Conservation Groups Oppose Forest Road

A proposed U.S. Forest Service road project will further damage a stream in the Lochsa River drainage popular with area residents, the Idaho Conservation League said.

The league and the Clearwater Forest Watch Coalition on Monday filed an appeal, saying the agency should not allow construction of the Goat Roost Road in the Walton Creek area without more study. The 5.3-mile project would give Plum Creek Timber Co. access to 385 acres of timber.

The road would be built with taxpayer and Plum Creek money. About two miles of road crosses the Sneakfoot Meadows roadless area, “irredeemably altering the wilderness characteristics,” league members said. The rest runs across Plum Creek land.