Federal Court Blocks Giant Logging Sale in Trinity Alps
EPIC Prevails Again in Latest Round of Salvage Scam

June 1, 2002


In response to a lawsuit filed by EPIC and a coalition of organizations, a Federal District Court again stopped a post-fire logging plan proposed near the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area. This "Phase 1" logging sale included approximately 1,050 acres, including over 300 acres within an inventoried roadless area, and would have extracted more 4,000 log truck loads of trees.

In a ruling issued in April, Judge Maxine M. Chesney of the United States District Court found the Forest Service violated the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Forest Management Act. Judge Chesney agreed with the coalition that the Forest Service failed to address scientific evidence proving the sale would damage soil, fish habitat and recovery of this forest ecosystem, which burned in 1999. The court enjoined further logging unless the Forest Service prepares a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to correct the deficiencies of its analysis.

The Forest Service claimed the logging sale was needed to protect communities from wildland fires. However, the proposed logging sale is located many miles away from the nearest community and targets large, fire-resistant trees rather than flammable brush and small woody debris. In looking at the logging sale, it becomes clearly evident that it has nothing to do with making our communities safer, and everything to do with monetary gain.

The current injunction marks the third time EPIC stopped this logging sale. It was first halted in July 2001 after EPIC filed suit and won an emergency order to stop the logging while the case proceeded. Subsequently, the Forest Service considered but rejected an appeal filed by the coalition, prompting a second lawsuit. Apparently wishing to avoid another court defeat, the Forest Service voluntarily delayed the logging until the merits of the case could be heard.

The Court has now ruled in favor of the coalition, but this saga is not yet complete. In June the Forest Service filed their notice of appeal, meaning we soon face a fourth round on this issue. EPIC remains determined to permanently protect this important habitat from logging under the guise of fire safety, and will be taking all steps necessary to ensure this is achieved.


This article can be found online at www.wildcalifornia.org/publications/article-20