Conservation Group Sues Forest Service Over Timber Projects

URGENT UPDATE: A local conservation group has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service, claiming that federal timber sales in north central Idaho threaten vital grizzly bear habitat and ancient forests. The Moscow-based Friends of the Clearwater initiated the legal action on October 3 in the Idaho District Court, seeking to halt six new and two ongoing timber projects within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.

The organization argues that these projects violate several critical federal laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Forest Management Act. These laws are designed to safeguard endangered species, wildlife habitats, and ecosystems. “Logging proponents and the Trump administration believe private profits are more important than the public interest in wildlife habitat and enjoyment of naturally resilient wild forests,” stated Jeff Juel, policy director for Friends of the Clearwater.

The controversial projects include the Clear Creek, Green Horse, Red Siegel, Limber Elk, Twentymile, Dixie-Comastock, Hungry Ridge, and End of the World initiatives. According to the lawsuit, these projects will involve substantial clear-cutting, with some areas exceeding 200 acres and one project nearing 800 acres. Additionally, the construction of 80 miles of new roads is planned, along with the reopening of existing roads, further facilitating what the group describes as industrial-scale logging.

The lawsuit emphasizes that these activities will fragment critical habitat for grizzly bears, which are currently classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. “Together, these projects will disrupt and degrade wildlife habitat, including old growth forests that will not return for at least a century,” the legal complaint warns.

The timber projects are situated in a vast expanse of federal land, spanning from the Salmon River’s forested breaks near Elk City to the Clear Creek drainage along the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River close to Kooskia. Friends of the Clearwater estimates that the total area affected will result in 25 square miles of cumulative clearcuts.

While the Forest Service has stated that these logging operations aim to thin overgrown forests, mitigate the risk of destructive wildfires, and provide substantial timber resources to local mills, the controversy persists. Earlier reports indicate that the End of the World project is expected to yield approximately 144 million board feet of timber, while the adjacent Hungry Ridge project could produce 177 million board feet.

Past statements from Forest Service officials highlight that economic studies suggest 30 jobs are created or sustained for every 1 million board feet of timber processed. However, the agency’s press office in Washington D.C. has declined to comment on ongoing litigation, stating, “It is our practice not to comment on issues in litigation,” in an email response.

As this legal battle unfolds, the implications for both wildlife conservation and local economies remain significant. The urgent need to protect endangered habitats while balancing economic interests has become a focal point of debate.

Readers are encouraged to stay informed as this situation develops. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.