Court: Forest Service can sell Twisp property

YAKIMA, Wash. — A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Forest Service can sell a former ranger station in Twisp, denying a request by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to block the sale. The tribe had argued that the property about 60 miles north of Wenatchee was a historical fishing and gathering spot for some tribal bands. U.S. District Judge Lorry R. Suko in Yakima dismissed the case Monday. The Forest Service’s Methow Valley Ranger District planned to sell 6 acres and 17 buildings. The site served as the Twisp ranger station until offices were consolidated with the Winthrop ranger station. The Twisp Public Development Authority bid $1 million for the land. It was the only bidder.