Resident urges investigation into truck speeds, threats and easement disputes near Mount St. Helens retreat

A long-time resident of the Elk Run/Mount St. Helens retreat area addressed the Board of County Commissioners to report repeated unsafe driving by log trucks, alleged theft of posted signs, and a confrontation during which he said a truck “almost ran me over” while he was on his own property.

Kerry Hargan told the board he and neighbors have experienced speeding log trucks, dust problems and what he described as hostile behavior from drivers and a warehouse contractor. He said he posted speed-and-dust signs on the private easement that serves several residences, and that some signs were stolen; he said he reported an incident to the sheriff’s department and that the deputy questioned him about vehicle ownership instead of immediately pursuing the driver.

Hargan described one encounter in which “he acted like he is going to go on by me,” then said the truck driver “tried to run me over” while Hargan was on his property; he said he later learned drivers were broadcasting radio chatter that he was “packing a gun” and that one worker said over the radio, “if I see him pull me out there, I'm gonna run him over.” Hargan asked commissioners to investigate and said he felt bullied by the private contractor (Weyerhaeuser) and by law enforcement’s response.

Commissioners and staff told Hargan the board’s direct powers are limited: the board cannot direct the sheriff’s department or the state to take specific actions but can pass on residents’ concerns and ask county staff to research options. One commissioner recommended making sure county clerks have the resident’s contact information so staff can follow up and, where appropriate, help coordinate next steps.

The resident said the road segment in question is a private easement used for timber and recreational access, that he and other landowners each own a portion to the centerline, and that speed and dust problems on the short stretch of road have worsened in the past year. Hargan asked whether an easement can be revoked in cases of abuse; a commissioner noted landowners cannot lawfully landlock a property but suggested civil remedies may be available and recommended consulting an attorney.

Commissioners asked staff to record Hargan’s contact information and to look into what county offices can do to assist; they noted any enforcement action on criminal threats or dangerous driving would come through the sheriff’s office.