Commission Briefs

Bigfoot protection on agenda

At a briefing April 8, Mason County commissioners unanimously agreed to put a resolution on the next meeting’s agenda “declaring Mason County a sasquatch protection and refuge area” after Grays Harbor County elementary school students wrote in asking for protection of the cryptid.

“We are the students of Miss Andrews class in 5th grade at Lincoln Elementary school in Hoquiam, Washington. The reason we are writing this letter to you is because we believe that Mason County should have laws to protect Bigfoot,” according to the letter in the information packet.

“Firstly, Bigfoot might be endangered. Though we’re not sure, we can still try to help. For example, helping the environment in general. Another example would be if you are in a county that has less sightings of Bigfoot, perhaps you could pass these laws to help Bigfoot stay safe!” the children wrote.

The class said Whatcom, Skamania, Clallam and Grays Harbor counties have Bigfoot protection laws.

“Will you be next to protect Bigfoot?” they asked.

Commissioner Sharon Trask enthusiastically agreed to place the item on the next agenda.

“If that doesn’t just make you smile and want to help Bigfoot, I don’t know what will,” she said.

Commissioner Randy Neatherlin said he doesn’t usually favor singling out certain individuals or groups, but he is “supportive of this. I love this,” he said.

Commissioner Kevin Shutty said he would support it on one condition.

“Miss Andrews and her class should come in and make comments when the resolution comes before the commission,” he said, because it would be a great way to engage kids in the civic process.

“It’s a good thing these kids got to us before the people who want to have us issue hunting licenses for Bigfoot,” Shutty added.