Oregon Logging Project Blocked to Protect Threatened Sea Bird

Scott Timber Co., Roseburg Resources Co., and RLC Industries Co. must back down from their plan to clearcut 49 acres of private land in Oregon because it threatens a protected sea bird, a federal judge in the state ruled.

Conservation groups proved that the project area is occupied by the marbled murrelet, which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, according to the US District Court for the District of Oregon. The proposed project will harm the birds by disrupting and destroying their habitat, which will lead to fewer nests, the court said.

The likely violation of the ...