Page "Dixy Lee Ray" Paragraph 5

Ray was elected governor of Washington in 1976 as a Democrat.

She quickly alienated Democrats with her strongly conservative views, particularly with regard to environmental and energy policy.

She was governor when Mount St. Helens started volcanic activity after a 123 year dormant or inactive phase.

As volcanic activity increased, the mountain attracted scientists and sightseers.

On April 3, 1980, she declared a state of emergency and urged people to stay away from the mountain.

This declaration allowed the National Guard to assist State Patrol troopers and sheriffs deputies from Cowlitz County and Skamania County.

Ray also issued an executive order that restricted access to extremely dangerous areas of Mount St. Helens and its surrounds.

The " red zone " restrictions would be credited by Forest Service respondents to a post-eruption ' Warning and Response Survey ' with keeping between 5, 000 and 30, 000 potential decedents out of the blast area.