Approaching Blachly from the west, the mountains are a patchwork of clear cuts.  Nearly every hill has some evidence of timber harvest, even those abutting Triangle Lake Charter School.  Common practice in the area is for timber companies to spray herbicide on cuts, often via helicopter, to allow new saplings to get established.  And traces of the herbicides have been found in the urine of dozens of local residents. 
 
Now, state officials plan to conduct their own tests – on 36 people from the area.  The tests will include urine sampling, as well as animal, vegetation and water tests on their properties.  Linda Winkel says she would gladly be part of the investigation.
 
“I think it’s very hopeful.  I know most of us here would like to see more.  There’s been such… so many years behind trying to viable proof that is recognized within the ‘government to be.’  It’s good that we’re getting the attention that we need to get and actually have people be part of the program.”
 
One common complaint about the exposure investigation plan was that it currently does not include air testing. Numerous people at the meeting said their exposure was caused by pesticides drifting in on the wind.  State sampling will begin this summer, and continue through next spring.