Two Arrested In Nez Perce Forest Protest

Two environmental activists have been arrested for attempting to block access to the Noble timber sale in the Cove-Mallard area of the Nez Perce National Forest.

Forest officials said Martin Stephan, 26, of Boise and Joshua Burnim, 23, of Fairfield, Conn., were arrested early Wednesday sitting atop a tripod of logs in a forest road.

Stephan and Burnim were to be charged with maintaining a structure on a national forest road and restricting use of the road, both misdemeanors.

They face a federal court appearance in Boise later in the week.

Nez Perce National Forest spokesmen said when Forest Service personnel entered the area leading to the Noble timber sale on Wednesday they found a tripod of logs, with the men on top. When they refused to come down, they were removed and arrested.