Forest Service Withdraws Another Timber Sale

For the second time this month, the U.S. Forest Service has withdrawn a proposed timber sale in a primarily roadless area in the Northwest.

Okanogan National Forest officials postponed Tuesday the harvest of 8.5 million board feet from 13,000 acres of mostly roadless forest near the Pasayten Wilderness.

Environmental groups have said the timber harvest would disturb pristine habitat for grizzly bears, lynx, wolverines and trout.

Forest Supervisor Sam Gehr said appeals had “raised several valid issues that we want to take a closer look at.” However, agency officials also predicted the sale would be offered again soon.

Earlier this month, a planned timber sale in Oregon’s Winema National Forest was deferred after environmental appeals. A modified sale plan is expected later.