Groups Oppose Logging Road Plan Environmental Organizations Worried About Grizzlies In Colville Forest

Wed., May 6, 1998

By Ken Olsen keno@spokesman.com

North Idaho and Eastern Washington environmental groups are joining forces to fight a Colville National Forest decision to use taxpayer funds for a logging road in grizzly habitat.

The Selkirk Priest Basin Association, Pend Oreille Environmental Team and The Lands Council are among the groups appealing the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to allow three logging roads across public land near Usk, Wash. That will give Stimson Lumber Co. access to its land.

The Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say they are required to help Stimson get to its trees. But conservationists say that means one road, not three.

Opponents also say it’s not reasonable to use $30,000 a year in taxpayer funds to maintain the roads. They also express concern about the precedent of allowing the roads in critical grizzly and bull trout habitat.

“There is no doubt that the additional roads and reduction of habitat on Stimson lands will push these imperiled species closer to extinction,” said Liz Sedler of the Selkirk Priest Basin Association.

However, Robert Vaught, Colville forest supervisor, says Stimson’s actions will be watched closely.

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