Forest Service Likely to Beat Montana Logging Project Challenge

The US Forest Service is poised to prevail in a lawsuit from conservationist groups after a magistrate judge recommended dismissal for failing to demonstrate federal law violations.

Summary judgment on each of the suing groups’ claims was recommended in favor of USFS and other related federal entities, Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto said Tuesday for the US District Court for the District of Montana. The groups alleged violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Forest Management Act.

The suing groups, led by Alliance for the Wild Rockies, alleged USFS’ Mud ...