AP News, June 29th, 2007
The U.S. Forest Service said Thursday it was pulling its plan to sell timber in a national forest in Kentucky and would consider environmental groups' objections if the project is taken up in the future.
Besides logging, the plan would have allowed building or refurbishing more than 20 miles of roads, the construction of two culverts and the development of ridge-top ponds in part of the Daniel Boone National Forest in southeastern Kentucky.
Environmental groups appealed in May and asked for a fuller environmental impact test and more time for public input.
"While I still believe strongly that the project is valid ... I have elected to withdraw my decision," Forest Supervisor Jerome Perez said.
The Forest Service said the project was intended to improve water quality and wildlife diversity in an area that spreads over six counties. It also included a habitat management area for ruffed grouse and grassy openings for foraging animals.
Perez said he will resubmit plans for the project.
Kentucky Heartwood, an environmental group, said in its appeal that the plan would involve timber sales on more than 1,400 acres, the use of herbicides and cutting or burning on 12,500 acres of forest.
Paul Lovelace, director of Kentucky Heartwood, said the delay of the project was a "victory for the forest."
"These 200-year-old forests are ever diminishing and rare, and they deserve protection," Lovelace said. "These forests can withstand disease and storms better than any other forest because time has allowed them to adapt a balanced ecosystem."
