Clallam County Sheriff Asks to Dismiss National Park Violations

Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict and Port Angeles Police Chief Terry Gallagher asked U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan to dismiss the "closure violation" tickets issued to people who stopped at a trailhead Saturday at Olympic National Park.

The tickets carry a $125 fine for visiting the park during the government shutdown.

The law enforcement officials told the Peninsula Daily News it was absurd for the ranger to issue the tickets Saturday and it shows a lack of discretion.

Durkan said no. She says those ticketed drove past signs saying the park is closed.

Park spokeswoman Barb Maynes says it supports the way the ranger did her job. Three citations were issued at the trailhead and two more were issued to bicyclists near Quinault who were asked to leave the park.