Obama administration scraps Bush logging plan in Oregon Forests

[Annces]

Associated Press

GRANTS PASS, Ore. - The Obama administration is scrapping the Bush administration's attempt to boost logging in Northwest forests by scaling back protection for the northern spotted owl.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told a teleconference Thursday that a plan to increase logging on federal lands in Western Oregon, and the reduced spotted owl protections it was based upon, could not stand up to legal challenges under the Endangered Species Act.

Salazar said he was taking steps to "correct mistakes of the past."

The announcement came after Acting Assistant Interior Secretary Ned Farquar told a conference call of attorneys that Interior was withdrawing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's plan to boost logging in Western Oregon and seeking dismissal of four lawsuits challenging it.


http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_071609ENB-AP_obama-scraps-logging-plan-JM.4833aecf.html

[tabatha]

1. Yes!

[Cant trust em]

2. But I thought Obama hated the environment. nt

[Arkansas Granny]

3. That's great, but how does it reconcile with this:

Obama administration green lights logging in Tongass National Forest

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack gave his personal approval for a 381-acre clear-cut in America's largest stand of temperate rain forest.
<snip>
The U.S. Forest Service gave the green light for the sale after approval from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack who stated in May that he would be the final gatekeeper on all decisions to sell timber from roadless ares of the national forests.

This first sale will come after seven miles of roads are built for the 381-acre clear-cut.

http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/obama-administration-green-lights-logging-in-tongass

[Annces]

4. I don't know

I don't follow these things closely. But in the Oregon case, there are 4 lawsuits and there is the spotted owl, so that may be difference.

[Blue_In_AK]

5. Thank you.

That's my question, as well.