Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Outdoors blog

Clean Water Act exemption for logging roads appealed


Bonners Ferry Mayor Darrell Kerby examines a road that washed out this spring in the Myrtle Creek Valley, which is the source of the town's drinking water. The valley burned in 2003 and has since been plagued by washouts and erosion. 
 (James Hagengruber / The Spokesman-Review)
Bonners Ferry Mayor Darrell Kerby examines a road that washed out this spring in the Myrtle Creek Valley, which is the source of the town's drinking water. The valley burned in 2003 and has since been plagued by washouts and erosion. (James Hagengruber / The Spokesman-Review)

WATER QUALITY -- Should runoff from logging roads be considered pollution and subject to permitting requirements?

The question has been the basis of a long-standing court battle that continues this week despite a recent court decision in favor of the timber industry.

Certainly the matter is of interest to fishermen, who know that erosion from roads can have major impacts on fish spawning and holding habitat.

The Capital Press has this story on the latest appeal.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

Follow Rich online:




Go to the full Outdoors page