The Lake Cavanaugh Trust would like to update everyone on the status of the Failey Mountain logging Forest Practice Application (FPA) #2819518 that Timberline Logging Inc., with ties to Neilson Brother’s, filed in May of 2024.
In an effort to help keep the residents of our community safe and the lake water clean our attorneys’ submitted comments on both the FPA as well as the SEPA Checklist documents to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). You can find both documents on our website HERE. Our hope was that DNR would require Timberline to resubmit their documents with the required, previously omitted information, and that this information, once in the light, would force DNR to deny Timberline’s FPA on the grounds we assert on our response materials.
Unfortunately, DNR approved the FPA on September 18, 2024, and Timberline at once started construction on the road and the 85’ long bridge across the ravine on very steep slopes.
On October 1, 2024, The Lake Cavanaugh Trust filed a Notice of Appeal and Motion for Emergency Stay with the Pollution Control Hearing Board. The Emergency Stay was denied, and we then filed a Motion for Temporary Suspension on October 28, 2024. Filings and motions and declarations followed for several months and then on March 28, 2025, we received an Order on Motion for Temp Suspension which granted the stay.
In the meantime, the effectiveness of FPA #2819518 is suspended and Timberline, or any of its agents or contractors, shall not conduct any further forest practices authorized by FPA #2819518 pending a decision on the merits of this case. The stay will be in effect until after a hearing. The hearing on this matter is scheduled for October 7-9, 2025.
We have come a long way and carried out what some thought was not possible. It has taken a lot of hard work by the dedicated members of the Lake Cavanaugh Trust and the financial support of our contributors. But the fight for the safety of all of us and to keep the waters of Lake Cavanaugh clean is far from over.
As a 501-(c) 4 non-profit organization, the Trust relies entirely on donations to pay our legal and consulting fees. We have no payroll/overhead expenses, and the board is not paid for their time. Our directive is to advocate for the greater community’s right to safely live and recreate in and around Lake Cavanaugh and to protect the quality of the water of Lake Cavanaugh. In doing so, we also consider ourselves stewards of the natural environment. If you can, please consider donating via our website.
As you can imagine, it is very expensive to fight these legal battles, and the Trust would greatly appreciate any kind of financial help you can offer. In the last nine months The Trust has incurred approximately $25,000 in legal and consultant expenses. The expected costs for the upcoming hearing in October will likely run over $50,000.
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to the cause, and to the many folks that have generously donated in past years. This effort is critically important to the well-being of Lake Cavanaugh residents and to the Lake itself. Please consider donating via our website; www.lakecavanaughtrust.com. We truly appreciate your continued support.