstream and carry it back to their private property, that would put an end to irresponsible forestry. However it would also put an end to any forestry on sloping ground, which is the majority of all forests, thereby putting an end to the vast majority of all economic growth in WA. Up to a point that enhances quality of life, and thereafter adversely affects everyone's quality of life. You see, if there were an easy solution, we would have invoked it by now. There isn't. And society is averse to making hard choices. So it's easier to cut and run. And develop floodways. And then become the victims of the default choices that we've collectively made. Pretty damn depressing, huh?

Sg