Because no concerned climbers spoke up and did something about it. And I don't care if WW or who ever doesn't want air lift then have a fire and consolidate the trash that can't be removed to a hidden spot and cover the stuff with rocks.
But for the love of Pete, let's do something.
And Fairweather you were right it wasn't you with the Patagonia catalog line.
And maybe Tvash is right the research should go on but practices of the USGS need to change on a dime.
How did the glacier station on the South Cascade, Wildness Watch and the USGS even get into this conversation? And why couldn't a helicopter be used to access and clean up the area? That station has been in use since the '50's, predating the modern Glacier Peak Wilderness.
I think you're making some awfully big assumptions here. I doubt that permission is needed from WW. But once you ask them, you put yourself into the hole of forever needing their permission.