Lawsuit Filed To Halt Montana Timber Project

Four conservation groups have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service in federal court seeking to halt a 2,038-acre logging plan contained in a restoration project for the Lolo National Forest about 10 miles north of Seeley Lake.

The lawsuit filed Friday by the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and others in U.S. District Court in Missoula contends the Colt Summit Restoration and Fuels Reduction Project violates the National Environmental Policy Act and other laws.

The groups say the federal agency approved the project without first doing the required analysis to make sure grizzly bears, lynx and bull trout won't be harmed.

The Forest Service says the project approved in March will improve forest health, reduce fuels, improve wildlife habitat and provide scenic vistas.

Associated Press