Contact: Brian Gorman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(206) 526-6613 (O) 2/3/95
(206) 441-1250 (H)
The National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Forest Service have announced a plan to ensure that recent court rulings do not result in unnecessary disruption of logging, grazing and mining activities in Pacific Northwest national forests. At the same time, the two agencies' efforts will make major strides in protecting the habitat of several species of salmon listed as endangered or threatened.
On Jan. 12, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction at the request of the Pacific River Council halting the logging, mining, and grazing in six national forests in the Pacific Northwest to protect habitat of endangered salmon. The national forests affected by this ruling include the Payette, Salmon, Boise, Nez Perce, Challis and Sawtooth.
Last week, the court decided to stay this matter until March 15. Meanwhile, the agencies are urged to release a biological opinion listing those projects that will not impact endangered salmon habitat.
In letters to Senators Craig (R-Idaho) and Hatfield (R- Oregon), the two agency heads committed their staffs to working closely together to come to a speedy conclusion. However, according to the letter, "...in light of the stay, and the importance of having a biologically and legally defensible document, we feel that a more appropriate date for completion (for the release of a biological opinion) is March l.
"Together we will not only be able to agree on this consultation, but also set the stage for efficient completion of remaining project-level consultations," said Jack Ward Thomas, chief of the Forest Service. "We are committed to working with the National Marine Fisheries Service and providing the personnel necessary to make sure we meet this deadline."
We believe that by working together, the agencies can produce land resource management plans that make the best use of the forest, while still protecting the listed species of salmon," said Rolland Schmitten, director of the National Marine Fisheries Service. "Environmental protection doesn't mean productive use of our natural resources has to come to a halt."