Malbrain v. Department of Agriculture

— To prevent a widespread infestation by the citrus longhorned beetle, a dangerous pest, the State Department of Agriculture undertook to destroy all potential host trees near a location in Tukwila where five beetles accidentally escaped from quarantine. Litigation arose when several landowners refused to allow their trees to be destroyed unless they first received compensation. Because the Department justifiably took action necessary to avert a public calamity, the takings clause1 did not require compensation to the owners of the trees. The order requiring the Department to pay compensation…