Last Updated: Thursday, June 9, 2005 1:16 PM CDT
Forest staff studies court ruling on vegetation management projects
Chequamegon-Nicolet Natural Forest staff will conduct studies into two prior rulings by Federal District Judge Lynn Adelman involving the Northwest Howell and McCaslin vegetation management projects. The rulings end all project activities, including timber harvesting, until the studies are complete.
The Madison-based Habitat Education Center, Inc. (HEC) challenged the forest projects in Federal District Court. HEC unsuccessfully claimed violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Judge Adelman ruled in favor of HEC allegations involving inadequate environmental analysis.
According to HEC claims, the initial forest studies failed to consider scientific information indicating the harm to endangered species, were based on an outdated plan, failed to collect data on the project's effect on management indicator species, failed to consult with HEC on the effects on Canada lynx, allowed greater road density than the 1986 plan directed, and failed to consider impact on the environment of logging projects.
"The court's order and the public will be best served by conducting supplemental environmental impact studies," said Forest Supervisor Anne Archie. "The additional analysis will clarify and add more detail to the cumulative impact concerns and the effects on sensitive species."
Public comments on the analysis will be accepted through June 27, 2005. Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statements documenting the findings will be available for public review upon completion slated for the end of July 2005. A final decision is expected later this year.
Written comments may be sent to Anne F. Archie, Forest Supervisor, 1170 4th Avenue South, Park Falls, WI.
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