Federal Judge Blocks Sequoia Forest Logging

[Lochloosa]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A federal judge halted the Bush administration's bid to keep logging 2,000 acres in Giant Sequoia National Monument, saying he questioned the science used to justify cutting in a preserve that houses two-thirds of the world's largest trees.
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, ruling in a lawsuit brought by environmentalists, also questioned whether fire control was the government's real motive for allowing commercial logging in the monument.

The so-called "Saddle Project" was approved years ago, but cutting began only this summer, when timber prices were high.

The government, Breyer wrote late Friday in issuing a preliminary injunction barring further logging, "waited five years to execute this contract because of unfavorable timber prices."

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBEEBK4KDE.html

[whistle]

1. This ought to bring out the wrath of the republicans and Dick Cheney

[doodadem]

2. Yes! Yes! YES!

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks right up the road from me. I've been contacting officials about this for the past year. It is one piece of truly good news.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

3. thank God! lets just hope it holds..Roberts is gonna be a disaster

for the environment...he should be blocked from becoming the chief justice at all costs

[pushycat]

4. Good Decision Judge Breyer

Ever seen the magnificent Sequoia groves in the National Park? No where else in the world and these idiots want to cut them to make money for a few people. Some are over 3,000 years old. Thanks Judge, you rock

[Judi Lynn]

5. Good news. I hope Breyer's decision will not be overturned. n/t