Judge Upholds Idaho Roadless Rule

Here’s the decision.

Here’s a link to an Idaho Stateman story.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill, in a decision dated Jan. 29, ruled in favor of the U.S. Forest Service against the Wilderness Society and other environmental groups.

The decision upholds the Idaho roadless rule that Sen. Jim Risch negotated when he was governor. It means the Idaho roadless rule will remain in place, no matter what happens to the areas in other states.

The rule, which set up a unique system to protect nearly 9 million acres of roadless land in Idaho, had conservation groups divided. Trout Unlimited and the Idaho Conservation League are on the state’s side. The Wilderness Society, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and others are opposed.

The Obama administration, the state of Idaho, the Kootenai Tribe, counties and the Idaho Mining Association defend the decision.

More as info trickles in…