Mandates, Economic Impacts, and Local Concerns: Who Should Manage Mount St. Helens

摘要

Mount St. Helens has a long history as a majestic mountain of the Cascade Range, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, source of legends of the Klickitat, Cowlitz, and Salish tribes, destination of mountaineers, adventurers, Boy Scout, Girl Scout and church groups, and a rich source of timber. On May 18, 1980, however, an earthquake triggered a nine-hour eruption of Mount St. Helens. Rock exploded from the volcano at an estimated 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, instantly turning 70% of the mountains ice and snow into water. Avalanches ran down the mountain at speeds up to 80 miles per hour. The volcano lost over 1,300 feet in height, dropping from the 5th tallest peak in Washington to the 30th. The eruption devastated plant and animal life in the surrounding area, knocking down trees as far as 17 miles away.6 Tragically, more than 50 people lost their lives.