Timber Protesters Blockade Gate Into Forest

Sun., June 30, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

Cove-Mallard Coalition activists have announced the blockade of a gate leading to the area where Jack Creek Road is being built in the Nez Perce National Forest.

The move announced Friday was aimed at stopping road building or logging in the area, but forest officials said construction at the site had been halted by bad weather and was not expected to resume for a few days.

About 15 environmental activists blocked the gate by setting up two large tripods on either side of it, then stationing a person on a platform at the top, said Robert “Ramon” Amon, a Cove-Mallard Coalition spokesman in Moscow. The gate cannot be opened in either direction without toppling the platform, he said.

Other activists are camping nearby, and Amon said they plan to stay as long as it takes to prevent further road building or logging in the area.

Red River District Ranger Ed Wood said construction on the five-mile Jack Creek Road began June 7 but bogged down in wet weather during the past week.

About three miles of the road have yet to be completed.

The Forest Service plans no immediate action in response to the gate blockade, said Mike Merkley, supervisory special agent for the Clearwater and Nez Perce forests.

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