Group buys land to prevent break in Pacific Crest Trail

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

A group dedicated to preserving and promoting the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail has purchased private land in western Washington state to prevent a break in the path.
    
The Seattle Times reports that The Pacific Crest Trail Association on Wednesday bought more than 400 acres (162 hectares) in the Stevens Pass area from a private landowner for $1.6 million.
    
The association says the landowner had considered putting up a fence and cutting off public access to the trail.
    
The association says it would have been difficult to build a route around the private land, likely closing the trail in that area for several years.

http://www.king5.com/news/local/group-buys-land-to-prevent-break-in-pacific-crest-trail/492944222

[maxsolomon]

1. extortion.

the same "traditional access" issues are at play in MT: http://montanauntamed.com/montana-untamed/article_1d365f8a-19a9-5c9f-9596-3c6cd957d1f5.html

[maxsolomon]

2. It would be enlightening to know more about the previous owner

AKA the Extortionist. PCTA is now detailed as the owner, but one "Gary C. Jones Trustee" is still shown on the maps.

every available article just says they "considered" fencing off the trail.