The Salmon River flows from the Trinity Alps and Marbled Mountain Wilderness areas, its clear, cold water offering a vestige of hope to the beleaguered Klamath River watershed. Logging sales are targeting some of the largest trees along this Wild and Scenic River, and on May 7, 2003, EPIC filed a federal lawsuit to overturn the first of these to be approved.
The "Knob" Timber Sale (TS) is located in the Klamath National Forest and includes almost 600 acres of ancient and mature forests adjacent to the Salmon River. An important wildlife corridor, the area connects two designated old growth reserves and is part of a proposed expansion to the Trinity Alps and Marbled Mountain Wilderness areas. This logging sale would remove approximately 1,500 truckloads of trees, creating a giant break in this wildlife corridor and threatening northern spotted owls, coho salmon, wild orchids, and world-class whitewater recreation opportunities.
Unfortunately, on March 23, 2004, we learned the court ruled against us in the case. We remain absolutely committed to keeping these giant trees standing along this spectacular river, and in May 2004, appealed this decision to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. EPIC filed our opening brief on August 20, 2004, and we expect a hearing before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in the Fall 2005.
