Idaho Rivers United, the Idaho conservation group that joined the Nez Perce Tribe in suing to block megaload transports on scenic Highway 12 in north-central Idaho, called a federal judge’s ruling today in the case “a win for all who cherish the esthetic, spiritual and recreational values of the Lochsa and Clearwater rivers.” Kevin Lewis, IRU conservation director, said in a statement, “The judge has provided the time-out needed to complete the environmental reviews, tribal consultation and rule-making necessary to protect this beautiful river corridor.”

The group said the case has implications for other federally designated Wild and Scenic River corridors across the country. “Industrialization doesn’t work there,” said IRU Executive Director Bill Sedivy. Lewis said as numerous large oil projects get under way in northern Alberta’s oil sands, “These companies, some of the largest in the world, can afford to build their equipment in Canada or find other routes to ship it there.” You can read IRU’s full statement here.