Judge Orders Release Of Timber Sales

A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the federal government to begin releasing timber sales on Northwest national forests that have been held up for environmental concerns.

U.S. District Judge Michael Hogan also ordered the Interior and Agriculture departments to submit reports every two weeks starting next Wednesday on progress made toward selling the timber.

Hogan issued his orders in response to requests from the timber industry.

The industry argues the Clinton administration has been slow in carrying out congressional directives to cut more timber.

Hogan ruled last month that Congress intended to release timber sales that had been awarded but held up.

The orders apply to all sale units except those where a threatened or endangered bird species, such as the northern spotted owl, is known to be nesting.

Much of the disputed timber is old growth. Government lawyers indicated they intended to appeal.