Cove-Mallard Protester Convicted

A Montana man faces sentencing Oct. 11 after being convicted of entering a closed area for a logging protest.

Richard Valois of Sun River, Mont., was arrested June 27 after locking himself by the neck to a gate at the entrance to a timber sale in the Cove-Mallard area.

U.S. Magistrate Larry Boyle found him guilty on Tuesday of two misdemeanors each carrying a sentence up to six months in jail and a fine of $5,000.

Boyle said a 20-minute video showing Valois being dragged by his neck while logging truckers opened and closed the gate proved graphically that Valois’ behavior “would certainly escalate into confrontation.”

Boyle lauded Valois’ candor but said the closure order from the Forest Service was justified because there was “reason to be concerned about the safety of the public.”

Valois is an organizer of a group called the Environmental Rangers. Fellow rangers, dressed in green shirts, fatigues and berets watched the trial from the front row, along with Earth First! spokesman Robert Amon and about 30 other activists.

Logging in the Cove-Mallard area has been subject to lawsuits, protests and confrontations with federal officers. A federal judge reopened the sale earlier this year.