Student request spurs museum-backed 'Sasquatch' protection resolution to be considered by Cowlitz County

A presentation from a school representative and the Cowlitz County Historical Museum drew an unusual request: draft a county resolution to protect Sasquatch, commonly called 'Bigfoot.'

A representative said a letter from Lincoln Elementary in Hoquiam asked the county to consider protections for 'Bigfoot.' Joseph Gavadnik, identified in the transcript as the Cowlitz County Historical Museum director, appeared at the podium and urged the board to "consider protecting these extremely rare, gentle, and giant primates," recounting the 1924 'Ape Canyon' incident and showing historical slides.

Gavadnik introduced a costumed representation and described historical reports of large tracks and nighttime disturbances in the Mount St. Helens region. "I brought a Sasquatch with us. He's very timid," he said in the meeting and presented reenactment images and local historical coverage. The chair said the proposed resolution would be added to the commissioners' agenda for tomorrow for formal consideration.

The presentation was recorded as a public-comment/agenda request; no formal resolution text or ordinance number was included in the record during this meeting. The board placed the item on the next day's agenda for further review and possible action.