CBD on the new Forest Planning Rule

[Grumpy]

Center for Biological Diversity

January 26, 2012

Contact: Taylor McKinnon (928) 310-6713

Obama's Forest Service Weakens National Forest Wildlife Protections

WASHINGTON— The U.S. Forest Service today released a new proposal for the nation’s 193-million-acre national forest system that will weaken rules protecting fish and wildlife from logging, livestock grazing, mining and off-road vehicles. The new proposal, which was released as part of the final environmental impact statement for the rule, is the Forest Service’s fourth attempt since 2000 to revise nationwide regulations governing national forests. All three previous attempts were challenged in court by the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, and all three prior attempts were found unlawful. Like the 2000, 2005 and 2008 rules, the Obama administration’s planning rule would decrease longstanding protections for wildlife on national forests.

“Today’s rule is a step up from the Bush administration’s rule, but its protections are still a far cry from Reagan-era regulations that the Forest Service has been trying to weaken for 12 years,â€

[Grumpy]

The lawsuit is probably already worded and ready to file...

[OldGreen]

Wait. We don't like the new rule either....right? So is the 'cbd actually helping in the Short term?

[Grumpy]

They don't like it for WAY different reasons. They are going to keep this tied up untill hell freezes over if they don't get their way, and they have the bucks to do it. Will not do anyone any good. In the end, I think, the land managers are going to do whatever it takes to stop the lawsuits, and that will include tossing us under the bus...