Wash. Ranchers Hit with a Staggering $267K Fine over Cattle Watering Ponds by Dept. Of Ecology: They Want to Eliminate Our Culture

EXCERPT:

WILLIS: “Now, a fascinating story. About a fourth generation cattle ranching family facing an existential threat to their livelihood due to a legal battle with the Washington State Ecology Department. Yes, that's a real thing. And they say it could have widespread consequences for ranchers across the state. The department fining the King family $267,000 in 2023, alleging they cost millions in damage to regulated wetlands by digging ponds for cattle ranching. The family is pushing for a jury trial and is even ready to appeal to the Supreme Court. The Washington State Department of Ecology saying this, quote, 'Prior to issuing the penalty, ecology staff repeatedly sought to resolve concerns about the damage without a formal enforcement action. The Kings refused to cooperate with these efforts.'”