WHEREAS, there have been five executive orders establishing various access control zones around Mt. St. Helens since April 3, 1980, and such executive orders have been based on a continuing declaration of a state of emergency in Washington State due to the volcanic eruptions at Mt. St. Helens; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to assess current and projected hazards at and in the vicinity of Mt. St. Helens and a need to assess, in light of said hazards, the desires of homeowners, businesses and industries to pursue normal activities within what is now designated the state Red Zone; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to coordinate access control zone administrative rules and boundaries with the United States Forest Service; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to take testimony, from individuals who own or control property in or around the state Red Zone and recreationists who desire access to land and water areas now within the boundaries of the state Red Zone, for the purpose of securing ideas and suggestions for modifying the boundaries of, and administrative rules which apply to, the state Red Zone; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to work with local, state, and other federal agencies and officials to secure their suggestions concerning the establishment and maintenance of a state access control zone or zones around Mt. St. Helens.

NOW THEREFORE, I, John Spellman, Governor of the state of Washington, based upon these findings, do hereby direct the Director of the Washington State Department of Emergency Services to assess, in consultation with the state geologist, the University of Washington, and the U.S. Geological Survey, the current and projected hazards associated with the Mt. St. Helens volcano, to seek the advice of citizens living in or near the state Red Zone, to secure the advice of local, state, and federal agencies and officials concerning the establishment and maintenance of a state control zone or zones and to deliver to me no later than February 27, 1981 a set of recommendations concerning the establishment and maintenance of a state control zone or zones around Mt. St. Helens and the appropriate procedures, rules, or policies necessary to administer said control zone or zones. I further direct all state agencies, commissions, departments and boards to cooperate fully with the Department of Emergency Services in completing the requirements of this executive order.