Judge hears closing arguments in Wendell State Forest protesters case

The attorney representing the 16 people arrested at Wendell State Forest in the summer told them they have notched a win, regardless of how Judge David Ross rules in their case.

Luke Ryan assured his clients their voices were heard loud and clear, and now they must wait for Ross to render his decision, which Ryan believes could happen on May 4.

Sixteen people, all members of the Wendell State Forest Alliance, were arrested in August and September after physically trying to prevent a state Department of Conservation and Recreation logging project on an 80-acre oak stand in the state forest. The protesters insist this action was necessary civil disobedience. Ross is tasked with determining if the defendants were responsible for what happened.