Local environmental group sues Forest Service

Friends of the Clearwater, a conservation group based in Moscow, Idaho, has filed a lawsuit against the U. S. Forest Service to stop eight timber projects in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. The group claims these projects will harm grizzly bear habitats and old growth forests, violating the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, among others. The lawsuit highlights plans for clearcuts exceeding 40 acres, with one area nearly reaching 800 acres, which the group argues will fragment vital wildlife habitats.

Supporters of the logging projects contend that they will help reduce wildfire risks and provide significant timber resources for local mills, citing potential job creation as a benefit. Forest Service documentation indicates that the End of the World project could yield up to 144 million board feet of timber. The agency has declined to comment on the lawsuit, redirecting inquiries to the U. S. Department of Justice.

The case underscores the ongoing conflict between conservation efforts and industrial logging interests in the region. Ultimately, the outcome could influence future forest management practices and wildlife protection efforts.