Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns: Ninth Circuit Court rules in favor of Forest Service in victory for ranchers

TSCRA Daily News Update, July 25, 2008

Ninth Circuit Court rules in favor of Forest Service in victory for ranchers

The Lands Council and others filed suit against the Forest Service charging the agency with violating the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) by failing to demonstrate the reliability of the scientific methodology underlying its analysis of a timber treatment project’s effect on wildlife.

The Lands Council also argued the Forest Service violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) because the agency did not adequately address the uncertainty concerning its proposed treatment as a strategy to maintain species viability.

The court supported the Forest Service's decision on the project and issued important rulings in each of these two areas.

This decision is a significant victory for all those who want to limit the ability of activists to dictate outcomes to courts. The decision will be very helpful to public land ranchers and all other members of the public who rely on government policies to make business decisions.