Challenge to Chainsaw Use in Colorado Wilderness Tossed (1)

Environmental groups’ challenge to the U.S. Forest Service’s decision allowing chainsaws to be used for clearing brush in two federally protected Colorado wilderness areas was tossed by a federal judge, due to the agency’s withdrawal of the authorization.

Wilderness Watch, the San Juan Citizens Alliance, and Great Old Broads for Wilderness said in their May 2019 lawsuit that the Forest Service violated federal law that prohibits motorized equipment in wilderness areas, failed to get public input on the decision, and failed to conduct an environmental review.

The Forest Service argued the case should be dismissed because the authorization was rescinded ...