Here’s a link to a newer lawsuit on the Beaverhead Deerlodge plan.
County Commissioner Mike McGinley said the Forest Service’s plan included wilderness areas that were never before considered and don’t meet the criteria for the highest level of land protection under federal law. And he said the plan, which guides management of the 3.3-million acre forest, was crafted after closed-door meetings between then Beaverhead Forest Supervisor Bruce Ramsey and the partnership members.
It seems like once again the issue is who was at the table. Is this an argument for formal advisory committees which include governments? Where should cooperating agencies and others fit? I hope that folks in Montana will share their insights.